I’ll never forget the first time I stirred up a pitcher of this Shirley Temple Punch for a backyard gathering. The sun was beating down, laughter filled the air, and the moment that vibrant, cherry-red syrup swirled into the golden citrus, I knew I had found my forever party hero. My kitchen instantly smelled like a childhood carnival—all bright orange and sugary sweet maraschino cherries. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a feel-good potion that turns any ordinary day into a celebration, and I’m so excited to share my perfected version with you.
Ingredients
- 52 oz (6 ½ cups) orange juice
- 135.2 oz (about 16.9 cups) lemon-lime soda
- 1 cup grenadine syrup
- 6 cups ice cubes
- 1 navel orange
- ½ cup maraschino cherries
Now, let’s talk ingredients from my personal stash. I’ve learned the hard way that not all orange juices are created equal here. Don’t use a super-pulpy “heavy” OJ or a tart, budget brand; it can make the whole punch taste muddy or bitter. I always reach for a good-quality, not-from-concentrate juice—it just gives a cleaner, brighter sweetness. And about that grenadine: please, trust me, do not skip this or use a neon-red, artificially-flavored syrup. A real grenadine, made with pomegranate, adds a complex, tangy depth that makes this punch truly special. I tried the cheap stuff once, and the punch tasted like melted candy. The good bottle lasts forever and makes a world of difference.
Equipment Needed
- A very large punch bowl or beverage dispenser (at least 5-6 quart capacity)
- A long-handled ladle
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A large measuring cup or pitcher
- Glasses for serving
Gathering your tools is half the battle for a stress-free party. The most crucial piece is your vessel. I learned this the messy way when I tried to use a fancy, but too-small, glass bowl. You need something that can comfortably hold all that soda fizz without threatening to overflow. My go-to is now a simple, large clear beverage dispenser with a spigot—it keeps the fizz longer and lets guests serve themselves without disturbing the beautiful layered look. That ladle is also non-negotiable. A spoon just won’t mix the grenadine up from the bottom properly. If you don’t have a punch bowl, a large, clean soup pot or stockpot works in a pinch for mixing before you transfer to serving pitchers!
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