Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float: A Fizzy, Creamy Classic with a Cherry on Top
If you love nostalgic soda fountain treats, the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Sweet, bubbly, creamy, and topped with a bright red cherry, this playful dessert drink blends the iconic Shirley Temple soda with luscious vanilla ice cream.
Perfect for birthday parties, summer gatherings, baby showers, or simply a fun weekend treat, this cherry soda float recipe is both refreshing and comforting. It delivers that classic soda fountain charm while being incredibly easy to prepare at home.
With just a few simple ingredients and five minutes of prep time, you can create a vibrant, non alcoholic party float that delights kids and adults alike.
What Is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
A traditional Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic drink made with lemon-lime soda and grenadine, topped with a maraschino cherry. It’s sweet, bubbly, and bright red — a favorite for celebrations.
By adding creamy vanilla ice cream, you transform this fizzy drink into a rich, dessert-style float. The ice cream slowly melts into the soda, creating a silky, creamy foam that blends beautifully with the fruity sweetness of grenadine.
The result? A classic soda fountain dessert that’s fun, flavorful, and visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Soda Float Recipe
This Shirley Temple ice cream float stands out for many reasons:
- Quick and easy to make
- No cooking required
- Family-friendly and alcohol-free
- Visually vibrant and party-ready
- Customizable for any occasion
- Nostalgic yet timeless
It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brings smiles.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this refreshing float:
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice cubes (optional, for extra chill)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glass
Choose a tall soda glass or milkshake glass. If desired, add a few ice cubes to keep the drink extra cold.
2. Add the Grenadine
Pour grenadine syrup into the bottom of the glass. This creates the signature bright red base.
3. Pour the Soda
Slowly add chilled lemon-lime soda over the grenadine. The syrup will swirl upward, creating a beautiful layered effect.
4. Add the Ice Cream
Gently place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into the soda. The soda will fizz and foam slightly — that’s part of the magic!
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour grenadine into tall glass.
- Add chilled lemon-lime soda.
- Gently add vanilla ice cream scoops.
- Top with whipped cream and cherries. Serve immediately.
Notes
The Perfect Flavor Balance
This vanilla ice cream float offers:
- Bright citrus fizz from lemon-lime soda
- Sweet cherry depth from grenadine
- Creamy richness from vanilla ice cream
- A light foam texture as it blends
The sweetness is balanced by the carbonation, making it refreshing rather than overly heavy.
Tips for the Best Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Use Very Cold Soda: Warm soda reduces fizz and makes the float less refreshing.
- Add Ice Cream Slowly: Prevent overflow by gently lowering scoops into the glass.
- Serve Immediately: Floats are best enjoyed fresh.
- Chill the Glass: For extra presentation points, chill the serving glass beforehand.
Creative Variations
This non alcoholic party float is highly customizable.
Strawberry Temple Float
Replace grenadine with strawberry syrup for a lighter berry flavor.
Cream Soda Twist
Use cream soda instead of lemon-lime soda for extra vanilla depth.
Tropical Version
Add a splash of pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Cherry Float
Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream before serving.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
This classic soda fountain dessert fits beautifully into:
- Birthday parties
- Summer barbecues
- Holiday gatherings
- Baby showers
- Movie nights
- Retro-themed events
It’s also a fun after-school treat that feels special without being complicated.
Fun Presentation Ideas
- Use striped paper straws for a retro look
- Add colorful sprinkles over whipped cream
- Serve in mason jars for casual gatherings
- Create a DIY float bar with different syrups
Guests love customizing their own drinks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Floats are best assembled right before serving. However, you can:
- Pre-scoop ice cream onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze
- Chill glasses in advance
- Pre-measure grenadine into serving glasses
Then assemble quickly when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Can I use club soda?
You can, but lemon-lime soda provides the classic sweetness.
Is this drink very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced by carbonation and creamy ice cream.
Why This Float Never Goes Out of Style
The Shirley Temple ice cream float captures pure joy in a glass. The bright red syrup, creamy white ice cream, and fizzy bubbles create a playful dessert that feels celebratory.
It’s simple. It’s nostalgic. It’s universally loved.
Sometimes the best treats are the easiest — and this cherry soda float recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something memorable.
One sip and spoonful at a time, this non alcoholic party float delivers sweet, creamy, bubbly perfection.
