If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that’s bursting with sweetness and fizzy fun, the Shirley Temple Float Recipe is your go-to delight. Combining creamy vanilla ice cream with vibrant grenadine and sparkling lemon-lime soda, this drink takes the classic Shirley Temple to a whole new level. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a playful twist, perfect for cooling off on a sunny day or brightening any celebration. Easy to prepare and wonderfully refreshing, it captures that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and fizzy all in one glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to making the perfect Shirley Temple Float. Each component plays a delicious role, from the creamy texture of the ice cream to the bubbly lift of the soda and the sweet pop of grenadine.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (8 ounces/1 cup): Choose a creamy, high-quality vanilla ice cream for that smooth base that melts beautifully with the soda.
- Grenadine (1 ounce): This sweet pomegranate syrup adds a gorgeous pink hue and fruity sweetness, the heart of the Shirley Temple.
- Lemon Lime Soda (8 ounces): For the perfect fizzy lift and citrusy zest that complements the sweetness without overpowering it.
- Maraschino Cherries (optional): Classic garnish that adds a bright, sweet finishing touch to your float.
- Lime Wedges (optional): A fresh citrus pop to balance the sweetness if you like a hint of tanginess.
- Whipped Topping (optional): For extra creaminess and a touch of indulgence on top of your float.
- Pink Sanding Sugar: Adds sparkle and a festive look, perfect for presentation and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Shirley Temple Float Recipe
Step 1: Add the Ice Cream
Start by placing a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of a tall glass. This creamy foundation is what makes the float so luscious, and it will slowly melt and mingle with the soda for that dreamy texture.
Step 2: Drizzle in the Grenadine
Pour the deep red grenadine syrup right over the ice cream. Not only does this bring a punch of sweetness, but it also creates those beautiful layers of color that make the Shirley Temple Float so inviting.
Step 3: Pour the Lemon Lime Soda
Gently pour the lemon lime soda over your ice cream and grenadine mixture. The carbonation adds a thrilling fizz, while the citrus notes brighten every sip. Pour slowly to keep the float from overflowing.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Top your float with a dollop of whipped topping, a maraschino cherry, a lime wedge, and a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar to bring the presentation and flavors to life. These additions turn a simple float into a stunning treat.
How to Serve Shirley Temple Float Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are where you can have some fun with the Shirley Temple Float Recipe. A maraschino cherry is a classic must-have to add sweetness and color, while a lime wedge gives a fresh citrus aroma. Whipped topping is optional but adds a creamy richness, and pink sanding sugar adds an elegant sparkle both visually and texturally.
Side Dishes
This float makes for an excellent standalone treat but pairs beautifully with light snacks such as buttery popcorn, vanilla wafer cookies, or even a fresh fruit platter. The fizzy soda and creamy ice cream cleanse the palate nicely between bites, making your snack time extra enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Shirley Temple Float in a clear tall glass to show off its layers and vibrant colors. Rim the glass with pink sanding sugar for a festive look. You can also try colorful striped straws or fun themed napkins to amp up the visual appeal, especially for parties or kid-friendly gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Shirley Temple Float Recipe, it’s best to separate the ice cream from the soda before storing. Keep leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer and the soda in a sealed bottle in the fridge for maximum freshness.
Freezing
The float itself is not suitable for freezing as the carbonation in the soda will dissipate, and the ice cream texture will change once thawed. However, you can freeze extra portions of vanilla ice cream or even make grenadine ice cubes for an icy twist later.
Reheating
This is one recipe you definitely enjoy cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, make fresh floats whenever you want that perfect creamy, fizzy experience. It only takes a few minutes and tastes best freshly assembled.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of ice cream in the Shirley Temple Float Recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is traditional for that classic creamy balance, you can experiment with cherry, lemon, or even a light strawberry ice cream to add a unique twist to your float.
Is grenadine always made from pomegranate?
Traditional grenadine is pomegranate-based, giving it a sweet and slightly tart flavor. However, some store-bought versions use artificial syrups. For the best flavor, look for real pomegranate grenadine or make your own at home.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk-based ice cream. Make sure your grenadine and soda don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients for a fully vegan float.
What’s the best type of glass to serve a Shirley Temple Float?
A tall, clear glass works best to showcase the pretty layers of ice cream, grenadine, and soda. It also gives enough room for the foam to build up on top for that classic float experience.
Can the Shirley Temple Float Recipe be doubled or made for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just prepare each float individually in glasses or make a large batch of soda and grenadine to serve alongside bowls of ice cream for guests to create their own floats.
Final Thoughts
The Shirley Temple Float Recipe is such a cheerful and timeless treat that brings smiles to every occasion. Its simple ingredients come together in a playful, refreshing way that’s as delightful to make as it is to drink. Give it a try next time you want a fun, fizzy indulgence that feels like a special celebration in a glass!
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 drink perfect for all ages. This easy-to-make float combines creamy vanilla ice cream with sweet grenadine syrup and fizzy lemon-lime soda, topped with optional whipped cream, cherries, lime wedges, and pink sanding sugar for a fun and festive presentation.
Ingredients
Float Ingredients
- 8 ounces Vanilla Ice Cream (about 1 cup)
- 1 ounce Grenadine syrup
- 8 ounces Lemon Lime Soda
Optional Garnishes
- Maraschino Cherries
- Lime Wedges
- Whipped Topping
- Pink Sanding Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: Place 8 ounces (1 cup) of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of a tall glass, creating the creamy foundation of the float.
- Add Grenadine: Slowly drizzle 1 ounce of grenadine syrup over the ice cream to infuse a sweet and fruity flavor that also creates a beautiful layered look.
- Pour Lemon-Lime Soda: Gently pour 8 ounces of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and grenadine, allowing it to fizz and meld with the creamy and syrupy components.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the float with a dollop of whipped topping if desired, then add a maraschino cherry, a wedge of lime, and a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar for a festive final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the fizzy, creamy treat!
Notes
- Use full-fat vanilla ice cream for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust grenadine quantity to taste for sweetness.
- Chill the glass ahead of time to keep the float colder longer.
- For a more tart flavor, squeeze a bit of lime juice into the soda before pouring.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for parties.
