Equipment
- Basic Bar Tools
Ingredients
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Sugar Syrup
- 1 Dashes Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
Prepare Shaker:
- Add ice into a cocktail shaker.
Add Ingredients:
- Pour in 2 oz orange juice, 2 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz lemon juice, 0.5 oz sugar syrup, and a dash of grenadine syrup.
Shake Well:
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into your cocktail glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh juices for the best flavor.
- Garnish Options: Customize your mocktail with a garnish of orange or pineapple slices for a decorative touch.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar syrup.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Cinderella Mocktail, like many non-alcoholic mixed drinks, doesn't boast a dramatic origin story from a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Its roots are more likely found in hospitality, designed to offer a vibrant, alcohol-free alternative at parties or events where not everyone is partaking in spirits. It's a classic example of a "virgin" drink.
This drink belongs to the broad family of fruit-based refreshers, often cousins to punches or simple juice blends. What sets the Cinderella Mocktail apart is its specific combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and a grenadine blush, all lifted by a sparkling top. Think of it as a Shirley Temple's more sophisticated, tropical cousin.
You'd typically find a Cinderella Mocktail at a family brunch, a baby shower, or served to the designated driver at a holiday party. It's a perfectly acceptable option for those avoiding alcohol, or a great way to offer something special to guests of all ages without needing to tend a full bar.
What it tastes like
The Cinderella Mocktail delivers a bright, fruity punch. You get the sweet citrus of orange and pineapple upfront, balanced by a tart kick from the fresh lemon juice. A subtle sweetness and a hint of berry come from the grenadine, all rounded out by the crisp, slightly spicy fizz of ginger ale. It's refreshing and lively.
This is a genuine mocktail, meaning its alcohol by volume is zero. You are drinking fruit juice and soda, not booze. So, while it feels like a cocktail, it carries no more intoxicating power than a glass of sparkling water or a fruit smoothie. It's definitely not comparable to a beer.
The technique
Build the Cinderella Mocktail directly in a highball or Collins glass. Fill the glass with ice, then add the orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine. Stir gently to combine the juices, then top with ginger ale. Give it one last gentle stir to integrate the fizz without flattening it too much. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
The key here is not to over stir once you add the ginger ale. You want to keep that effervescence lively. A quick, gentle swirl is all it takes to marry the flavors without sacrificing the bubbles, which are crucial for the drink's refreshing character.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Orange Juice
- Use
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is always the best call. Look for good quality, not from concentrate.
- Skip
- The stuff from a carton that tastes like it's been sitting around for months. Avoid anything with added sugar or artificial flavors.
- Why
- It provides the primary sweet citrus base and a vibrant color. Fresh juice makes all the difference in brightness and flavor depth.
Ginger Ale
- Use
- A good quality, crisp ginger ale. Brands like Fever-Tree or Canada Dry work well. Make sure it's fresh and fizzy.
- Skip
- Flat soda from an open bottle or cheap, overly sweet ginger beer that will overpower the fruit. Avoid anything with a strong artificial flavor.
- Why
- This is what gives the Cinderella Mocktail its essential sparkle and a subtle, refreshing ginger spice. It ties the fruit flavors together and adds lift.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Tropical Cinderella
- Pineapple paradise
- Swap out half the orange juice for passion fruit juice and a splash of coconut cream for a creamier, more exotic twist. Top with soda water instead of ginger ale to let the fruit shine.
Spiced Cinderella
- Warm and zesty
- Add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of non-alcoholic ginger syrup along with the juices. Garnish with a candied ginger slice for an extra kick.
Adult Cinderella
- For the grown-ups
- Add 1.5 oz of white rum or vodka to the mix before topping with ginger ale. This turns it into a proper cocktail with a tropical, refreshing vibe.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use grapefruit juice for a tarter drink, or more pineapple juice for a sweeter, more tropical profile.
Mango nectar or passion fruit juice can step in for a similar tropical sweetness.
Club soda or sparkling water will provide the fizz, though you'll lose the subtle ginger spice. You could add a tiny dash of ginger syrup if you have it.
A large tumbler or even a wine glass can work in a pinch. Just make sure there's enough room for ice and all the liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Cinderella Mocktail?
A standard Cinderella Mocktail typically contains orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine, and is topped with ginger ale.
Is the Cinderella Mocktail alcoholic?
No, the Cinderella Mocktail is completely non-alcoholic. It's designed as a refreshing drink option for those avoiding alcohol.
What does a Cinderella Mocktail taste like?
It tastes bright, fruity, and refreshing, with a balance of sweet and tart flavors from the various fruit juices, and a pleasant fizz from the ginger ale.
Can I make a Cinderella Mocktail ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the fruit juices and grenadine, but do not add the ginger ale or ice until just before serving to keep it fizzy and cold.
What glass do you serve a Cinderella Mocktail in?
It's traditionally served in a highball or Collins glass, over ice, to showcase its vibrant color and allow for plenty of fizz.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the amount of grenadine and increase the lemon juice slightly. You can also top with club soda instead of ginger ale for less sweetness.
What is grenadine?
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup, traditionally made from pomegranate. It adds sweetness, a touch of tartness, and a characteristic red color to drinks.
Is it good for kids?
Absolutely. The Cinderella Mocktail is a popular and festive choice for children, offering a special drink without any alcohol.
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