First of all—thank you for stopping by! I’m genuinely so excited to share this one with you. If you’ve ever sipped on a Shirley Temple and thought, “Wow, this could only get better if it were a dessert…” then get ready. Because this Shirley Float takes everything you love about the iconic drink and turns it into a bubbly, creamy, ice cream dream.
I made these on a whim for a weekend movie night, and let me tell you—it was instant joy. That fizzy soda meets smooth vanilla ice cream? Pure magic. And with a cherry on top? Nostalgia in a glass.
This Shirley Float is a playful spin on the classic Shirley Temple. Think fizzy lemon-lime soda, sweet grenadine syrup, and scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream—all topped with whipped cream and a cherry. It’s part drink, part dessert, and 100% fun!
Ingredients
- 2–3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1 cup Lemon-Lime Soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- 2 tbsp Grenadine Syrup
- Whipped Cream (optional, for topping)
- Maraschino Cherries (for garnish)
- Ice Cubes (optional, for extra chill)
- Red & White Striped Straw (optional but so cute!)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glass
Start with a tall glass. Add a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold.
2. Pour in the Soda
Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda into the glass, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top.
3. Add the Grenadine
Drizzle the grenadine syrup into the soda and stir gently. Watch that beautiful blush-pink swirl come to life!
4. Scoop in the Ice Cream
Carefully drop in 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream. The soda will fizz and bubble—don’t worry, that’s the fun part!
5. Top It Off
Add a generous swirl of whipped cream (if using), then drop a maraschino cherry on top.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Add a fun striped straw and serve immediately. Stir gently before sipping for the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fizzy!
Notes
- Want it extra sweet? Add an extra splash of grenadine or a second cherry.
- Use chilled soda for the best fizz and texture!
- Try it with cherry ice cream or even orange sherbet for a fruity twist.
Helpful Tips
- Want to make a party bar? Set out different sodas, ice creams, and toppings and let guests build their own floats!
- Add a splash of cherry juice from the maraschino jar for an extra hit of color and sweetness.
- Use mini glasses for a fun, kid-sized portion or float flight.
Conservation and Storage
This float is meant to be served immediately, but you can prep your glasses with soda and grenadine ahead of time and add the ice cream just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Strawberry Float: Use strawberry soda and strawberry syrup instead of lemon-lime and grenadine.
Creamsicle Float: Swap in orange soda for a nostalgic creamsicle flavor!
Vegan Version: Use plant-based ice cream and a vegan whipped topping.
Storage Instructions
No storage needed—just mix and sip! If needed, refrigerate pre-mixed soda and grenadine for up to a few hours, and scoop in the ice cream when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without soda?
You can! Use sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice and a bit more grenadine for a less sweet but still fizzy version.
What’s the best ice cream to use?
Classic vanilla works best, but French vanilla or cherry vanilla add extra richness and flavor.
Can I make this in bulk for a party?
Yes! Pre-mix soda and grenadine in a large pitcher, then scoop in ice cream to each glass when serving.
Conclusion
The Shirley Float is a bubbly, creamy delight that brings smiles every single time. It’s nostalgic, a little over-the-top (in the best way), and honestly? A total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving up fun for a kids’ party or just treating yourself to something sweet and sparkly, this float is sure to hit the spot.
Tried it? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest and show off your soda shop masterpiece! #ShirleyFloatMagic
More Sweet Sips You’ll Love:
- Root Beer Float Ice Cream Sundaes
- Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake
- Birthday Cake Milkshake
- Sparkling Lemonade Float
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 float
Category: Drinks / Dessert
Method: Assembled
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: shirley temple float, ice cream soda, kid-friendly drinks, soda shop desserts, fizzy float recipe
Video URL: Coming soon!
Equipment
- Tall glass
- Ice cream scoop
- Spoon or straw
- Small spoon for grenadine
- Optional: whipped cream canister or piping bag
Nutrition (Approximate per float)
Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Shirley Float
Description
This Shirley Float is a playful spin on the classic Shirley Temple. Think fizzy lemon-lime soda, sweet grenadine syrup, and scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream—all topped with whipped cream and a cherry. It’s part drink, part dessert, and 100% fun!
Ingredients
2–3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream 🍦
1 cup Lemon-Lime Soda (like Sprite or 7UP) 🥤
2 tbsp Grenadine Syrup 🍒
Whipped Cream (optional, for topping)
Maraschino Cherries (for garnish) 🍒
Ice Cubes (optional, for extra chill)
Red & White Striped Straw (optional but so cute!) 🎀
Instructions
Start with a tall glass. Add a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold.
Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda into the glass, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top.
Drizzle the grenadine syrup into the soda and stir gently. Watch that beautiful blush-pink swirl come to life!
Carefully drop in 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream. The soda will fizz and bubble—don’t worry, that’s the fun part!
Add a generous swirl of whipped cream (if using), then drop a maraschino cherry on top.
Add a fun striped straw and serve immediately. Stir gently before sipping for the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fizzy!
Notes
Want it extra sweet? Add an extra splash of grenadine or a second cherry.
Use chilled soda for the best fizz and texture!
Try it with cherry ice cream or even orange sherbet for a fruity twist.