I know I shouldn’t, but sometimes I can’t resist spoiling my children with this fancy cocktail. Yes it’s all sugar but once in a while won’t hurt.

Their first experience of a Shirley Temple was most unexpected. A couple of years ago we took a road trip to Joshua Tree not far from Palm Springs in California — a trip through a wonderful wilderness. In a small, typically provincial American town, we came upon a little Italian restaurant. Inside was a little piece of Italy, bustling with a throng of diners. The food was extraordinary, the wine perfect and, for the children washing down their pizzas and pasta with their first cocktail, complete with cherry and umbrella, was memorable. They speak of it even today.

Ready

• Ginger ale
• Grenadine

Set

• Long glass
• Ice
• Straw (optional)
• Cherry and umbrella (essential)

Go

1. Fill a glass with ice and ginger ale.
2. Throw a splash of grenadine over the drink and let your children watch a river of pink flow through the glass.

What you should know

When serving to children, make sure you fill the occasion with pomp and ceremony. They should understand this is a special (and rare) treat.

It is a great non-alcoholic cocktail for grown-ups too.