Golden Glow: The Sparkling & Sweet Cinderella Mocktail

I want to share about this absolutely magical drink that has been stealing the show at every party. The Cinderella mocktail isn’t just your average fruity beverage. It is like fairy godmother magic in a glass and honestly, adults love it just as much as the kiddos do.

What makes this drink so special isn’t just its stunning pink color or the way it sparkles. There are actually some pretty clever tricks that will make yours taste way better than what you would get at most restaurants.

Kid-Friendly Party Drink Origins

The Cinderella mocktail has become such a staple at kids’ parties that you’d think it was invented by some magical fairy godmother herself! This delightful non-alcoholic cocktail actually gets its name from the beloved Disney princess, and honestly, it’s just as enchanting as the story. The drink combines the bright, sunny flavors of orange and lemon juice with tropical pineapple, then adds a splash of grenadine for that gorgeous pink color that makes kids go “ooh” and “ahh.” Top it off with some fizzy soda and non-alcoholic triple sec, and you’ve got yourself a drink that’s fancy enough to make any little one feel like royalty at their special celebration.

Nobody really knows exactly who first mixed up this magical combination, but it’s been around since at least the 1980s when mocktails started gaining popularity at restaurants and family events. The genius behind this recipe understood that kids want to feel included in the fun, especially when adults are sipping on colorful cocktails… so why not give them something just as special?

The Cinderella fits the bill perfectly because it looks sophisticated with its layered colors and tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass, but contains zero alcohol so parents don’t have to worry about anything except maybe a sugar rush later.

What really makes the Cinderella work so well at parties is how it strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy, plus the visual appeal is off the charts! Kids absolutely love watching the grenadine slowly sink to the bottom, creating those gorgeous sunset layers that make every glass look like a work of art.

The combination of citrus fruits keeps it from being too cloying, while the pineapple adds that fun tropical twist that screams “celebration time.” It’s become so popular that many bartenders and party planners consider it their go-to mocktail because it’s easy to make in large batches, looks impressive and tastes amazing… basically the trifecta of party perfection!

Tips To Make the Cinderella Mocktail Perfectly At Home

Making a Cinderella that tastes like it came from a fancy bar is easier than you think with these simple tricks.

• Chill everything first: Your juices, soda and even your glass should be ice-cold before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients will make your mocktail taste flat and boring.
• Use fresh juice when possible: Sure, bottled works in a pinch but fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice will make your Cinderella sparkle like the real deal. Your taste buds will thank you.
• Don’t skip the grenadine drizzle: Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to create those gorgeous red streaks that sink to the bottom. It’s not just pretty, it adds the perfect sweet finish.
• Add soda last and gently: Pour the soda water slowly down the side of the glass to keep all that fizz intact. Nobody wants a flat fairy tale drink.
• Measure your non-alcoholic triple sec: Too much and it overpowers the fruit flavors, too little and you lose that citrusy depth that makes this mocktail special.
• Use the right ice: Large cubes or spheres melt slower and won’t water down your perfectly balanced flavors as quickly as crushed ice.
• Garnish like you mean it: A fresh pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry aren’t just decoration, they add extra flavor and make you feel fancy while sipping.

Food Pairing Ideas

This bright, fruity mocktail practically begs for foods that can either complement its tropical sweetness or provide a delightful contrast.

Think of pairings that won’t compete with those vibrant citrus and pineapple notes but instead create a perfect harmony on your palate.

• Coconut shrimp: The crispy coating and sweet coconut flavors echo the tropical theme while adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, fizzy drink.
• Spicy jalapeño poppers: The heat and richness cut through all that fruity sweetness, creating an addictive sweet-and-spicy combo that keeps you reaching for both.
• Pineapple upside-down cake: Double down on the pineapple love with this classic dessert that mirrors the cocktail’s main fruit while adding buttery, caramelized notes.
• Salted caramel popcorn: The salty-sweet combo plays perfectly against the citrusy brightness, plus the light, airy texture won’t weigh you down.
• Mini fish tacos: Fresh, zesty and light with a hint of lime, these bring out the cocktail’s citrus notes while adding protein and substance to your sipping session.
• Dark chocolate-covered strawberries: The rich, slightly bitter chocolate provides a sophisticated contrast to the drink’s sweetness while the strawberries tie into the fruity theme.
• Bacon-wrapped scallops: The smoky, salty richness creates an unexpectedly perfect counterpoint to all that tropical brightness.

Need some ALCOHOL-FREE spirits for your mocktails? Why not try one of these?

The Free Spirits Company

OR Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits.

One of these is bound to have what you need !

Quick 5-Minute Cinderella Mocktail Recipe

The Cinderella mocktail is like a fairy tale in a glass, bringing together the perfect harmony of citrus and tropical flavors that’ll make you feel like royalty!

This bubbly, refreshing drink combines the bright zing of orange and lemon with sweet pineapple juice, while a splash of grenadine adds that gorgeous pink blush and extra sweetness.

The non-alcoholic triple sec gives it that sophisticated orange liqueur flavor without any of the booze, and the soda water makes it dance on your tongue with delightful fizz.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Orange Juice
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• 2 oz Pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• 1 oz Non-alcoholic triple sec
• 3-4 oz club soda or lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, because nobody wants a warm fairy tale drink!
2. Pour the orange juice, lemon juice and pineapple juice into the glass, giving them a chance to mingle and get acquainted.
3. Add the non-alcoholic triple sec for that fancy orange flavor that makes this drink special.
4. Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass… it’ll sink to the bottom and create a beautiful gradient effect that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
5. Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
6. Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon to mix the flavors without completely destroying that pretty pink gradient.
7. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick, because presentation matters even when your not drinking alcohol!

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 2
• Calories: 226
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations To Try

These simple tweaks to the classic Cinderella Mocktail can transform its tropical sweetness into exciting new flavor profiles.

• Tropical Paradise: Replace the lemon juice with lime juice and add a splash of coconut cream for a creamy island twist.
• Berry Cinderella Mocktail: Swap the grenadine for raspberry or strawberry syrup and garnish with fresh berries.
• Sparkling Citrus: Use lemon-lime soda instead of regular soda water and add a twist of fresh lime zest.
• Peachy Keen: Substitute peach juice for half the pineapple juice and use peach syrup in place of grenadine.
• Ginger Spice: Add a splash of ginger ale instead of soda water and muddle fresh mint leaves for a refreshing kick.
• Virgin Sangria Style: Mix in grape juice with the other fruit juices and add diced fresh fruit as garnish.

Continue to Content

Yield: 2

Cinderella Mocktail

Print

Light, fruity, and refreshing! The Cinderella Mocktail blends pineapple, orange, and lemon juices with a splash of fizz & grenadine for a fairytale-worthy sip.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml Orange Juice
• 30 ml Lemon juice
• 60 ml Pineapple juice
• 15 ml Grenadine
• 30 ml Non-alcoholic triple sec
• 118 ml club soda or lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, because nobody wants a warm fairy tale drink!
2. Pour the orange juice, lemon juice and pineapple juice into the glass, giving them a chance to mingle and get acquainted.
3. Add the non-alcoholic triple sec for that fancy orange flavor that makes this drink special.
4. Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass... it'll sink to the bottom and create a beautiful gradient effect that's totally Instagram-worthy.
5. Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
6. Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon to mix the flavors without completely destroying that pretty pink gradient.
7. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick, because presentation matters even when your not drinking alcohol!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 226Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 2gSugar: 42gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

To pin for later:

If you like this you make also want to try a Shirley Temple mocktail for the kids?