The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a delightful combination of two beloved classics that brings joy to any gathering. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot summer days, birthday parties, or family movie nights. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float will stand out at any occasion.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: In just 5 minutes, you can whip up this delightful treat without any hassle.
Refreshing Flavors: The combination of Cherry 7-up and ginger-ale creates a fizzy, fruity experience that’s hard to resist.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply enjoying at home, this float fits seamlessly into various settings.
Kid-Friendly Fun: This non-alcoholic beverage is suitable for all ages, making it a festive choice for kids’ celebrations.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different sodas or add extra toppings like whipped cream for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pitcher
Glasses or mugs
Spoon or straw

Importance of Each Tool

Pitcher: Makes mixing your drink easy and allows you to serve multiple glasses at once.
Glasses or Mugs: Choose fun glassware to enhance the visual appeal of your float.

Ingredients

Two classics- the Shirley Temple and Ice Cream Float- put together in one sweet dessert treat.

For the Drink

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

For the Topping

Vanilla Ice Cream
Cherries and limes

How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a pitcher, add the Cherry 7-up, ginger-ale, and grenadine.
Stir well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Floats

In 2-3 glasses or mugs, place 2 scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream.
Pour the mixed soda over the ice cream in each glass.

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches

Squeeze some lime juice over each float for extra zest.
Garnish with cherries on top and add straws for easy sipping.

Enjoy your refreshing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float as a perfect treat on warm days!

How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Serving a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is all about creating a delightful experience for your guests. This fun and colorful drink is perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply as a refreshing treat on a hot day. Here are some creative ways to serve this dessert.

Fun Glassware Options

Mason Jars – These rustic jars add a vintage touch and are perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Tall Soda Glasses – Classic soda glasses enhance the retro vibe of this float.
Colorful Cups – Use bright cups to make the drink more appealing, especially for kids.

Garnish Ideas

Fresh Cherries – Top each float with a maraschino cherry for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime adds a zesty twist that complements the sweetness of the float.
Whipped Cream – For an indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Straw Selection

Fun Striped Straws – Use colorful straws to make sipping more enjoyable and festive.
Reusable Straws – Consider eco-friendly options that can be washed and used again.

Themed Parties

Birthday Celebrations – Create a Shirley Temple bar where guests can customize their floats.
Movie Nights – Serve these floats during family movie nights for a nostalgic feel.

How to Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

To achieve the best Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to elevate your dessert.

Chill Your Ingredients – Ensure all liquids are cold before mixing; this keeps the float refreshing and bubbly.
Use Quality Ice Cream – Opt for high-quality vanilla ice cream for rich flavor and creaminess.
Mix Gently – When combining the soda and grenadine, stir gently to keep the carbonation intact.
Layer Creatively – For visual appeal, layer ice cream and soda in alternating sections in the glass.

Best Side Dishes for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Pairing side dishes with your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can enhance the overall experience. Here are some tasty options.

Mini Sandwiches – Small sandwiches filled with ham, cheese, or veggies make great finger food.
Fruit Skewers – Colorful fruit skewers add freshness and balance out the sweetness of the float.
Veggie Platter – Crunchy vegetables with dip offer a healthy contrast to your dessert drink.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
Popcorn – Flavored popcorn (like caramel or cheese) provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with drinks.
Cookies – Serve assorted cookies; they’re easy to grab and enjoy alongside your float.
Brownie Bites – Rich brownie bites are a decadent treat that goes perfectly with ice cream floats.
Pigs in a Blanket – Bite-sized sausages wrapped in pastry are always a hit at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can ruin this classic treat.

Using the wrong soda: Opt for Cherry 7-up or Ginger-ale to achieve the best flavor. Regular sodas lack the unique taste that complements ice cream.
Not chilling glasses: Serve your float in chilled glasses to keep it cold longer. Warm glasses can melt the ice cream quickly.
Overmixing the drink: Mix your soda and grenadine gently. Overmixing can cause excessive fizz and a less appealing texture.
Skipping garnishes: Don’t forget cherries and lime! These add flavor and a beautiful presentation that make your float fun and festive.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Short-term consumption: Store any leftover mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. The ginger-ale will lose its fizz, but the flavor remains.
Use airtight containers: Keep the mixture in a sealed pitcher or container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Avoid freezing floats directly: Freezing this float is not recommended as it will change the texture of the ice cream and soda.
Freeze components separately: If desired, freeze extra vanilla ice cream for future use, but keep drinks separate until serving.

Reheating Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Not applicable: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh. Reheating is unnecessary and would ruin its delightful texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float.

What is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

A Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float combines the fizzy sweetness of a traditional Shirley Temple with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a refreshing dessert drink.

Can I use different flavors of ice cream?

Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can get creative with flavors like cherry, chocolate, or even lemon for unique variations.

How do I make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float non-alcoholic?

This recipe is inherently non-alcoholic, making it perfect for kids and family gatherings. Enjoy it without any modifications!

What snacks pair well with Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?

Serve alongside popcorn, fruit skewers, or mini sandwiches for an enjoyable snack spread at parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a fun and nostalgic dessert that appeals to all ages. Its versatility allows customization with different flavors of ice cream or garnishes. Try this easy recipe at your next gathering for a sweet treat everyone will love!

Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 2

Print Recipe

Description

The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the fizzy sweetness of a Shirley Temple with creamy vanilla ice cream. Ideal for hot summer days, birthday parties, or family movie nights, this refreshing treat is easy to make and visually stunning. With vibrant colors and deliciously fruity flavors from Cherry 7-up and ginger ale, it’s sure to impress guests of all ages. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dessert experience that brings nostalgia to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans (3 cups) Cherry 7-up (or regular 7-up or Sprite)
1 cup ginger ale
2 tablespoons grenadine
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh cherries
Lime wedges for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a pitcher, mix the Cherry 7-up, ginger ale, and grenadine until well combined.
Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass or mug.
Pour the soda mixture over the ice cream in each glass.
Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and garnish with cherries.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American