The first time I made these was on a scorching July afternoon, the kind where even the floors feel hot under your feet. I needed something cheerful, something cold, and something my nieces would actually finish. One scoop in, I knew this Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float was the treat we’d come back to all summer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
This float is sweet, fizzy, creamy, and filled with that nostalgic cherry-lime sparkle we all know from childhood. It’s everything you love about a classic Shirley Temple, but with vanilla ice cream melting into every sip.
Unlike the usual version, this one swirls soda and syrup around rich, cold ice cream for a creamy twist. It’s fast too—ready in 5 minutes.
At a glance, here’s what you need: lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, grenadine, vanilla ice cream, and a few fun garnishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Lemon-lime soda: Use something like Sprite or 7UP, chilled for the best fizz.
- Ginger ale: Adds a warm, spiced layer under the citrus.
- Grenadine syrup: Brings the sweet cherry flavor and that pretty pink hue.
- Vanilla ice cream: Creamy and cool, it’s the heart of the float.
Optional Garnishes
- Maraschino cherries: Always a must for that classic Shirley Temple look.
- Lime slices: Add a pop of citrus and color.
How to Make a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- In a pitcher, combine the chilled soda, ginger ale, and grenadine.
- Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Gently pour the soda mix over the ice cream. Watch the foam rise!
- Garnish with cherries and lime slices.
- Serve right away with a straw and a smile.
Tips & Easy Variations
Flavor Adjustments
Want it tangier? Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
Out of grenadine? You can use maraschino cherry juice from the jar instead. It’s a great shortcut and keeps the flavor true.
Or if you’re feeling crafty, try this easy cherry syrup for homemade sodas. It’s a great backup when grenadine runs low.
Boozy Twist (Optional)
If you’re making this for the grown-ups, swap out ½ cup of the soda with vodka. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of amaretto. The result? A float that feels both nostalgic and a little bit flirty.
Serving & Presentation Tips
Use chilled fountain glasses if you have them. They keep the float colder, longer.
Add a colorful straw, maybe even a little umbrella if you’re feeling festive. Want to take it up a notch? A swirl of whipped cream on top never hurts.
And if you’re hosting a gathering, pair this with Shirley Temple party punch for a festive twist.
Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe Card
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Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float: Sweet, Fizzy, and Fun
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A creamy twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink, combining lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and vanilla ice cream. It’s refreshing, sweet, tart, and easy to make in minutes.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (7UP or Sprite), chilled
1 cup ginger ale, chilled
2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Lime slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a pitcher, stir together lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and grenadine.
2. Divide the vanilla ice cream between 2 fountain glasses.
3. Pour the soda mixture over the ice cream.
4. Garnish with maraschino cherries and lime slices.
5. Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
Vary the amount of ice cream depending on glass size.
Maraschino cherry juice can be used instead of grenadine.
Add 2 tablespoons lime juice for more citrus flavor.
To make it boozy, add 1 tbsp amaretto liqueur and replace 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda with vodka.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Summer Drinks
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 488
- Sugar: 78g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 86g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
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FAQs About Shirley Temple Floats
Can I make this float ahead of time?
Not really. The ice cream melts quickly, and the soda loses its fizz. It’s best made just before serving.
What’s the best substitute for grenadine?
Maraschino cherry juice works great. Or try a homemade cherry syrup if you want to go the extra mile.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based vanilla ice cream. Coconut-based ice creams pair especially well with the citrus and cherry flavors.
What is a Shirley Temple made of?
A classic Shirley Temple mixes lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale) with grenadine and a cherry on top. No alcohol—just sweet, fizzy fun.
What is an ice cream float made of?
It’s typically soda and a scoop (or more) of ice cream. The carbonation foams up around the ice cream, making it creamy and fizzy all at once.
Why is it called a Shirley Temple?
It’s named after the famous child actress, Shirley Temple. Legend has it, she was given this drink at Hollywood events so she had something fun and festive to sip while the adults had cocktails.
What is the 3 ingredient Shirley Temple?
That version keeps it simple: lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. Perfect for quick sips or when you’re out of ice cream.
You can also find more ideas and seasonal sips on my Pinterest or over on Facebook. Come hang out!