Blissful Shirley Temple Float in Just 2 Amazing Minutes

Oh my goodness, do I have a sweet memory to share with you! When I was little, my grandma would make me Shirley Temple floats every Sunday after church. That first fizzy sip followed by creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the drink – pure magic! Even now as an adult, this nostalgic treat transports me right back to her kitchen table.

The Shirley Temple float combines everything wonderful about childhood: bubbly soda, sticky-sweet grenadine, and that glorious melting ice cream swirl. It’s the perfect drink when you want something special but non-alcoholic – great for kids’ parties or when you’re craving a little whimsy yourself. My version stays true to those classic flavors while adding the float element that makes it extra fun and indulgent.

Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll understand why it became my favorite childhood tradition. Let’s make some memories!

Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Float

This fizzy, creamy delight has been making people smile for generations – here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:

• Instant happiness in a glass – ready in just 2 minutes flat!
• The perfect balance – tangy soda meets sweet syrup and rich vanilla
• Crowd-pleaser magic – kids adore it, adults secretly crave it
• Nostalgia overload – tastes like childhood summers
• Endless customization – swap sodas or ice cream flavors

Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s like a party for your taste buds!

Shirley Temple Float Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this sweet, fizzy masterpiece:

• 1/2 cup ginger ale – chilled is best for that refreshing fizz
• 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda – I love using Sprite or 7UP
• 1 tbsp grenadine syrup – the ruby-red heart of the drink
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream – premium quality makes all the difference
• Maraschino cherry – that iconic garnish on top!

Pro tip: Make sure your sodas are properly chilled – warm soda makes sad floats!

How to Make a Shirley Temple Float

Okay, let’s get mixing! The beauty of this drink is how simple it is – but I’ve got some little tricks to make it absolutely perfect. Follow these steps and you’ll be sipping nostalgia in no time.

Mixing the Base

First, grab your favorite tall glass – I like using a classic soda fountain glass if I have one. Pour in equal parts ginger ale and lemon-lime soda until the glass is about halfway full. Now here’s the important part: add the grenadine syrup slowly so it creates that beautiful sunset effect as it sinks to the bottom.

Use a long spoon to give it just 2-3 gentle stirs – we want to mix the flavors without losing all those precious bubbles. Watch how the colors swirl together like liquid candy! The fizz should still be lively when we add our special float element.

Adding the Ice Cream

Now for the magic! Scoop a generous ball of vanilla ice cream – about 1/4 cup works perfectly. Lower it gently into the center of your fizzy red mixture. Listen to that wonderful sizzle as the ice cream starts melting into the drink!

Here’s my favorite touch: place a maraschino cherry right on top, letting it rest like a jewel on the melting ice cream peak. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a tiny bit more grenadine over the scoop for extra color. Serve immediately with a straw and a spoon – you’ll want to scoop up that creamy, fizzy goodness from the first sip to the last delicious drop!

Tips for the Perfect Shirley Temple Float

After making hundreds of these floats (no joke!), here are my tried-and-true secrets for Shirley Temple perfection:

• Glass matters! Use a chilled tall glass – the extra height keeps your float fizzy longer and gives the ice cream room to melt beautifully.
• Taste as you go with the grenadine. Like it sweeter? Add another teaspoon. Too sweet? Cut back slightly.
• Ice cream alternatives work great – try strawberry for a pink twist or chocolate for a “Black Cow” variation!
• Serve FAST – this drink waits for no one. The magic is in that first fizzy-creamy sip.

Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference between good and “Oh wow!”

Shirley Temple Float Variations

Oh, the fun we can have with this classic! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:

• Berry Blast: Swap lemon-lime for raspberry soda – hello, pink perfection!
• Tropical Twist: Use pineapple soda and coconut ice cream for vacation vibes
• Sherbet Surprise: Rainbow sherbet instead of vanilla makes a colorful showstopper
• Root Beer Float Mashup: Try root beer with grenadine for a cherry cola effect

See? One recipe, endless possibilities for bubbly happiness!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Shirley Temple float is all about that instant gratification – serve it the second it’s made! I always include a straw for sipping the fizzy base and a spoon for scooping up that melty ice cream goodness. Fair warning: leftovers don’t keep well since the soda goes flat and the ice cream turns everything into a sad, watery mess. Drink up while it’s fresh and fabulous!

Shirley Temple Float FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time – here’s everything you need to know about making the perfect Shirley Temple float:

Can I use diet soda in this recipe?
Absolutely! Diet ginger ale or lemon-lime soda work just fine if you’re watching sugar. The grenadine still adds plenty of sweetness, so you won’t miss a thing.

Is grenadine syrup alcoholic?
Nope! Traditional grenadine is just a sweet, fruity syrup made from pomegranate. Some cocktail versions might have alcohol, but the grocery store kind is completely kid-friendly. For a fun non-alcoholic option, check out this non-alcoholic habanero prosecco cocktail.

What if I don’t have both sodas?
No worries – just use all lemon-lime or all ginger ale! The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still delicious. I actually love the extra ginger zing when I use all ginger ale.

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Honestly, floats are best made fresh. But you can premix the sodas and grenadine in a pitcher, then add ice cream to individual glasses when serving. The fizz disappears fast once the ice cream hits!

Nutrition Information

Just a quick note – these nutrition estimates can vary depending on your exact ingredients and brands. The float is a sweet treat, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet!

Rate This Recipe!

Did this Shirley Temple float bring back sweet memories? I’d love to hear your thoughts – leave a rating below and tell me how it turned out!

Print