If you want to treat yourself to a delightful, retro-inspired beverage that’s both fun and refreshing, the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe is an absolute must-make. This classic drink combines creamy vanilla ice cream with fizzy lemon-lime soda and the sweet, vibrant splash of grenadine, creating a nostalgic experience that’s as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to sip. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re craving a whimsical dessert, this float delivers all the joy of a Shirley Temple cocktail—minus the alcohol—and adds an ice cream twist that makes it pure magic in a glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on just a few essential ingredients that blend perfectly to create a refreshing and indulgent treat. Each component plays a crucial role from the creamy richness of the ice cream to the sparkling sweetness of the soda and the colorful pop of grenadine syrup.
- Vanilla ice cream: Use creamy, high-quality vanilla ice cream for the smoothest texture and classic flavor base.
- Lemon-lime soda: This adds the perfect fizz and citrusy brightness that balances the float’s sweetness.
- Grenadine syrup: A key to that signature rosy color and fruity pomegranate flavor—choose pure grenadine for the best taste.
- Whipped cream: Adds a light, airy topping that enhances the dessert-like feel of the float.
- Maraschino cherries: The finishing touch—these glossy cherries provide a delightful burst of color and sweetness.
How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe
Step 1: Scoop the Vanilla Ice Cream
Start by scooping two generous portions of creamy vanilla ice cream into a tall, clear glass. The ice cream forms the creamy base of the float and is integral for that perfect frothy texture once the soda is added.
Step 2: Pour the Lemon-Lime Soda Slowly
Next, gently pour one cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream. Pouring slowly is important here—it creates a beautiful fizzing and foaming effect that feels festive and playful. This fizzy lift contrasts wonderfully with the smooth ice cream, making every sip exciting.
Step 3: Drizzle the Grenadine Syrup
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of grenadine syrup over the soda and ice cream mixture. Watch as the ruby-red syrup swirls through the creamy and fizzy layers, adding a burst of flavor and a vibrant splash of color to your float.
Step 4: Add Whipped Cream and Maraschino Cherries
Top your float with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The light fluffiness balances the drink’s sweetness and adds a creamy finish. Garnish with bright, glossy maraschino cherries right on top for that iconic, playful look.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe right away with a straw and a long spoon so you can enjoy every fizzing, creamy bite perfectly chilled and fresh.
How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the maraschino cherries and whipped cream, consider adding a thin lemon or lime slice on the rim to heighten the citrus aroma. A colorful paper straw or retro glassware can also elevate the presentation and make the drink feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This float pairs wonderfully with light treats like buttery popcorn, crispy kettle chips, or even a simple sugar cookie to keep the mood casual and nostalgic. It’s also fantastic alongside classic American diner fare for a complete retro meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Take the classic Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe up a notch by layering different flavored sorbets instead of vanilla ice cream, such as cherry or raspberry, to add fruit-forward notes. You can also serve it in a mason jar or a vintage soda fountain glass for that old-fashioned charm that’s sure to delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers aren’t ideal once mixed. However, you can store any extra soda, grenadine, or whipped cream separately in the refrigerator for up to a week to assemble fresh floats later.
Freezing
If you want to prepare elements in advance, keep the vanilla ice cream well-frozen until you’re ready to make the float. Freezing the grenadine syrup isn’t recommended since it may crystallize and lose quality.
Reheating
This recipe is designed to be served cold and fizzy, so reheating is not applicable. The charm of the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe lies in the contrast between chilled ice cream and sparkling soda, which would be lost if warmed.
FAQs
Can I make the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the vanilla ice cream for a plant-based vanilla alternative and use a vegan-friendly whipped topping. Most lemon-lime sodas and grenadine syrups are vegan, but double-check the labels to be sure.
What if I don’t have grenadine syrup?
If you don’t have grenadine on hand, a pomegranate molasses or cherry syrup can work as a substitute, though the flavor and sweetness levels might be a bit different. You can also try mixing simple syrup with a splash of cranberry or cherry juice.
Can I use other sodas besides lemon-lime?
Yes! While lemon-lime soda is traditional and offers a bright citrus note, you can experiment with club soda for a less sweet float, ginger ale for a spicy twist, or even a flavored sparkling water to customize your float.
Is the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. This float is a classic non-alcoholic treat perfect for all ages. Kids especially love the fun fizz and creamy vanilla ice cream, plus the fun, colorful presentation.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields one serving. It can easily be multiplied for a group by scaling the amounts of each ingredient and serving in multiple glasses.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe that brings out childlike joy in every sip and bite. Whether you’re reminiscing about fun summer days or simply craving a sweet, fizzy dessert, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are so easy to love. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just create a new favorite that everyone in your family will adore!
Print
Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a nostalgic and refreshing American dessert beverage combining creamy vanilla ice cream with fizzy lemon-lime soda and sweet grenadine syrup. Topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, this easy no-cook treat is perfect for a summer indulgence or a kid-friendly party drink.
Ingredients
For the Float
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
For Topping
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Choose a tall glass and place two scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream into it.
- Add the soda: Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream, allowing the soda to fizz and create a foamy head.
- Drizzle grenadine: Pour 2 tablespoons of grenadine syrup over the top, letting it swirl through the soda and ice cream for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Top with whipped cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the float for extra creaminess and visual appeal.
- Garnish and serve: Place a maraschino cherry on the whipped cream, then serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon for easy enjoyment.
Notes
- For a less sweet version, substitute club soda in place of lemon-lime soda.
- Try using cherry or raspberry sorbet instead of vanilla ice cream for a fruity variation.
