Mix up something special for the younger set
Who says you need to have alcohol to have a good time? Well, most of us, but that’s not the point. These special sippers are fun to make, great to look at and, most importantly, supremely drinkable – no matter your age. So mix away, and offer guests of all sizes something a little more exciting at your next family shindig.
The Shirley Temple
Named after the 1930s child star, this drink was conceived by a bartender at Chasen’s restaurant in Beverly Hills. Sad that little Shirley couldn’t enjoy the same alcoholic drinks as her adult co-stars, the kindly bartender would serve the curly-headed minor a mix of ginger ale, grenadine syrup and orange juice, and top it all off with a maraschino cherry. With Shirley’s name attached, the cocktail soon gained international recognition and was marketed in bottles across the US. Since the name of the drink’s inventor was never recorded, it’s safe to assume that he didn’t claim the royalties for the mass production of his creation.
The Shirley Temple
Serves one
• Ginger ale (to taste) gānjiāngshuǐ 干姜水
• Orange juice (to taste) chéngzhī 橙汁
• 2oz grenadine syrup hóngshíliu tángjiāng 红石榴糖浆
• Maraschino cherries jǐujìn yīngtáo 酒浸樱桃
Fill a tall glass with ice. Mix in the ginger ale and grenadine syrup, and add a dash of orange juice. Don’t forget the cherry garnish! It adds a touch of sophistication that your own Shirley Temples will doubtless appreciate when supping their special cocktail in the company of adults.
Unlike their adult counterparts, the ingredients of kiddy cocktails needn’t be measured out exactly – mixing them to taste is half the fun. Still, it’s worth mentioning that the original drink consisted of two parts ginger ale, one part orange juice, and a splash of grenadine. Nowadays, the ginger ale is commonly substituted with Sprite or 7up.
Virgin Piña Colada
Unlike the Shirley Temple, there’s no cute story behind the virgin piña colada. Like the majority of cocktails for kids, it’s exactly the same as its adult version, just minus the alcohol. But even in its child-friendly format the virgin piña colada is a refreshing pick-me-up, and a lot of fun to make. Even if it’s chilly out, the kids can get tropical and bedeck their glasses with paper parasols, twirly straws and special stirrers.
Virgin Piña Colada
Serves One,
• 3tbsp cream of coconut yējiāng 椰浆
• 1 pineapple bōluó 菠萝
• 2 cups crushed ice suibing 碎冰
Hollow out the pineapple (don’t throw it away after this!) and place the flesh into a blender. Add the cream of coconut and the crushed ice. Blend until creamy. For the finishing touch, pour your concoction into the hollowed out pineapple. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry for some added island pizzazz, and consider letting the kids drink in their swimsuits.
Lava Lamp
While there is an alcoholic version of this drink for big kids, the lava lamp epitomizes the kiddy cocktail: slightly silly, lots of fun, and full of ingredients that you would usually avoid feeding to your already hyperactive offspring. It’s perfect for birthday treats and other special occasions where big celebrating is called for.
Lava Lamp
Serves one
• 1 package of flavored gelatin (aka Jell-O) dongwujiao 动物胶
• 6oz boiling water
• Soda (in the flavor of your choice)
Mix the gelatin with the boiling water and stir until it dissolves. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and refrigerate until set (at least four hours). When they’re ready, place the gelatin cubes in a tall glass that’s wide enough to allow space for the gelatin cubes to move slightly. When you’re ready to serve, add soda. Once mixed correctly, the fizz of the soda should keep the gelatin cubes moving, creating the lava lamp effect. To ensure your lava lamp looks the part, contrast the colors/flavors of the gelatin with the soda – for example, you might try lime gelatin in orangeade.
Mock Pink Champagne
Bubbly isn’t just a parental privilege – get the kids in on the celebrations with this easy punch. The drink is perfect for a party, easy to make and delicious to boot.
Mock Pink Champagne
Serves 6
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup grapefruit juice putaoyouzhi 葡萄柚汁
• 1/2 cup orange juice chéngzhī 橙汁
• 1/4 cup grenadine syrup hóngshíliu tángjiāng红石榴糖浆
• 3 cups ginger ale gānjiāngshuǐ 干姜水
Combine the first four ingredients, stir well and chill. Stir in chilled ginger ale just before serving. If you can spare the stemware, serve in champagne glasses so your kids feel extra grown-up and can join in the toasting
