A creamy, fizzy twist on the beloved classic — the ultimate summer treat!
If you love a classic Shirley Temple, just wait until you try it as an ice cream float. This Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float takes everything we adore about the iconic pink drink and turns it into a creamy, dreamy dessert you can sip through a straw.
Made with just four simple ingredients and zero fancy equipment, this float is sweet, slightly tart, bubbly, refreshing, and irresistibly smooth. It’s like a root beer float’s vibrant cousin — bright, fruity, and perfect for hot summer days.
And the best part? You can make it in under 5 minutes.
Want a grown-up version? Turn it into a Dirty Shirley Ice Cream Float with a splash of your favorite spirit.
✨ What Makes This Float So Special?
The traditional Shirley Temple is a nostalgic combination of lemon-lime soda and grenadine. In this version, we elevate it with creamy vanilla ice cream, transforming it into a fizzy dessert drink that feels both playful and indulgent.
The bubbly soda, sweet pomegranate syrup, and rich ice cream melt together into a texture that’s almost milkshake-like — but without needing a blender.
It’s fun. It’s easy. It’s summer in a glass.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Just 4 simple ingredients (plus optional garnishes):
- 2 ½ cups lemon-lime soda, chilled (such as 7UP or Sprite)
- 1 cup ginger ale, chilled
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Optional Garnishes
- Maraschino cherries
- Lime slices
- Whipped cream
🥤 How to Make a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- In a pitcher, stir together the lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and grenadine.
- Divide the vanilla ice cream scoops between two tall glasses.
- Slowly pour the Shirley Temple mixture over the ice cream.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately with fun straws and enjoy!
That’s it — no blender, no shaking, no complicated steps.
💡 Tips & Variations
Adjust the Ice Cream
Depending on the size of your glass, you can add more or fewer scoops for your preferred creaminess.
Swap the Grenadine
Out of grenadine? Maraschino cherry juice works as a simple substitute.
Make It More Citrusy
Add 1–2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice for extra zing.
Make It Boozy (Dirty Shirley Float)
For an adult twist:
- Add 1 tablespoon amaretto
- Replace ½ cup of lemon-lime soda with vodka
Instant grown-up summer dessert cocktail!
🍧 Serving Ideas
- Top with homemade whipped cream
- Serve in tall fountain glasses for a retro vibe
- Add colorful paper straws for parties
- Perfect for BBQs, birthdays, or poolside lounging
Since this is an ice-cream-forward drink, it’s best enjoyed immediately while cold and frothy.
☀️ Why You’ll Love It
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Kid-friendly (or adult-friendly!)
- No special tools required
- Perfect balance of creamy + fizzy
- Gorgeous pink presentation
🍹 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 488
- Carbohydrates: 86g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 78g
💬 Final Thoughts
This Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is nostalgic, fun, and surprisingly indulgent. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without requiring any effort — the kind you’ll make again and again all summer long.