I’m always on the lookout for fun twists on classic drinks, and this Vampire Shirley Temple Mocktail is honestly one of my favorites. It’s a playful spin on the classic Shirley Temple, turning a nostalgic non-alcoholic drink into something a little extra for parties or themed nights.
You still get that familiar sweet and tangy taste, but with a fun vampire vibe. It’s just one of those drinks that looks as cool as it tastes.
When I make this, I stick to simple ingredients and steps—anyone can pull it off. Kids and adults both seem to love this classic mocktail, and it’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants a tasty, alcohol-free treat that just looks a bit extra.
Vampire Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe
I like to use ingredients you can actually find at any grocery store to make a fun, red mocktail with a vampire twist. The drink is sweet, fizzy, and honestly so easy to throw together.
Equipment
- Tall glass or mason jar — Mason jars always look cool, don’t they?
- Mixing spoon — I go for a long one so I can stir everything up well.
- Measuring spoons — Handy for getting just the right amount of grenadine and juice.
- Ice cube tray — Big cubes are my go-to so the drink doesn’t get watery.
- Small knife — For slicing up lime wedges or orange slices.
- Straws — Vampire-themed straws? Why not, especially for parties.
I like to keep things simple, so I only grab what I’ll actually use. Makes cleaning up way easier, honestly.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP works)
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate juice (for that deep red color)
- Ice cubes — fill the glass up!
- 2-3 maraschino cherries
- Orange slice — for garnish
- Lime wedge — for garnish
- Optional: 2 tablespoons orange juice or a splash of sparkling water if you want it less sweet
I usually give the mix a quick taste before serving, just to see if it needs a little more grenadine or juice. Pomegranate juice gives it that “vampire” blood color, but if I don’t have any, I just skip it.
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass or mason jar with ice cubes.
- Pour in the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale.
- Add grenadine syrup and pomegranate juice. I like pouring slowly so the colors swirl together.
- Stir it all up with a mixing spoon until the color looks even.
- Drop in the maraschino cherries. One or two is perfect for extra color and flavor.
- Garnish with an orange slice and lime wedge right on the rim.
- If I’m feeling it, I’ll add a splash of sparkling water at the end for more bubbles.
- Stick in a straw and serve while it’s still cold and fizzy
Notes
This recipe is super flexible, and that’s what I love about it. Both kids and adults can have it since there’s no alcohol.
If someone finds it too sweet, I just add a bit more sparkling water or orange juice to mellow it out. Sometimes I use only lemon-lime soda or just ginger ale, depending on what’s in the fridge.
For a bolder color, I’ll pour in a little extra grenadine. The pomegranate juice really makes it look like “vampire blood.” And let’s be honest, extra cherries are always a good idea—they’re a little treat at the end.
Orange and lime wedges add a fresh scent and a pop of color that makes the drink look party-ready.
Vampire Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Small knife (for slicing garnishes)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate juice optional, for deeper color
- Ice cubes
- 2 –3 maraschino cherries
- Orange slice for garnish
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Optional: 2 tablespoons orange juice or a splash of sparkling water to reduce sweetness
Instructions
- Pour in the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale.
- Slowly add grenadine and pomegranate juice for a layered color effect.
- Stir gently with a long spoon until the drink is evenly colored.
- Drop in maraschino cherries.
- Garnish with an orange slice and lime wedge.
- Add a festive straw, and serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Tasting Notes
First sip? The sweet cherry flavors hit right away. Grenadine gives it that deep red color and a candy-like taste.
The fizzy lemon-lime soda adds bubbles and a refreshing kick. It keeps the drink light and easy to sip.
There’s a little hint of citrus from the lime, which adds just enough tartness to keep things from getting too sugary.
What I Like Most:
- The bold red color is just really fun and grabs your attention.
- It’s sweet, but not in an overwhelming way.
- Definitely feels festive—perfect for parties.
The mocktail brings back those classic Shirley Temple vibes, but with a bit of a “vampire” twist. I really enjoy how all the flavors come together in every sip.
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
|
Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
|
Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
|
WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
|
Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
|
Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
|
Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
|
Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
|
1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
|
Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
|
Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Substitute
Sometimes I’m missing an ingredient or two for a Vampire Shirley Temple Mocktail. No big deal—I’ve found a few swaps that keep things fun and tasty.
Equipment
- Tall glass
- Spoon or stirrer
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- Lemon-lime soda or ginger ale or club soda
- Grenadine or cherry syrup or pomegranate juice
- Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries or raspberries
- Optional for a “Dirty Shirley”: 1 oz vodka
Instructions
- Just grab whatever soda’s in the fridge. Sometimes I go for ginger ale—it’s got a nice kick.
- If grenadine’s missing, cherry syrup or pomegranate juice both do the trick. The color still pops.
- Out of maraschino cherries? Fresh cherries or even a couple raspberries look great on top.
- If I’m in the mood for a “Dirty Shirley,” a splash of vodka does the job. Stir it up gently.
Mix and match with whatever you’ve got on hand—no need to stress.
