Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Published: June 4, 2025

by eva

Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a delightful twist on two beloved classics, combining the fizzy joy of a Shirley Temple with the creamy indulgence of an ice cream float. This refreshing drink is perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. With its vibrant colors and fruity flavors, this float stands out as a fun and nostalgic beverage that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

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Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Soda Mixture
For the Float
How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Step 1: Mix the Soda Ingredients
Step 2: Assemble the Float
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Fun Glassware Options
Garnishing Ideas
Themed Serving
How to Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Best Side Dishes for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Reheating Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
Can I use other sodas instead of Cherry 7-Up?
How do I customize my Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
Is the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float kid-friendly?
How do I make a larger batch of Shirley Temple Ice Cream Floats?
Can I make this float ahead of time?
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Make: With just five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this refreshing beverage in no time.
Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cherry soda, ginger ale, and grenadine creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this float adds a festive touch to any event.
Kid-Friendly Treat: This non-alcoholic drink makes it suitable for children and those who prefer lighter options.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add your favorite fruits for extra flair.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float even easier. Gather these essentials before you start mixing up your delicious treat!

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Pitcher: A pitcher allows for easy mixing of all your ingredients in one place.
Glasses or mugs: Choose fun glasses to enhance the visual appeal of your float.
Spoon or straw: A spoon helps with scooping ice cream while a straw makes sipping more enjoyable.

Ingredients

To create your own Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, you’ll need:

For the Soda Mixture

2 can (3 cups) Cherry 7-up (or regular 7-up or Sprite)
1 cup Ginger-ale
2 Tablespoons grenadine

For the Float

Vanilla Ice Cream
Cherries and limes (for garnish)

How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Step 1: Mix the Soda Ingredients

In a pitcher, combine the Cherry 7-up, ginger-ale, and grenadine. Stir gently until well mixed.

Step 2: Assemble the Float

In 2-3 glasses or mugs, add 2 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Carefully pour the soda mixture over the ice cream in each glass until full.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top. Finish with cherries for garnish. Insert straws into each glass and enjoy your refreshing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float!

How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Serving a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is all about presentation and fun. This delightful drink is perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. Here are some creative ways to serve this fizzy treat.

Fun Glassware Options

Mason Jars: Use mason jars for a rustic look that adds charm to your float.
Colorful Cups: Brightly colored cups make the drink more appealing, especially for kids.

Garnishing Ideas

Candy Straws: Add a candy straw for an extra sweet touch that kids will love.
Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for added creaminess and flair.

Themed Serving

Retro Style: Serve in vintage soda glasses to enhance the nostalgic vibe of the drink.
Tropical Twist: Add pineapple slices and coconut flakes for a tropical variation of the classic float.

How to Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

To make the best Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, attention to detail is key. Follow these tips to ensure each glass is a delicious masterpiece.

Chill Your Ingredients: Keep the sodas and glasses chilled before serving for an extra refreshing experience.
Layer Your Ingredients: Pour the soda slowly over the ice cream to create beautiful layers.
Use High-Quality Ice Cream: Choose creamy vanilla ice cream for richer flavor and texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Try different sodas like orange or grape for unique twists on the classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Pairing side dishes with your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that complement this sweet treat well.

Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the float.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast; consider strawberries and melon.
Mini Sandwiches: Small sandwiches can provide a savory option alongside your sweet drink.
Popcorn Mix: Sweet and salty popcorn mixes make a fun snack that pairs perfectly.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies are always a favorite and pair nicely with ice cream.
Veggie Sticks with Dip: Crisp veggies help cut through the sweetness while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final treat. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

Using flat soda: Always use fresh, carbonated soda for that fizzy kick. Flat soda will ruin the float’s texture.
Not chilling glasses: Serving in room temperature glasses can make your float warm quickly. Chill glasses in the freezer before use.
Overdoing the grenadine: While grenadine adds sweetness and color, too much can overpower the drink. Stick to 2 tablespoons for balance.
Skipping the lime: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this step; it adds a refreshing twist.
Neglecting garnishes: Cherries and lime slices not only look great but also add flavor. Always garnish your floats for that extra touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Best enjoyed immediately, but you can store any leftover mixture in the fridge for 1 day.
Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and bubbly.

Freezing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Duration: Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the soda and ice cream.
Containers: If you must freeze, use a sturdy container but expect a different taste when thawed.

Reheating Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Oven: Not applicable for drinks; this recipe is served cold.
Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will melt the ice cream and alter the flavor.
Stovetop: Not suitable; serve this float chilled for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float:

What is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

A Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float combines two classic treats—Shirley Temple and ice cream floats—into one delightful dessert, perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other sodas instead of Cherry 7-Up?

Yes! You can use regular 7-Up or Sprite as alternatives. Each will give you a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.

How do I customize my Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

Feel free to mix flavors! Try adding different syrups like raspberry or using flavored ice creams like cherry or vanilla bean for variety.

Is the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This refreshing drink is non-alcoholic and perfect for kids’ parties or family gatherings.

How do I make a larger batch of Shirley Temple Ice Cream Floats?

Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Just remember to keep ratios consistent for flavor balance.

Can I make this float ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the soda mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add ice cream just before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a delightful blend of nostalgia and sweetness, making it an ideal treat for hot summer days or festive gatherings. Its versatility allows for countless customization options, so feel free to experiment with different sodas or ice cream flavors. Don’t hesitate to try this fun recipe!

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