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Oh, how I loved Shirley Temples as a kid—that gorgeous pink cherry syrup swirling into bubbly lemon-lime soda, always topped with a maraschino cherry like a tiny red jewel. When I had my own kids, I knew I had to recreate that magic, but with an extra splash of fun. Enter the Shirley Temple float—my family’s favorite twist on the classic mocktail. It’s everything you love about the original, but with a big, melty scoop of vanilla ice cream plopped right on top. Trust me, hearing my kids gasp “Whoa!” when I bring these fizzy, creamy floats to backyard BBQs never gets old. Now it’s our go-to birthday party treat, sleepover surprise, and even my guilty pleasure when I want a nostalgic sip of childhood (minus the alcohol, of course).
Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Float
Listen, I get it—kids bounce off the walls, adults need something refreshing, and nobody has time for complicated recipes. That’s why this Shirley Temple float is my secret weapon. Here’s why it’s a total win:
- 5-minute magic: Seriously, it’s faster than waiting for takeout. Lemon-lime soda, a splash of grenadine, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream—boom, done.
- Kid-approved (parent-approved too!): The smile on their faces when they see this cherry lime float arrive? Priceless. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so everyone can sip happily.
- Party hero: Double, triple, or multiply like crazy for a crowd—this mocktail float turns into an instant pitcher-friendly punch with zero fuss.
- Play with it: Rainbow sprinkles, extra cherries, or even swapping in orange sherbet makes it your own. Trust me, the giggles when you add “unicorn glitter” (aka sprinkles) are worth it.
Basically? It’s nostalgia in a glass with a creamy, dreamy upgrade. And who can resist that?
Shirley Temple Float Ingredients
Here’s the beautiful part—you only need 4 simple ingredients to create this fizzy, creamy delight. I always keep these staples on hand for last-minute treats (because surprise playdates happen, right?).
- 1 cup chilled lemon-lime soda: Sprite or 7-Up works perfectly, but make sure it’s ice-cold for maximum fizz.
- 2 tablespoons grenadine: That vibrant red syrup is the heart of any Shirley Temple. My kids call it “magic potion.”
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (about 1/2 cup): The richer the better—it melts into the soda creating that dreamy float texture.
- 2-3 maraschino cherries with stems: For garnishing and that essential nostalgic touch. Extra stems means less sticky fingers—parenting win!
See? No fancy grocery runs needed. Even better—this recipe scales up effortlessly for parties. Just multiply everything by 8 and grab a big pitcher when you’re hosting.
How to Make a Shirley Temple Float
Okay, here’s the fun part—let’s make that fizzy, creamy magic happen! This is so easy, my 8-year-old can practically do it solo (with minimal sticky mess, I promise). Follow these simple steps:
- Pour the soda first: Grab a tall glass—nothing fancy, even a mason jar works—and fill it about ¾ full with ice-cold lemon-lime soda. Tip: Chill the glass beforehand for extra frosty sips.
- Add the grenadine: Now drizzle in that gorgeous red syrup. Don’t stir yet! Just let it sink slowly—it creates those dreamy pink swirls kids go nuts for.
- Ice cream time: Gently plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. Watch it start to melt into the soda—that’s when the float magic begins.
- Garnish & serve: Drop in 2-3 cherries (with stems for easy grabbing) and maybe a quick swirl with a spoon—just don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the fizz. Serve immediately with a silly straw!
Total time? Maybe 3 minutes if you’re slow. The hardest part is waiting for someone to say “Wow, you made this?!”
Tips for the Perfect Shirley Temple Float
After making roughly a zillion of these (okay, maybe a hundred), here are my foolproof tricks:
- Chill everything: Cold glasses + cold soda = less melt-y mess. I stash glasses in the freezer 10 minutes before.
- Swap the soda: Ginger ale adds a fun zing, or try sparkling lemonade for extra tartness.
- Sprinkle party: Toss rainbow sprinkles on top—instant kid magic. They’ll think you’re a dessert wizard.
- Slow pour: Add grenadine along the glass edge to prevent sudden fizz explosions. Learned this after cleaning my ceiling once—trust me.
Shirley Temple Float Party Punch Version
Sometimes, one Shirley Temple float just isn’t enough—like when the whole neighborhood descends on your backyard or you’re hosting a birthday party. That’s when I break out the party punch version! Here’s my tried-and-true scaling trick: multiply everything by 8 (so, 8 cups soda, 1 cup grenadine) and mix it in a giant pitcher. But—here’s the key—wait to add the ice cream until right before serving. Just plop a scoop into each glass, then pour the punch over it. The soda stays fizzy, the ice cream gets delightfully melty, and suddenly, you’re the hero of meal planning for parties. Pro tip? Use a 2-quart pitcher and keep extra soda chilled nearby for refills. And if you really want cheers, float a few extra cherries on top—instant festive vibes!
Shirley Temple Float Variations
Listen, I’m all about keeping things fun and flexible in the kitchen—especially with kid-friendly recipes like this cherry lime float. Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when we’re feeling adventurous (or just cleaning out the pantry!):
- Sherbet surprise: Swap vanilla ice cream for orange or rainbow sherbet. The citrusy zing plays so nicely with the grenadine—it’s like sunshine in a glass!
- Soda switcheroo: Try cream soda for extra vanilla richness, or lime-flavored soda to amp up that “cherry lime float” vibe. My kids call this version the “Tropical Temple.”
- Whipped wonder: Top with a big dollop of alcohol-free whipped cream and extra cherries. It’s basically a dessert pretending to be a drink—and we’re all for it.
Honestly? Half the fun is seeing what combo makes your crew cheer loudest. My rule: if it’s pink, fizzy, and comes with a cherry on top—you’re winning.
Shirley Temple Float FAQs
Let’s tackle those bubbly questions floating around your mind—I’ve heard ’em all after years of making these for my kids’ sleepovers and summer parties!
Can I make Shirley Temple floats ahead of time?
Oh honey, no—learned this the hard way at my niece’s birthday. The soda goes flat, the ice cream melts into soup, and the magic disappears. Assemble these right before serving. My trick? Prep a “float station” with chilled glasses, ice cream scoop ready, and garnishes lined up—kids love customizing their own!
Is grenadine alcoholic?
Nope! Standard grenadine is just pomegranate syrup with sugar and a hint of citrus (though check labels if you’re wary—some fancy brands add floral waters). It’s why this mocktail float gets my mom stamp of approval. We keep a bottle next to the sprinkles for impromptu “fancy drink” nights.
What’s the best vanilla ice cream brand?
Truth? Whatever’s in your freezer! I’ve used cheap vanilla swirl, premium custard-style, even homemade—all work. But between us, extra-creamy versions melt slower, creating that dreamy “cream soda” effect my kids fight over. My current fave: Tillamook’s Old-Fashioned. (Bonus tip: slightly softened ice cream sinks more dramatically—great for “volcano floats!”)
Can I skip the cherries?
Sure, but it’s like cupcakes without sprinkles—still tasty, just missing some joy! If allergies are a concern, try raspberries or strawberry slices. Once, in a pinch, I used gummy worms as “float monsters”—instant legend status with the 8-year-old crowd.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s keep it real—this Shirley Temple float is a treat, not a green smoothie. Nutritional stats will vary based on your soda and ice cream brands, but per serving, you’re looking at roughly 250 calories and 35g of sugar (thanks to that luscious grenadine and melty vanilla goodness). If you’re diving into weight loss programs or watching sugar intake, maybe split one float between two straws—or just enjoy every fizzy sip guilt-free at your next pool party. Life’s too short not to slurp up a little nostalgia now and then!
More Kid-Friendly Recipes to Try
If your crew goes nuts for this Shirley Temple float (trust me, I get it), wait till you see their faces when you whip up these other foolproof favorites from my kitchen. Try my Rocket Pop Mocktails—layered blue raspberry, lemon, and cherry soda that look like fireworks in a glass. Or go classic with Root Beer Floats using homemade vanilla bean ice cream—extra napkins required. For non-drinkable treats, these No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Cups disappear faster than I can say “seconds please!”
PrintShirley Temple Float
A kid-friendly mocktail float with lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and vanilla ice cream. Perfect for parties.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 2 tbsp grenadine
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Pour lemon-lime soda into a tall glass.
- Add grenadine and stir gently.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Notes
- For a party punch version, multiply the ingredients and serve in a large pitcher.
- Use rainbow sprinkles for extra fun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 20