Balsamic Cherry Shirley Temple Virgin Cocktail + Honest Fizz Giveaway

Balsamic Cherry Shirley Temple Virgin Cocktail via I'm Not the Nanny

Many people are introduced to shirley temple cocktails as children. I didn’t learn about them until my mid-twenties, when my then fiancé tended bar theatre patrons. Many of his guests requested this virgin drink of ginger ale and grenadine syrup for their kids. When you’re little, this simple drink with its red hue, bubbles, and maraschino cherry feels so fancy.

 When Honest Tea sent me their organic Golden Ginger Ale Honest Fizz soda to try out, I immediately knew I had to recreate a cherry shirley temple that didn’t contain artificial coloring or flavors. My kids are always jealous when I’m shaking up a cocktail for myself because it’s a special, handmade drink. If I’m pairing a handmade cocktail with my dinner, why can’t they have their own virgin cherry shirley temples?

Make sure to enter below for a chance to win 2 cases of Honest Fiz Golden Ginger Ale!

Balsamic Cherry Shirley Temple Virgin Cocktail via I'm Not the Nanny

Making a cherry syrup at home is surprisingly easy, especially when I don’t have to pit the cherries. Cue frozen dark red cherries to the rescue! Just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of simmering yield a deep, dark red cherry mixture that only needs a quick dance in blender. I did sneak in a bit of balsamic vinegar because you know I love the combination of sweet and tart.

Balsamic Cherry Shirley Temple Virgin Cocktail via I'm Not the Nanny

First of all, I have to show off this totally cool pitcher I discovered at my thrift store. It was a completely frivolous purchase, but I could resist. I love tarnished metal and the delicate looking glass. It even came with a set of six tiny glasses and saucers. I’ll be a pitcher of Vietnamese iced coffee would look amazing in this pitcher!

Balsamic Cherry Shirley Temple Virgin Cocktail via I'm Not the Nanny

Once the balsamic cherry puree has cooled, add 1/4 cup to a pitcher along with 24 ounces of ginger ale (two cans of Honest Fizz Ginger Ale). Toss in some ice cubes along with lime slices and fresh or frozen cherries. I love carbonated drinks, but I don’t always care for the calories that come with them. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty Honest Fiz Golden Ginger Ale is. It’s made with organic stevia (natural sweetener from stevia leaf) and organic  erythritol (a natural sugar alcohol) so there’s no calories and no room for guilt.

Pour into glasses and garnish with a squeeze of lime and frozen cherries. Serve to the kids in fancy glasses they can feel fancy too!

Balsamic Cherry Shirley Temple Virgin Cocktail via I'm Not the Nanny

Balsamic Cherry Puree

Balsamic Cherry Puree

Yield: 3/4 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

A simple, but flavorful puree is great in cocktails or in sauces.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c frozen cherries (approx 8 oz)
  • 1/2 c water
  • 1/3 c sugar
  • 2 T balsamic vinegar

Instructions

In small saucepan, add cherries, water, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cherries are soft and the liquid has thickened considerably (approximately 10-12 minutes).

Add balsamic vinegar and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly and blend until smooth with a stick blender or in a traditional blender.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a week.

TWO lucky readers will each win 2 cases of organic Golden Ginger Ale Honest Fizz to make your own shirley temples! Enter using the widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks Honest Tea for sending me a sampling of Honest Fizz!

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