Delightful Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float Recipe: A Sweet & Bubbly Treat for All Ages
Transforming the beloved classic Shirley Temple drink into an irresistible ice cream float creates a truly magical experience. This Shirley Temple Float isn’t just a delicious beverage; it’s a visually stunning concoction that captivates with its vibrant colors and playful presentation. Combining creamy vanilla ice cream, effervescent lemon-lime soda, a splash of sweet grenadine, a cloud of whipped cream, and the iconic maraschino cherry, this float is guaranteed to bring smiles to kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect refreshing treat for any occasion, from a casual afternoon delight to a special celebration.
Growing up, some memories are so vivid they taste as sweet as the moment itself. For me, the Shirley Temple drink holds a special place in my heart, evoking nostalgic recollections of cherished Saturday nights at my grandparents’ house. It was a time-honored tradition that my twins now carry on, frequently ordering their own Shirley Temples when we dine out. This simple, non-alcoholic cocktail always felt like a fancy, grown-up drink, made even more special by the thoughtful gesture of my grandparents.
Our Saturday evenings at their home were filled with warmth and laughter. The familiar strains of the Lawrence Welk Show would often greet us upon arrival, a backdrop to the comforting aroma of popcorn freshly popped on the stove. While the adults gathered upstairs, enjoying their Hi-Balls and a game of Pitch, us kids would escape to the basement for spirited rounds of pool or board games. These moments were pure joy, a magical blend of family tradition and innocent fun.
There’s an undeniable charm that a single maraschino cherry adds to any glass, elevating an ordinary drink into something truly extraordinary. As a child, that bright red cherry was the ultimate symbol of a special treat, a tiny jewel that made me feel utterly pampered. My grandparents understood this simple pleasure, and every Shirley Temple they prepared for me was a testament to their love and care, creating memories I cherish to this day. This ice cream float version amplifies that special feeling, turning a cherished drink into an even more indulgent dessert experience.
The Intriguing History of the Shirley Temple Drink
It’s a curious twist of fate that the very celebrity for whom this iconic drink was named, Shirley Temple herself, reportedly had an aversion to it. This little-known fact often gets filed away under “celebrity problems” or “ironic culinary history.” The popular non-alcoholic beverage is said to have been invented by a bartender in Los Angeles, California, during the height of Shirley Temple’s fame as a child movie star. Later in life, she transitioned from a beloved actress to a highly respected and notable ambassador, proving her influence extended far beyond the silver screen.
Despite her adult accomplishments, it seemed people could never quite let the grown-up Shirley move past her child star persona. Everywhere she went, it became a running joke for establishments to serve her a Shirley Temple. While the intention was often lighthearted, she confessed to finding the drink “much too sweet.” This sentiment, from the very person embodying childlike sweetness and charm, is rather amusing!
Indeed, is there truly such a thing as “too sweet”? In a world often craving more joy and delight, perhaps a little extra sweetness is precisely what we need. Shirley Temple, with her dimpled smile and infectious energy, personified sweetness as a child star, captivating audiences worldwide. Her image was synonymous with innocence and charm, which perfectly aligns with the drink’s appeal to children.
Of course, introducing a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream into the mix makes the Shirley Temple even sweeter, transforming it into an irresistible float. When you consider the sheer delight and wider smiles it brings to anyone who sips it, that alone makes this sweet concoction a truly wonderful thing. It’s a treat that transcends generations, offering a simple moment of sugary bliss.
Ice cream floats have always been a personal favorite of mine, a delightful indulgence I happily passed down to my children. From classic root beer floats to creamy orange creamsicle versions, there’s a timeless joy in the combination of bubbly soda and melting ice cream. The first time I decided to surprise my kids with these vibrant Shirley Temple Ice Cream Floats was after school on Valentine’s Day. Their faces lit up with pure delight, making it an instant hit and a new family tradition.
These enchanting Shirley Temple Floats, with their striking red hue and frothy topping, truly make for a fantastic Valentine’s treat, don’t you agree? But they’re not just for holidays; they’re perfect for summer afternoons, birthday parties, or simply to add a touch of sparkle to an ordinary day.
Exciting Variations for Your Shirley Temple Float
While many modern recipes for the classic Shirley Temple now lean towards lemon-lime soda, it’s worth noting that the original formulation traditionally called for ginger ale. Both options create a delicious foundation, but ginger ale offers a slightly spicier, more complex note compared to the brighter, fruitier profile of lemon-lime soda. Feel free to experiment with whichever you prefer, or even keep both on hand for variety!
Beyond these two traditional choices, several other types of soda can work wonderfully in a Shirley Temple Float. For a fruity twist, consider using orange or grape soda. These will alter the classic flavor profile but can be surprisingly delicious, especially if you enjoy those fruit flavors. If you’re looking to intensify the cherry notes, any cherry-flavored soda will truly put an “extra cherry on top” of this already delightful drink, making it a double cherry delight!
A note of caution: if you opt for cola as your soda of choice, while it will result in a tasty cherry cola float, you wouldn’t typically call it a Shirley Temple Float. This variation traditionally goes by a different name: the Roy Rogers Float. The Roy Rogers is essentially the male counterpart to the Shirley Temple, distinguished by its use of cola instead of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. It’s a fun fact for cocktail enthusiasts!
However, for truly capturing the iconic visual appeal of the Shirley Temple, clear sodas like lemon-lime or ginger ale remain the best choice. Their transparency allows the brilliant red of the grenadine and maraschino cherries to truly shine through, creating that vibrant, magical swirl of color that makes this float so appealing. The visual spectacle is part of the experience, after all.
How to Craft the Perfect Shirley Temple Float
Creating a Shirley Temple Float is delightfully simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort for maximum enjoyment. The key is in the layering, which not only looks beautiful but also allows the flavors to meld perfectly as you sip.
To begin, select a tall, clear glass – a pint-sized glass or even a milkshake glass works wonderfully to showcase the vibrant colors. Carefully scoop three generous balls of creamy vanilla ice cream into the glass, pressing them down gently to create a solid base. Next, slowly and steadily pour about half a can of lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale) over the ice cream. Pouring slowly helps to prevent excessive fizz and allows the soda to gently cascade around the scoops, creating those lovely pockets where the grenadine will later settle.
Once the soda is in, it’s time for the magical touch of grenadine. Drizzle about one and a half tablespoons of grenadine syrup over the top of the ice cream and soda. Watch as the rich red syrup elegantly slides down through the grooves of the melting ice cream and swirls into the bubbly soda, creating a mesmerizing, ruby-red effect throughout the drink.
To finish off this sweet masterpiece, crown your float with a generous swirl of whipped cream. This adds another layer of creamy indulgence. And, of course, no Shirley Temple is complete without its signature garnish: place one or two vibrant maraschino cherries right on top of the whipped cream, adding that final pop of color and a touch of classic charm. Serve immediately with a long spoon and a straw, and prepare for pure delight!
Love Them? Pin Them!
If these enchanting Shirley Temple Floats have captured your heart, be sure to pin them to your favorite Pinterest board! This way, you’ll have instant access to this delightful recipe whenever the craving strikes or you’re planning a fun gathering.
You’ll find a convenient printable recipe card with all the details at the bottom of this post, making it easy to keep on hand in your kitchen.
The Adult Version of the Shirley Temple – The Dirty Shirley
While the Shirley Temple is undeniably a fantastic “kid’s cocktail” – a term that might not sound perfectly politically correct by today’s standards, but was certainly appropriate for the era in which it was conceived – there’s no reason adults can’t enjoy a spirited twist! For those in the room seeking an adult-friendly version, the “Dirty Shirley” is a real, and increasingly popular, option.
Ordering a Dirty Shirley, or the sophisticated grown-up iteration of the classic Shirley Temple, has become a genuine trend at bars and restaurants. There are a couple of popular renditions, both sharing the delightful, nostalgic essence of the original with an alcoholic kick. Typically, a Dirty Shirley uses a clear soda base, such as lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, but ginger beer can also be employed for a more pronounced spicy note. To this, grenadine is added for its signature color and sweetness, followed by a shot of vodka. For an extra boost of cherry flavor, some variations even opt for cherry vodka, intensifying the fruity notes.
Garnish your Dirty Shirley with fresh lime wedges and, of course, those iconic maraschino cherries. Raise your glass and toast to that legendary childhood star, Shirley Temple herself, enjoying a grown-up version of her namesake drink!
Indulge in a Dirty Shirley Float
Who says grown-ups can’t revel in the joyous combination of ice cream and cocktails? This delightful Shirley Temple Float can be effortlessly transformed into a luscious, blended ice cream cocktail, reminiscent of other creamy adult beverages like a classic Pink Squirrel or a refreshing Grown-Up Orange Julius.
To create your own Dirty Shirley Float, simply combine your preferred clear soda (lemon-lime or ginger ale), grenadine, a generous shot of vodka (or cherry vodka for enhanced flavor), and a few scoops of vanilla ice cream into a blender. Give it a good whirl until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Pour this decadent blend into a chilled glass, then garnish with a swirl of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry on top. It’s an exquisitely fun and boozy treat that brings a touch of nostalgic indulgence to any adult gathering.
Creative Recipes Utilizing Maraschino Cherries
Wondering what else to do with that jar of vibrant maraschino cherries after you’ve made your floats? You’re in luck! Beyond simply eating them straight from the jar (which is perfectly acceptable, of course!), these cheerful cherries have a surprisingly long shelf life and can be incorporated into a multitude of fun and delicious recipes. They’re fantastic for adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, whether as a garnish or an integral ingredient. Here are some other exciting ways to “add a cherry on top” – or even on the inside – of your culinary creations:
- Pink Squirrel Cocktail (perfectly pictured above for inspiration)
- Fried Ice Cream Pie (a delicious dessert that benefits from a cherry garnish)
- Cherry Cheese Bread (a unique and delightful sweet bread)
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies (adds a sweet, fruity contrast)
- Space Pop Cocktail (for another fun, themed drink)
- Hurricane Fresh Fruit Salad (enhances the sweetness and color of a fruit medley)
So, go ahead and surprise the kids with these fun, festive Shirley Temple Floats soon! They’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. And why stop there? Heck – make one for yourself, too! Whether you prefer it with or without a splash of alcohol, there’s absolutely no judgment here. Everyone deserves a little sweet, bubbly joy in their day!
Now, let’s dive right into the easy and enjoyable Shirley Temple Float recipe below! 
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Print Recipe
Shirley Temple Float
Ingredients
- 1/2 can Lemon-Lime Soda like Sprite or 7Up, chilled
- 1-2 Maraschino Cherries for garnish
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Grenadine Syrup
- 3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- Whipped Cream for topping
Instructions
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Gently press three scoops of vanilla ice cream into a pint-sized glass.
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Slowly pour about 1/2 can of chilled lemon-lime soda over the ice cream, being careful not to over-fizz.
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Drizzle the grenadine syrup evenly over the top, letting it seep into the ice cream and soda.
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Crown your float with a generous swirl of whipped cream and finish with a bright red maraschino cherry on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally shared on February 2, 2015. It has been thoroughly updated to enhance user experience, improve SEO, and expand the content for reshare on June 15, 2020.