If you’re ready to add a splash of nostalgia and fun to your dessert menu, the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is pure magic in a glass. It’s a sparkling twist on the classic Shirley Temple, marrying creamy vanilla ice cream with fizzy soda, sweet grenadine, and a crown of colorful garnishes. This recipe brings all the childhood whimsy of birthday parties and soda fountains into your kitchen, making it just as perfect for a sunny afternoon treat as for serving at any festive gathering. With its bright swirls and joyful flavors, the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float instantly puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float:
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 1/2 cup ginger ale, chilled
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- maraschino cherries and orange slices for garnish
How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Step 1: Scoop the Ice Cream
Begin by placing two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. The ice cream is your creamy foundation, so don’t be shy—aim for smooth, nicely rounded scoops for that classic soda fountain look. If your ice cream has gotten a little hard, let it sit out for a minute or two to make scooping easier.
Step 2: Add the Bubbly Sodas
Slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda and ginger ale over the ice cream. The slow pour is key—it creates those wonderful fizzy bubbles and helps prevent the drink from overflowing. You’ll see a lovely foam form around the ice cream as the sodas mingle, making the classic float magic happen right before your eyes.
Step 3: Swirl in the Grenadine
Drizzle grenadine over the top of the float. Watch as the cherry-red syrup cascades down, swirling through the fizz and creating beautiful ribbons of color. You can add a little more or a little less, depending on your sweet tooth. Stir lightly if you prefer a more blended flavor, or leave it swirling for a stunning ombré effect.
Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro
Top your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float with a bright maraschino cherry and a fresh orange slice perched on the rim. This is what transforms your float from ordinary to celebration-worthy. Don’t forget to add a fun straw and long spoon—essential tools for sipping and scooping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Bring your creation directly to the table while it’s still dramatically foaming and ice-cold. The combination of creamy richness and sparkling soda is at its best right after assembly, so dig in and enjoy every sweet, fizzy bite and sip!
How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Garnishes
The secret to a show-stopping Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float lies in the details! Always top with a glossy maraschino cherry and a bright orange slice for that retro soda fountain charm. Feeling festive? Try adding a twist of orange peel, a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles, or even edible glitter for extra pizzazz—it’s all about having fun and making your float look as joyful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Make any moment a true celebration by serving your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float alongside snacks like popcorn, buttery shortbread cookies, or mini sandwiches. At parties, pair it with a tray of fruit kabobs or old-fashioned pretzels to balance the drink’s sweetness in the most delightful way. The float holds its own as a star but loves a little support act, too!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just feeling playful, set up a float bar and let everyone build their own custom Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float. Offer different soda flavors, colorful straws, and an array of garnishes like fresh berries, whipped cream, citrus twists, and fun paper umbrellas. Or, serve floats in fancy glasses or mason jars for a whimsical, Instagram-ready photo moment. You can even create mini floats in shot glasses for a cute party treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do find yourself with extra, pop the leftovers in the fridge for up to a couple of hours. The ice cream will melt and blend into the soda, creating a creamy, sweet pink drink that’s still totally delicious—just more like a milkshake than a float!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal since soda loses its fizziness and the ice cream will become icy if left in the freezer for too long. However, if you want a make-ahead shortcut, you can pre-scoop the ice cream into glasses and stick them in the freezer for up to a couple of hours. When you’re ready to serve, just finish with the chilled sodas and grenadine.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary for this ice-cold treat! If your float sits out and melts, simply give it a quick stir, add a bit more soda and a scoop of fresh ice cream, and reinvigorate that bubbly magic. The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is always about cool refreshment, so keep it cold and frosty.
FAQs
Can I make a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite plant-based vanilla ice cream. The creamy, dreamy float works wonders with coconut-based, almond, or oat milk ice creams, making it a perfect treat for anyone avoiding dairy.
What can I use instead of grenadine?
If you don’t have grenadine on hand, try pomegranate syrup or even a splash of cherry juice. Either will bring that sweet red swirl and classic color to your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float.
Can I use only one type Drinks
Yes, you can use just lemon-lime soda or ginger ale if you prefer. Each brings its own sparkling personality, but the blend of both gives you the most balanced and nostalgic Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a timeless favorite for kids and adults alike since it’s non-alcoholic, fizzy, and fun. It’s perfect for birthday parties or as a rewarding after-school treat.
How can I make this ahead for a party?
You can pre-scoop the ice cream and keep it in the glasses in your freezer. When guests arrive, just pour the chilled sodas and swirl in the grenadine. Setting up a mix-and-match float station also takes the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float to the next level at gatherings!
Final Thoughts
The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float brings festive fun and instant cheer wherever it’s served, and it’s so easy, everyone can join in on the joy. Whether you’re making memories with little ones or craving a dose of sweet nostalgia yourself, this fizzy treat is just a few scoops and pours away—give it a try and let your inner kid celebrate!
Print
Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 float 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, a nostalgic treat that combines fizzy soda, creamy ice cream, and a splash of grenadine. This kid-friendly drink is perfect for parties or a fun dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float:
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 1/2 cup ginger ale, chilled
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- maraschino cherries and orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Float: In a tall glass, add the vanilla ice cream.
- Add Grenadine: Drizzle grenadine over the top and let it swirl through the drink.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Pour the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale over the ice cream slowly to create a fizzy float.
Notes
- Adjust the grenadine to taste for more or less sweetness.
- For a party, set up a float bar with various sodas and fruit garnishes.
- To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
