Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float – A Fun, Fizzy Treat Everyone Will Love

There’s something nostalgic about the first time you taste a classic soda-fountain drink. For me, it was during a sticky July afternoon when my grandmother introduced me to her summertime favorite: a creamy float layered with bright red syrup and fizzy soda. Years later, that same feeling comes rushing back whenever you pour a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float. If you’ve ever wanted a dessert drink that feels playful, refreshing, and just a little retro, you’re in the right place. And because the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float blends familiar flavors with a fun twist, you can enjoy it with kids, serve it at casual gatherings, or whip it up when you’re craving something cold and sweet.

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What Is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

A float always has that same magic moment when the soda hits the ice cream and a cloud of foam rises to the top. In this version, you’re bringing together the classic mocktail flavors of grenadine and lemon-lime soda with the creaminess of vanilla ice cream. You get a mix of fruity sweetness, fizzy bubbles, and a silky finish that feels like a cross between a milkshake and a soft drink. Since you’re working with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll notice how easily the flavors balance. And as you experiment with different soda choices or garnishes, you’ll find that this drink adapts beautifully to your taste.

Why This Float Works So Well

You’re taking a beloved childhood drink and giving it dessert status. The grenadine adds a bright pop of color, the soda keeps things lively, and the vanilla ice cream turns it into a treat that feels richer than the original mocktail. Because all the components are easy to find, you can make it anytime, whether you’re hosting or simply cooling off at the end of the day. And if you’ve ever tried traditional floats before, you’ll appreciate how this one leans into fruity, refreshing flavors instead of heavy, chocolatey ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few ingredients to make this drink, but choosing high-quality products will give you the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
• 2 tablespoons grenadine
• 1–2 maraschino cherries
• Optional: whipped cream

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You can use premium vanilla ice cream for a richer texture or a lighter option if you prefer something less sweet. Lemon-lime soda gives the drink its classic brightness, while ginger ale adds a warmer, spiced finish. The grenadine ties the flavors together with a mild fruitiness and that signature rosy color.

How to Make the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Making this float is quick and easy, and you’ll get the best results if you chill your glass first. When the glass is cold, the ice cream melts more slowly, so the float stays layered and creamy longer.

Chill and Build

Start by placing your glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Once it’s cold, add the ice cream. When you pour the soda over the scoops, go slowly and let the foam rise naturally. The fizz is what makes a float delightful, and it helps disperse the flavors into the ice cream as it melts.

Add Sweetness and Garnish

Drizzle the grenadine over the top so it sinks into the soda in swirls. You’ll see streaks of red that look striking against the pale ice cream. Finish with a cherry, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a lime slice if you want a citrus note. As you sip, the drink will shift from bubbly to creamy, and each spoonful will be slightly different from the last.

Dietary Variations

Making dietary swaps for this drink is simple, especially since most stores carry several alternative products.

Vegan

You can use plant-based vanilla ice cream made from oat, almond, or coconut milk. Many lemon-lime sodas are already vegan, and most store-bought grenadine formulas are plant-based. Vegan whipped topping melts just as nicely as dairy-based versions.

Gluten-Free

This float is naturally gluten-free, but it’s still smart to double-check the ice cream and grenadine labels for possible additives. Most lemon-lime sodas and ginger ales are gluten-free as well.

Low-Calorie

To lighten things up, choose reduced-calorie ice cream, frozen yogurt, or a no-sugar-added option. You can pair it with diet soda or sparkling water mixed with a small amount of grenadine. A single scoop of ice cream still gives you plenty of creaminess without going overboard.

Halal

Since this drink is alcohol-free, most of the work is already done. Just be sure the grenadine and cherries do not contain alcohol-based additives, which can vary by brand. Halal-certified ice cream is widely available and blends perfectly into this float.

Variations and Fun Twists

Once you’ve mastered the classic variation, it’s fun to make small changes to match your preferences. Cherry soda gives you a stronger fruit flavor and a deeper color. A splash of lime juice brightens the drink for a more tangy finish. You can even mix half ginger ale and half lemon-lime soda for a more layered taste.

If you’re hosting an adults-only gathering, you can turn this into the “Dirty Shirley” version by adding a small pour of vodka, although you’ll want to mix it gently so the soda doesn’t lose its fizz too quickly. If you enjoy rich desserts, try swapping in cherry or strawberry ice cream, which melts into a pastel pink cream that tastes like a hybrid between sherbet and soda.

Serving and Make-Ahead Tips

Because this float relies on carbonation to keep its airy texture, you should serve it right after assembling it. If you’re prepping for a party, you can chill the glasses and portion the ice cream ahead of time by scooping it onto a sheet pan lined with parchment and returning it to the freezer. When guests arrive, all you have to do is drop the frozen scoops into the glasses and pour the soda. Any leftover soda or grenadine can be stored, but the float itself should be enjoyed fresh so you don’t lose that classic bubbly lift.

You’ll find that once people taste this, they usually ask for another. The blend of cold ice cream, sweet grenadine, and fizzy soda is simple yet satisfying, and each sip brings out a different note. That’s part of what makes the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float such a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for kids or adults who love a nostalgic treat.

Enjoy Every Fizzy Sip

When you make a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, you’re not just mixing ingredients—you’re creating a little moment that feels fun and carefree. It’s the kind of treat that brings people together and turns even a regular afternoon into something worth remembering. As you play with flavors and garnishes, you’ll discover your own favorite version, and chances are you’ll reach for this recipe every time you need something refreshing, sweet, and a little whimsical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soda is best for a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

For the classic fizzy lift in your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, a crisp lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP gives you that bright, bubbly platform. If you prefer something slightly warmer and less sharp, ginger ale works beautifully too. Pour it slowly over the ice cream to keep as much of the fizz intact as possible.

Can you use different ice cream flavors in a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

Absolutely. While vanilla ice cream is the traditional choice—because it lets the grenadine and soda shine—you can mix it up with cherry, strawberry or even a light chocolate ice cream if you like. Just keep the flavor balance in mind so the drink remains refreshing and dessert-style, not overly heavy.

How soon should you serve a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float after making it?

You should serve it right away. As soon as the soda hits the ice cream, the float begins losing its bubbly lift and the ice cream starts to melt fast. For best texture and visual appeal, combine and serve within a minute or two.

Is the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float suitable for kids and adults alike?

Yes, it’s a fun non-alcoholic dessert drink that works perfectly for kids’ birthday parties and casual gatherings. For grown-ups, you can add a splash of cherry vodka (turning it into a “Dirty Shirley” variant) if you like, but the base version remains kid-friendly, nostalgic and inclusive of all ages.

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