If you’ve ever wanted a drink that’s playful, refreshing, and downright nostalgic, you’re in for a treat with this Shirley Temple Float Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet grenadine, and fizzy lemon-lime soda, all crowned with cheerful garnishes that make every sip feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving it at a party in need of a fun non-alcoholic punch or just craving a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, this float is a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shirley Temple Float Recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance each ingredient brings to the glass. Every component is essential—from the rich creaminess of the vanilla ice cream to the bright pop of grenadine’s cherry flavor, finishing with the effervescent sparkle of lemon-lime soda.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (8 ounces, 1 cup): Choose a high-quality vanilla ice cream for that smooth, creamy base that melts beautifully into the soda.
- Grenadine (1 ounce): This pomegranate-based syrup adds the signature sweet-tart cherry flavor and that gorgeous ruby-red hue.
- Lemon Lime Soda (8 ounces): Use a fresh, fizzy lemon-lime soda to provide the bubbly lift and light citrus zing.
- Maraschino Cherries (optional): These add a classic garnish that’s both pretty and deliciously sweet.
- Lime Wedges (optional): A little citrus brightness on the rim adds a tangy contrast to the float’s sweetness.
- Whipped Topping (optional): For extra indulgence, a fluffy dollop of whipped cream makes the float feel like a special treat.
- Pink Sanding Sugar (optional): Adds a sprinkle of sparkle and sweetness that catches the light and elevates the presentation.
How to Make Shirley Temple Float Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start by choosing a tall, clear glass to really showcase all the layers of this vibrant float. This makes the deep red grenadine shine through the creamy vanilla and bubbly soda, instantly tempting your taste buds.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla Ice Cream
Place about 1 cup (8 ounces) of smooth, rich vanilla ice cream right at the bottom of your glass. This luscious base sets the creamy tone for your Shirley Temple Float Recipe and slowly melts to blend with the soda.
Step 3: Pour the Grenadine
Gently drizzle 1 ounce of grenadine over the vanilla ice cream. The syrup will trickle down, infusing the ice cream with that unmistakable cherry flavor and creating a beautiful contrast between colors.
Step 4: Add the Lemon-Lime Soda
Slowly pour 8 ounces of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and grenadine. The soda’s fizziness will gently mix with the ice cream, creating light foam and bubbles that make each sip refreshing and fun.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Top your float with a cloud of whipped topping if you like, add a maraschino cherry, a lime wedge, and a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar. Each garnish adds a burst of color and texture, completing the perfect Shirley Temple Float Recipe experience.
How to Serve Shirley Temple Float Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine while honoring tradition. Maraschino cherries provide that iconic pop of red, whipped cream adds creamy richness, and lime wedges offer a refreshing citrus aroma. A dash of pink sanding sugar on the rim or on top makes the float feel like a true celebration.
Side Dishes
Since this float is sweet and creamy, pair it with salty snacks like kettle chips or lightly salted pretzels to balance the flavors. A plate of buttery popcorn or simple tea sandwiches can also complement the playful drink without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Shirley Temple Float Recipe in vintage soda fountain glasses or mason jars tied with a colorful ribbon. Adding striped paper straws or fun cocktail picks with little umbrellas brings a whimsical touch. You could even turn it into a float bar, letting guests add their own garnishes and mix-ins for an interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover grenadine or lemon-lime soda, store them tightly sealed in the fridge. However, once the float is assembled, it’s best enjoyed immediately because the ice cream will melt and soda will lose its fizz.
Freezing
This delightful beverage isn’t suitable for freezing once assembled due to the soda and ice cream texture, but you can freeze leftover portions of vanilla ice cream and use it fresh whenever you want to whip up another Shirley Temple Float Recipe.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert drink, reheating doesn’t apply. Instead, focus on keeping your ingredients chilled and ready for quick assembly whenever the craving strikes.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of lemon-lime?
Absolutely! While lemon-lime soda is traditional for the Shirley Temple Float Recipe, you can experiment with ginger ale or even sparkling water for a less sweet, more subtle fizz.
Is grenadine the same as cherry syrup?
Grenadine is a pomegranate-based syrup that tastes a bit different from cherry syrup, though both are sweet and red. For the most authentic flavor, it’s best to use real grenadine in your float.
Can I make this drink alcohol-free?
Yes! The Shirley Temple Float Recipe is naturally non-alcoholic, making it a fantastic option for kids and anyone avoiding alcohol while still enjoying a festive, tasty drink.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make about one serving, but you can easily multiply the ingredients to serve a crowd at your next gathering.
What’s the best way to prevent the soda from going flat?
To keep the soda bubbly, add it last and pour it gently over the ice cream. Serve immediately and avoid stirring vigorously to preserve those sparkling bubbles.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet, fizzy, and utterly charming way to bring smiles to your table, this Shirley Temple Float Recipe is your answer. It’s quick to make, fun to drink, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sparkle. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own delightful memories with each creamy, fizzy sip!
Print
Shirley Temple Float Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 17 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Shirley Temple Float is a delightful and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage featuring creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet grenadine syrup, fizzy lemon-lime soda, and optional garnishes like maraschino cherries, lime wedges, and whipped topping. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Float Ingredients
- 8 ounces Vanilla Ice Cream (1 cup)
- 1 ounce Grenadine
- 8 ounces Lemon Lime Soda
Optional Garnishes
- Maraschino Cherries
- Lime Wedges
- Whipped Topping
- Pink Sanding Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Place the vanilla ice cream in the bottom of a tall glass to serve as the base of the float.
- Add grenadine: Drizzle the grenadine syrup evenly over the scoop of ice cream to infuse sweetness and color.
- Pour soda: Gently pour the lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and grenadine, allowing it to fizz and blend without overflowing.
- Garnish: Add a dollop of whipped topping, maraschino cherry, lime slice, and a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar on top, if desired, to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with a straw and spoon for a refreshing and nostalgic treat.
Notes
- This drink is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of creamy ice cream and fizzy soda.
- Use good quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Pink sanding sugar adds a fun sparkle and texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a slightly less sweet version, reduce grenadine to 0.5 ounce.
- This recipe is suitable for all ages as it is a non-alcoholic beverage.
