If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic, bubbly treats, you are going to adore this classic Shirley Temple Float Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional Shirley Temple drink, combining creamy vanilla ice cream with fizzy lemon lime soda and a splash of grenadine that creates a vibrant, fruity flavor explosion. Perfect for hot days, birthday parties, or anytime you want to bring a little joyful sparkle to your day, this float is simple yet irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shirley Temple Float Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a special role in crafting that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fizzy flavors. Each component is easy to find and essential for getting that iconic look and taste.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Use a creamy, high-quality vanilla ice cream to create the rich, smooth base of the float.
- Grenadine: This bright red syrup adds a sweet, pomegranate-infused touch plus vibrant color that’s key to the classic Shirley Temple appeal.
- Lemon Lime Soda: The fizzy element that lifts the float, adding refreshing bubbles and citrusy brightness.
- Maraschino Cherries (optional): These give a festive flourish and a pop of sweetness that enhances the presentation and taste.
- Lime Wedges (optional): A squeeze of lime adds a fresh zing and an extra hint of citrus complexity.
- Whipped Topping (optional): A fluffy crown of whipped cream makes the float feel indulgent and extra special.
- Pink Sanding Sugar (optional): Sprinkle on the rim or on top for a playful sparkle and texture contrast.
How to Make Shirley Temple Float Recipe
Step 1: Scoop the Vanilla Ice Cream
Begin by putting a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of a tall glass. This creamy layer forms the base of the float and will slowly soften as it mingles with the fizzy soda, creating that luscious, dreamy texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Drizzle the Grenadine
Next, gently drizzle about an ounce of grenadine directly over the ice cream. This syrup will slowly seep down, infusing the float with vibrant color and a burst of fruity sweetness that defines the Shirley Temple experience.
Step 3: Pour the Lemon Lime Soda
Carefully pour eight ounces of lemon lime soda over the ice cream and grenadine. Pour slowly to maintain the foam and preserve the bubbles, which make the float so refreshing and fun to drink.
Step 4: Add Optional Garnishes
For extra flair, top your float with a dollop of whipped topping, a maraschino cherry, a wedge of lime, and a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar. These garnishes make the float look irresistible and add complementary flavors and textures.
How to Serve Shirley Temple Float Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Shirley Temple Float Recipe is your chance to get creative and turn a simple treat into a stunning dessert. A classic cherry on top is a must, but adding a lime wedge brings a bright zest, and the whipped topping adds softness and extra sweetness. Pink sanding sugar adds a fun, sparkling finish that delights kids and adults alike.
Side Dishes
Although the float is a treat on its own, it pairs beautifully with light snacks like buttery popcorn, crispy french fries, or even fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. For a party, try serving alongside finger sandwiches or cupcakes for a whimsical spread that will have everyone smiling.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional glass, try serving the float in a mason jar or a retro soda glass to amp up the charm. Rim the glass with colored sugar before adding the ice cream to add visual appeal. You can also layer additional fruits like raspberries or strawberries with the ice cream for a fresh twist that makes each spoonful interesting and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this Shirley Temple Float Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers aren’t ideal once the ice cream melts. However, you can separate the soda and prepare grenadine in advance, storing them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
Freezing the prepared float isn’t recommended due to the carbonation loss and texture changes. Instead, freeze the vanilla ice cream and keep the grenadine and soda chilled separately until ready to serve.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this float, as it is a cold dessert. Serve immediately after assembling for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use diet soda in this Shirley Temple Float Recipe?
Absolutely! Using diet lemon lime soda is a great low-calorie alternative without sacrificing that bubbly, citrusy flair that’s essential to the float’s character.
Is grenadine alcoholic?
No, traditional grenadine syrup is non-alcoholic and made from pomegranate juice and sugar, making it perfect for all ages, including kids who love the fun colors and sweet flavor.
Can I make a Shirley Temple Float without ice cream?
You can, but the ice cream adds that creamy, dreamy texture that transforms this float from a simple drink to a decadent dessert experience. For a lighter version, try using frozen yogurt or sorbet instead.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk ice cream, and ensure the grenadine and soda are vegan-friendly. The rest remains the same, delivering that signature taste.
What’s the best glass to use for a Shirley Temple Float Recipe?
A tall glass works best to show off the layers of ice cream, grenadine, and soda. Classic soda fountain glasses, mason jars, or even clear tumblers help display the vibrant colors and bubbly top beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Shirley Temple Float Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavor, texture, and color wrapped into a simple treat that anyone can make at home. Whether you’re sharing with friends, spoiling the kids, or just craving a sweet moment of nostalgia, this float is guaranteed to brighten your day. So grab your ingredients and raise a glass to a delicious, bubbly tradition that never goes out of style!
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 that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with sweet grenadine and fizzy lemon-lime soda. Perfect for parties or a nostalgic treat, this colorful float is garnished with maraschino cherries, lime wedges, and optional whipped topping for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Float Ingredients
- 8 ounces Vanilla Ice Cream (1 cup)
- 1 ounce Grenadine
- 8 ounces Lemon Lime Soda
- Maraschino Cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Lime Wedges (optional, for garnish)
- Whipped Topping (optional, for garnish)
- Pink Sanding Sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Place the vanilla ice cream into the bottom of a tall glass to form the creamy base of the float.
- Add Grenadine: Drizzle the grenadine syrup gently over the top of the ice cream, infusing the dessert with its sweet pomegranate flavor and vibrant red color.
- Pour Soda: Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and grenadine, allowing the fizz to lift and mix the flavors without overflowing.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a dollop of whipped topping if desired, then garnish with a maraschino cherry, a lime wedge, and a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar for a festive and attractive presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Shirley Temple Float!
Notes
- For a dairy-free variation, use non-dairy vanilla ice cream.
- Adjust the amount of grenadine to taste for desired sweetness and color.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the fizz and creamy texture at its best.
- Use chilled lemon-lime soda for the best refreshing experience.
- Pink sanding sugar adds extra sparkle; you may skip it if unavailable.
