Shirley Temple Black Drink

Author Notes

This is an adult soda or aperitif that is perfect for sipping during the holidays as a counterpoint to rich and heavy food. Truly it could be served any time of year if a very light cocktail is desired. It's sweet but not saccharine, and has a bitter edge that makes it nicely refreshing. It reminds me of a Shirley Temple, but all grown-up! Aperol makes it less boozy than Campari (about 1% vs. 2% alcohol by volume in the final cocktail); either works well. For a non-alcoholic version, freshly pressed pink grapefruit juice would be a perfect substitute. I prefer an added hit of bitters in mine, but let your tastebuds decide for you. Cheers!

Note: Thanks to Ryan Magarian, co-creator of Aviation Gin and bartender/mixologist extraordinaire for telling me how he makes grenadine. —hardlikearmour

Test Kitchen Notes

In spite of the fact that I coerced a juvenile (my 11-year-old daughter, Eliza) to assist in the shake, shake, shaking of the homemade grenadine, I must report that this is a wholly sophisticated adult sipper. The color -- supplied by both the sugared-up pomegranate juice and the Campari -- is as festive on a cold holiday evening as it would be on a hot summer's one. The drink starts out refreshing, is sweet in the middle, and ends with that distinctly Italian bitter finish. Eliza had a straight Shirley Temple and I had a second one of these. —cheese1227