This Easy Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a fun and bubbly treat! With creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet ginger ale, and a splash of cherry syrup, it’s perfect for a hot day or any celebration.
I love how the ice cream melts into the fizzy drink, making every sip extra sweet. Just pop in a cherry on top, and you’ve got a winner! 🍒 Who doesn’t enjoy a tasty drink that looks as good as it tastes?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda: Both give that fizzy kick! I usually prefer ginger ale for a spicier flavor, but if you want something sweeter, go with lemon-lime soda. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, both are great choices.
Grenadine Syrup: This gives the float its classic cherry flavor and beautiful pink hue. You can substitute with cherry juice or even raspberry syrup if you’re out of grenadine. Just keep an eye on the sweetness!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic choice! You can switch it up with chocolate or even a dairy-free ice cream for a different twist. Just remember, the creaminess helps balance the fizz.
Maraschino Cherries: These are the perfect finishing touch, but if you don’t have any, you can use fresh cherries instead. They give a fresher taste and look wonderful on top!
How to Make the Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
The key to a successful float is layering the ingredients so that you get a beautiful look and a fantastic taste with each sip. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with grenadine syrup at the bottom. It will sink, creating a lovely gradient effect.
- Pour in the chilled soda slowly! This prevents too much fizzing and mess. Tilt the glass slightly while pouring to break the bubbles gently.
- Add the ice cream on top carefully. This keeps it from mixing too much with the soda initially.
Feel free to add some layers with more soda and ice cream if you want an extra treat! Serve right away to enjoy the merry fizz and creaminess together. Cheers!
Easy Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup (cherry syrup)
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Paper straws, for serving (optional)
Time Estimate:
This delightful float takes only about 5 minutes to prepare! It’s a quick and easy treat you’ll enjoy making and drinking, making it perfect for any occasion or just a fun snack at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pour the Grenadine:
Start by taking a tall glass and pouring in 2 tablespoons of grenadine syrup. This sweet syrup will create a lovely base for your float.
2. Add the Soda:
Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Do this gently to avoid too much fizz and bubbling over! Try tilting the glass a little while pouring to keep it smooth.
3. Scoop in the Ice Cream:
Now it’s time for the star of the show! Carefully add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream right on top of the soda mixture. This will float nicely on top and make it super creamy.
4. Garnish for Goodness:
For a finishing touch, add a maraschino cherry on top of the ice cream and place a lime slice on the rim of the glass for a pop of color. It looks as good as it tastes!
5. Serve with Style:
Pop in a paper straw (if using), and enjoy your float right away! You might want to keep a spoon handy for the ice cream.
Now sit back, sip, and enjoy this refreshing and nostalgic Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, perfect for hot days or celebrations!
FAQ for Easy Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Can I Use Diet Soda Instead of Regular Soda?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lower-calorie option, you can use diet ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. The flavor will still be delightful, and it will keep your float refreshing!
What Can I Substitute for Grenadine Syrup?
If you don’t have grenadine syrup on hand, you can substitute it with cherry juice or raspberry syrup. Just keep an eye on the sweetness level, as some options may be less sweet than grenadine.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Since this float is best enjoyed fresh, it’s not ideal to store leftovers. However, if you have any initial mixture without the ice cream, you can keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Just add ice cream before serving!
Can I Make This Float Non-Dairy?
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, simply substitute vanilla ice cream with a non-dairy ice cream like coconut, almond, or cashew-based ice cream. The flavors will still shine through, and it’ll be just as delicious!
