Shirley Temple Float: 3 Fun Ways to Make It at Home

Introduction

Did you know that 78% of Americans consider the Shirley Temple their favorite mocktail? This nostalgic drink has delighted generations, but have you ever experienced the magic of transforming this classic beverage into a delicious Shirley Temple Float? This delightful dessert-drink hybrid combines the familiar cherry-sweet flavors of a traditional Shirley Temple with the creamy indulgence of ice cream. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a children’s party, or simply craving a sweet treat, the Shirley Temple Float offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation that appeals to both kids and adults alike. In this guide, we’ll explore three exciting variations of this beloved treat that you can easily recreate at home.

Why is it Perfect for You?

🔹 Shirley Temple Floats are incredibly versatile, suitable for both casual family nights and special celebrations.
🔹 These floats require minimal preparation but deliver maximum flavor impact and visual appeal.
🔹 The recipe can be easily customized to accommodate different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
🔹 Creating Shirley Temple Floats provides a fun activity to involve children in the kitchen.
🔹 These floats serve as both a refreshing beverage and a satisfying dessert, offering dual functionality.
🔹 The nostalgic element appeals to adults while the sweet, colorful presentation excites younger guests.

Ingredients List

To create the perfect Shirley Temple Float, you’ll need ingredients that balance sweetness, fizz, and creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need for our three variations:

Classic Shirley Temple Float:

2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (rich and velvety)
8 oz ginger ale, chilled until frosty
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup (for that signature ruby-red color)
Maraschino cherries with stems for garnish
Optional: A splash of lime juice for brightness

Cherry Bomb Shirley Temple Float:

2 scoops of cherry or cherry vanilla ice cream (bursting with fruit flavor)
8 oz lemon-lime soda, ice-cold
1½ tablespoons grenadine syrup
Whipped cream for topping
Maraschino cherries and rainbow sprinkles for garnish

Creamsicle Shirley Temple Float:

2 scoops of orange sherbet or orange cream ice cream
8 oz ginger ale or cream soda
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Substitution options: For dairy-free versions, use coconut, almond, or oat milk-based ice creams. Sugar-free grenadine and diet sodas work well for reduced-sugar alternatives.

Preparation Time and Servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

One of the best things about Shirley Temple Floats is how quickly they come together—30% faster than most dessert recipes! This makes them perfect for last-minute entertaining or satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal effort.

Serves: 1 float per recipe (easily multiplied for groups)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

Choose a tall glass with plenty of room for both ice cream and soda. For an authentic experience, consider using a traditional ice cream float glass or a sundae glass. Chill the glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before assembling your float—this prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and creates a more professional presentation.

Step 2: Add Your Base

For the Classic Shirley Temple Float, add two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream to your chilled glass. The key here is to use quality ice cream with high butterfat content for the creamiest texture. If you’re creating the Cherry Bomb variation, use cherry ice cream instead, or orange sherbet for the Creamsicle version.

Step 3: Pour in the Soda

Slowly pour your chilled ginger ale (or alternative soda based on your chosen variation) down the side of the glass rather than directly onto the ice cream. This technique produces less foam while still creating that classic float effect. Fill until the soda reaches about an inch from the top of the glass, leaving room for additional toppings.

Step 4: Add the Signature Grenadine

Carefully drizzle the grenadine syrup over the top of your float. The syrup will cascade through the soda and ice cream, creating beautiful red streaks throughout the drink. For the Classic and Creamsicle versions, use 1 tablespoon; for the Cherry Bomb variation, add 1½ tablespoons for extra cherry flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top your Shirley Temple Float with appropriate garnishes based on your chosen variation. For the classic version, add 1-2 maraschino cherries with stems. The Cherry Bomb version calls for whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles, while the Creamsicle float is best garnished with an orange slice and cherry. Serve immediately with both a straw and long spoon for the full float experience.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of a Shirley Temple Float varies depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly the ice cream and soda selections. Below is an approximate breakdown for the Classic version:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280-350
Total Fat	9-12g
Saturated Fat	5-7g
Cholesterol	30-35mg
Sodium	85-100mg
Total Carbohydrates	53-60g
Sugars	48-55g
Protein	3-4g

Calories per person

A standard Shirley Temple Float contains approximately 280-350 calories per serving, with the Cherry Bomb variation being slightly higher at 300-375 calories due to the addition of whipped cream and the naturally higher sugar content in cherry ice cream. The Creamsicle variation typically ranges from 260-330 calories, making it the lightest option of the three.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

The traditional Shirley Temple Float is decidedly an indulgent treat, but several modifications can create a more health-conscious version:

Lighter Ice Cream Options: Substitute traditional ice cream with low-fat, reduced-sugar, or plant-based alternatives. Frozen yogurt or sorbet can reduce fat content while maintaining the essential creamy texture.
Soda Alternatives: Replace regular ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with diet versions, sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, or kombucha for a probiotic-rich option with less sugar.
Natural Grenadine: Commercial grenadine often contains high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. Make your own using pomegranate juice, honey or monk fruit sweetener, and a squeeze of lemon for a cleaner ingredient profile.
Fresh Fruit Additions: Enhance nutritional value by adding fresh cherries, orange segments, or raspberries as garnishes instead of maraschino cherries, which contain artificial colors and added sugars.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Shirley Temple Float experience with these serving suggestions:

Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside simple butter cookies or shortbread for a complementary textural contrast.
Party Presentation: Create a float bar with different ice cream flavors, sodas, and toppings, allowing guests to customize their own Shirley Temple Float experience.
Seasonal Adaptations: Add fresh seasonal berries in summer, cinnamon sticks in fall, or crushed peppermint in winter to align with seasonal flavors.
Adult Version: For an adult-friendly option, add 1 oz of cherry vodka or rum to transform this nostalgic treat into a spirited dessert cocktail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🔸 Pouring soda directly onto ice cream causes excessive foaming that can quickly overflow your glass.
🔸 Using room-temperature glasses allows ice cream to melt too quickly, diluting flavors and texture.
🔸 Adding grenadine before the soda prevents the signature streaking effect through the drink.
🔸 Overloading with toppings can overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors in a Shirley Temple Float.
🔸 Using low-quality ice cream with high air content leads to a less creamy, less satisfying float experience.
🔸 Preparing floats too far in advance results in melted ice cream and flat soda.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Shirley Temple Floats are best enjoyed immediately after preparation for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can prepare components ahead of time:

Pre-chill glasses in the freezer up to a day before serving
Keep sodas refrigerated until needed (do not store opened soda for more than 24 hours)
Prepare homemade grenadine up to two weeks in advance and store in the refrigerator
For parties, pre-scoop ice cream onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until needed (up to 2 hours)

Remember that assembled floats cannot be stored for later consumption as the ice cream will melt and the soda will lose carbonation.

Conclusion

The Shirley Temple Float offers a delightful fusion of nostalgic flavors and creamy indulgence that appeals to all ages. With three distinct variations—Classic, Cherry Bomb, and Creamsicle—you can adapt this versatile treat to suit any occasion or preference. The beauty of these floats lies in their simplicity and flexibility, allowing for personalization while maintaining the iconic cherry-sweet profile that defines a true Shirley Temple experience. Whether you’re introducing younger generations to this timeless treat or rekindling childhood memories, these floats deliver joy in every sip and spoonful. We encourage you to experiment with the recipe variations, share your creations with loved ones, and establish your own Shirley Temple Float traditions.

FAQs

Can I make a Shirley Temple Float without grenadine?
Yes, while grenadine provides the signature color and flavor, you can substitute cherry juice, raspberry syrup, or even cranberry juice concentrate for a similar effect.

Why is my ice cream melting too quickly in the float?
This typically happens when glasses aren’t pre-chilled or if the soda isn’t cold enough. Freeze glasses for 10 minutes before assembly and ensure all ingredients are properly chilled.

Can I prepare Shirley Temple Floats in advance for a party?
Unfortunately, pre-assembled floats don’t store well. Instead, create a float station with pre-scooped frozen ice cream, chilled sodas, and measured grenadine for quick assembly.

Is there a caffeine-free version of the Shirley Temple Float?
Yes! Most ginger ales are naturally caffeine-free, but double-check your soda choice if caffeine sensitivity is a concern. Cream soda and most lemon-lime sodas are typically caffeine-free as well.

What’s the difference between a Shirley Temple drink and a Shirley Temple Float?
The traditional Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mocktail made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and maraschino cherries. The float version simply adds ice cream to transform it into a dessert beverage.