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Bloody Dirty Shirley Float: Your Spooktacular Adult Halloween Ice Cream Cocktail

Get ready to stir up some frighteningly good fun this Halloween with the Bloody Dirty Shirley Float! This isn’t your childhood Shirley Temple; it’s a grown-up, ghoulishly delightful ice cream cocktail designed to enchant and thrill. Crafted with crisp vodka, creamy vanilla ice cream, bubbly lemon-lime soda, and dramatic syringes of vibrant grenadine “blood,” it promises a truly unforgettable, scary-good time. Perfect for adding a chillingly sweet touch to any Halloween gathering, this float is as visually striking as it is delicious.

The very name, Bloody Dirty Shirley Ice Cream Cocktail, evokes images of a dark, mysterious night, perhaps a scene from a classic horror film. It sounds thrilling, a little dangerous, and utterly perfect for the haunting season of Halloween. While most are familiar with the innocent charm of a classic Shirley Temple – a sweet, non-alcoholic drink that conjures images of wholesome fun – this adult rendition takes a delightful turn towards the macabre.

There’s certainly nothing scary about a traditional Shirley Temple, unless, of course, you’re terrified of hopelessly saccharine child-star movies that tug at your heartstrings so fiercely they leave you weeping on the floor. However, when you transform it into a “Dirty Shirley,” you elevate the experience, moving it firmly into adult territory with the spirited addition of alcohol. And for Halloween, we take it a thrilling step further, making it not just dirty, but downright bloody. This transformation from innocent to sinister makes it the ideal libation for those seeking a spooky yet sophisticated treat.

This post and recipe were specifically conjured up for #HalloweenTreatsWeek! While samples were graciously provided by some sponsor companies, all opinions shared are 100% mine. Please note, this ghoulishly delightful recipe is intended for adults aged 21 and older and does contain alcohol.

As Halloween creeps ever closer, it’s time once again for the much-anticipated #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipe and giveaway event! This yearly blogging extravaganza is hosted by the wonderfully eerie Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. It’s a spine-chilling and haunting week-long celebration, brimming with unbelievably wicked Halloween treats, creative recipes, and some frightfully fun giveaways that are sure to make your spirits soar!

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.”

Unleashing the Bloody Dirty Shirley Float: A Killer Cocktail for Halloween

The journey from a “Shirley Temple” to a “Dirty Shirley” is simple: add a splash of vodka. But to make it a truly spectacular ice cream cocktail, we introduce creamy vanilla ice cream. Then, to earn its evocative name, “Bloody Dirty Shirley,” we enhance the crimson hue with a generous pour of grenadine, deepening that eerie red. So, let out a sigh of relief – there’s absolutely no need to contemplate mixing ice cream with Bloody Mary mix, a thought that might indeed be truly terrifying! If that were the case, we’d probably be concocting a “psycho killer bloody dirty Mary float,” and that’s a horror story for another time! Our Bloody Dirty Shirley Float offers a sweet, fruity, and refreshingly chilling experience that is perfectly suited for the season of spooks, without any of the savory surprises. It’s a delightful concoction that balances sweetness with a playful nod to the macabre, making it an instant hit at any Halloween bash.

An Adult Shirley Temple Reimagined as a Haunting Halloween Cocktail

It’s a quirky historical tidbit: the child actress Shirley Temple herself reportedly detested the drink named after her! Imagine a lifetime of polite suggestions to try “your drink” every time you dined out. It’s almost surprising she didn’t eventually go on a playful, sugar-fueled rampage, perhaps chopping every server who offered her one into tiny bits to garnish her own twisted version of the cocktail. Fortunately, our version, which pushes the adult Shirley Temple well past the point of no return in terms of decadent sweetness and playful presentation, is absolutely killer. And by killer, we mean utterly delicious and dangerously easy to consume!

But a word of caution, my fellow Halloween enthusiasts: these delectable floats go down remarkably easily. Their creamy texture and fruity sweetness mask the alcoholic kick, making it all too tempting to enjoy one too many. You certainly don’t want to find yourself transformed into a zombie-like creature, stumbling around in search of fresh brains (or more likely, your car keys to drive anywhere). Enjoy responsibly, savoring each ghostly sip, and ensure your Halloween fun remains spirited, not stumbling.

Making Your Shirley Temple Float “Bloody” for Halloween

Crafting this Halloween ice cream cocktail is so simple, it’s almost scary! Once you’ve lovingly scooped generous dollops of creamy vanilla ice cream into your chosen mugs or festive glasses, you’ll add the bracing vodka and the effervescent lemon-lime soda. But the real magic, the chilling transformation that makes these floats perfect for any Halloween party (or simply for sipping while you hand out candy to eager trick-or-treaters!), comes with giving them their signature “bloody look.”

The addition of syringes filled with grenadine syrup makes the “bloodying” process not only easy but incredibly fun and interactive. While you certainly don’t *need* them – you could simply pour the grenadine over the top, much like my regular Shirley Temple Floats – these playful syringes undeniably elevate the gore factor! They transform your drink into a truly theatrical, Instagram-worthy Halloween concoction. Plus, imagine the delight of your friends as they get to squirt their own “blood” into their cocktails, customizing their level of creepiness. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact on the overall festive experience.

Sip Responsibly: Drink in Moderation

Despite a potentially heavy pour of alcohol, you might find that the sweetness and creaminess of the float effectively mask the taste of the vodka. This deceptive quality makes it incredibly easy to consume multiple servings without realizing the alcohol content. However, don’t get carried away with the deliciousness, unless you’re aiming for a monstrous headache the next day – the kind that will make you wish you truly were among the undead, numb to all earthly woes. Yes, the effects will creep up on you if you indulge too freely. But at least it’s a sweet, eerie way to go!

Ingredients laid out for a Bloody Dirty Shirley Float: grenadine, vodka, soda, ice cream, cherries, whipped cream

The Simple Ingredients for This Bloody Halloween Cocktail

Forget fighting off vampires or chasing down zombies in search of exotic components! The beauty of this spooky cocktail lies in its simplicity. You’ll likely find most, if not all, of these straightforward ingredients already lurking in your pantry or fridge, ready to be transformed into a terrifyingly tasty treat.

Lemon-Lime Soda: Brands like Sprite or 7Up work perfectly, providing that essential fizz and sweetness.
Vodka: A clear, neutral vodka is ideal, but for an extra layer of flavor, consider cherry vodka or even amaretto for a subtly nutty twist.
Maraschino Cherries: These iconic red cherries add a pop of color and a touch of classic Shirley Temple sweetness.
Grenadine Syrup: The key to our “bloody” effect, this pomegranate-based syrup provides both color and a tart-sweet flavor.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy foundation of our float, choose a good quality vanilla for the best texture and taste.
Whipped Cream: An optional but highly recommended garnish, adding a luxurious cloud-like topping.

How to Assemble Your Bloody Dirty Shirley Ice Cream Cocktail

These hauntingly delicious Halloween cocktails are alarmingly easy to bring to life!

Step One: Prepare Your Glass

Begin by pressing generous scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream into a pint-sized glass or a festive mug. Ensure there’s enough room at the top for the liquids and garnishes.

Step Two: Add the Spirits and Fizz

Carefully pour your chosen vodka and the sparkling lemon-lime soda directly over the ice cream. Watch as the soda creates a delightful fizz and the ice cream begins to melt slightly, ready to mingle with the flavors.

Step Three: Drizzle the “Blood”

Now for the chilling part! Drizzle a generous amount of grenadine syrup over the top of the float. This creates the signature “bloody” streaks and pools, giving your cocktail its wonderfully eerie Halloween appearance. For an even more dramatic effect, consider using a grenadine-filled syringe.

Step Four: Garnish and Serve

Crown your Bloody Dirty Shirley Float with a decadent swirl of whipped cream and a bright red maraschino cherry. For an extra ghoulish touch and interactive fun, serve additional grenadine (or perhaps an extra shot of red cherry vodka for those who dare!) on the side in clean, food-grade syringes. This allows guests to personalize their “blood” levels and adds to the festive, spooky atmosphere.

Love It? Pin It for Later!

Don’t lose your head (or this fantastic recipe!) amidst the Halloween excitement. Make sure to pin these incredible Bloody Dirty Shirley Floats to your favorite Pinterest board before you go, so you can easily conjure them up year after year!

Halloween Treats Week Giveaway

For the 4th annual #HalloweenTreatsWeek event, we’ve gathered 28 hauntingly talented bloggers who are eager to share their favorite Halloween recipes throughout the entire week!

Follow the hashtag #HalloweenTreatsWeek on social media and be sure to check the bottom of each post to discover all the amazing Halloween recipes we’re sharing!

Prize #1 from Dixie Crystals

41 Pieces Silicone Bakeware Set

3 Piece Halloween Silicone Spatula Set

Nordic Ware Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older. All entries will be verified. No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsor to winner, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from October 11th – October 15th at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be selected soon afterward and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 1 (ONE) prize pack and therefore we will have a total of 1 (ONE) winner. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

More Terrifyingly Tasty Treats for Halloween Entertaining

If you’re looking for more inspiration to spook and delight your guests this Halloween, whether for kids or adults, I’m thrilled to share some additional ideas and recipes:

Grasshopper Cocktails: A creamy, minty green adult treat.
Red RUM! Red RUM! Punch: A chillingly good, vibrant red punch perfect for a crowd.
Halloween Double Muddy Buddies: A fun, snackable treat for all ages.
The Best Bloody Mary For Halloween: For those who prefer a savory “bloody” drink.
Pumpkin Pie Bars: A comforting fall dessert to balance the spooky vibes.

In case you missed Monday’s eerie recipe, be sure to check out the incredibly creative Monster Burgers that I shared!

We hope you enjoy your Halloween celebrations to the fullest. May your evening be filled with spooky delights, terrifyingly good treats, and a frighteningly good time!

Check out all of these great #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes for today:

Haunted Mansion Bloody Wedding Cake from Big Bear’s Wife
Frankenstein Cupcakes from Semi Homemade Recipes
Poison Apple Mocktail from Jen Around the World
Graveyard Dirt Cream Puffs from Pint Sized Baker
Halloween Cookies & Cream Cheesecakes from Fresh April Flours
Halloween Cupcakes from Devour Dinner
Halloween Ghost Cake from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Pumpkin Macarons from The Redhead Baker
Monster Burgers from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
Poisoned Apple Hand Pies from Cookaholic Wife
Halloween Nachos from Eat Move Make
Homemade Butterbeer from House of Nash Eats
Baked Pumpkin Donuts from The Flour Handprint
Caramel Apple Sandwich Cookies from Sweet ReciPEAs
Caramel Apple Cupcakes from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Hocus Pocus Spell Book Cupcakes from It’s Shanaka
Halloween Cake Pops from Sweet Beginnings
Deviled Egg Eyeballs from The Spiffy Cookie
Poisoned Apple Macarons from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Pizza Skulls from Lemon Blossoms
Bloody Dirty Shirley Float from An Affair from the Heart
Reese’s Pieces Cookies from Back To My Southern Roots
Oogie Boogie Dark Chocolate Brownies from Savory Moments
Halloween Ghost Kabobs from Our Good Life

Disclaimer: These posts and recipes are part of the week-long event, #HalloweenTreatsWeek, but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like to Thank our amazing brand sponsors: Dixie Crystals, who generously provided a prize pack for our giveaways and also sent some samples and products to the #HalloweenTreatsWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.