Introduction

The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a nostalgic and refreshing treat that combines the sparkle of lemon-lime soda with creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for hot days or any time you want a fun, fizzy dessert that’s easy to make at home.

The pink float drink is served in a tall, clear glass with three visible layers: a bright pink frothy bottom layer, a middle creamy white layer, and a thicker pink foam at the top. On the foam rests a scoop of white ice cream, garnished with a bright red cherry and a green lime wedge placed at the rim of the glass. Two straws, one white with green dots and the other white with pink stripes, are placed inside the glass. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with lime halves, a cherry, and some drink bottles blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as 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

Step 1: In a pitcher, stir together the lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and grenadine syrup until well combined.
Step 2: Divide the scoops of vanilla ice cream evenly between 2 tall fountain glasses.
Step 3: Pour the Shirley Temple soda mixture over the ice cream in each glass, filling to the top.
Step 4: Garnish each float with 1 or 2 maraschino cherries and a slice of lime on the rim.
Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy the fizzy, creamy delight.

Tips & Variations

For a different twist, try using raspberry or cherry-flavored ice cream instead of vanilla.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the grenadine syrup slightly or use diet soda options.
Adding a splash of fresh lime juice can enhance the citrus flavor.
Use a large straw to enjoy both the creamy ice cream and the fizzy soda together.

Storage

Shirley Temple Ice Cream Floats are best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed immediately. The soda will lose its fizz and the ice cream will melt if stored. If you have leftover soda mixture, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and stir before using again.

How to Serve

A tall clear glass contains a three-layered drink with a bottom layer of bright pink liquid, a middle layer of white creamy foam, and a top layer of thick pink foam with small bubbles. On top of the foam, there is a scoop of white ice cream, a bright red cherry to the right, and a green lime slice placed on the left rim of the glass. Two paper straws, one white with green dots and the other white with pink stripes, stand upright inside the drink. The glass is placed on a white marbled surface in soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make a Shirley Temple float without ice cream?

Yes, you can simply mix the lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and grenadine for a classic Shirley Temple drink without adding ice cream.

What can I use if I don’t have grenadine syrup?

Grenadine is a sweet pomegranate syrup, but you can substitute with a splash of pomegranate juice mixed with a little sugar or simple syrup to achieve a similar flavor.

Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 146 reviews

A refreshing and nostalgic Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float combining fizzy lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and sweet grenadine syrup topped with creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect as a delightful non-alcoholic treat garnished with maraschino cherries and lime slices.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Beverages
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Beverages and Syrups

2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as 7UP or Sprite), chilled
1 cup ginger ale, chilled
2 tablespoons grenadine syrup

Dairy

4 scoops vanilla ice cream

Garnishes

Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Lime slices, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Shirley Temple mixture: In a pitcher, stir together the chilled lemon-lime soda, chilled ginger ale, and grenadine syrup thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
Prepare the glasses: Divide the four scoops of vanilla ice cream evenly between two fountain glasses, setting the creamy base for the float.
Assemble the float: Carefully pour the Shirley Temple mixture over the scoops of ice cream in each glass, allowing the fizzy liquid to mix and create a delightful foam on top.
Add garnishes: Place one or two maraschino cherries and a slice of lime on the rim or inside each glass to enhance both visual appeal and flavor.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the ice cream floats immediately to maintain the fizzy texture and creamy coldness for a perfect refreshing treat.

Notes

Use chilled sodas to ensure the float stays cold longer and reduces melting of the ice cream.
For a more intense cherry flavor, add a splash of maraschino cherry juice with the grenadine.
You can substitute vanilla ice cream with lemon or lime sherbet for a citrus twist.
Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the perfect combination of fizzy soda and creamy ice cream.

Keywords: Shirley Temple, Ice Cream Float, Vanilla Ice Cream, Lemon-Lime Soda, Ginger Ale, Grenadine, Non-Alcoholic Drink, Summer Beverage, Classic Float