Can I use different sodas for the floats?

Absolutely! Experiment with root beer, grape soda, or lemon-lime soda—whatever your heart (or pantry) desires. Each adds its own twist, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

What’s the best type of ice cream to use?

Classic vanilla is ideal because of its creamy texture and neutral flavor, but you can branch out to try vanilla bean, French vanilla, or even dairy-free alternatives. The creamier the better for luscious foam.

Can these floats be made ahead?

These are best prepared and enjoyed immediately, but you can save time by pre-scooping your ice cream. Just keep the scoops chilled in the freezer until float time.

Are these floats suitable for parties?

Yes! They’re a hit at kids’ birthdays, summer cookouts, or any celebration. Set up a DIY float bar with various sodas, ice cream flavors, and plenty of garnishes so everyone can build their own.

Shirley Temple Floats Recipe - LittleSpoonBites

The Shirley Temple Float is a playful, nostalgic treat that will have everyone grinning from the first creamy, fizzy sip. Ready in minutes and effortlessly charming, it’s the perfect way to end a busy day or to inject a bit of old-fashioned fun into an ordinary weeknight. With two variations—one radiant with classic grenadine and the other bursting with sunny orange—it’s both a celebration of retro soda fountain vibes and a refreshingly easy indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: No specialty equipment, no fancy steps—just fizzy soda, creamy ice cream, and a splash of sweet grenadine or tangy orange soda. You’ll be delighted at how quickly it comes together.
Pure Joy in Every Bite: The way the ice cream melts into the soda, creating a luscious and effervescent foam, is pure magic.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by all ages, these floats are sure to become a family favorite, and you can easily double or triple the recipe for parties.
Versatile: Two flavor combos—the original Shirley Temple or a bold orange float—mean you can mix things up based on what’s in your fridge, or who’s at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Shirley Temple Float:

Grenadine: Sweet, ruby-red syrup that infuses each sip with vibrant color and a hint of cherry flavor. A must for that authentic Shirley Temple taste!
Ginger Ale: Delivers gentle bubbles and light spiciness, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the grenadine.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and rich, it softens when it hits the soda, forming that glorious foam on top. Don’t skimp—good-quality vanilla makes all the difference!
Maraschino Cherries: Optional, but highly recommended for that classic, diner-style finish.

For Orange Soda Float:

Orange Soda: Brings a punch of citrusy fizz, instantly turning any glass into a summertime escape.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The dreamy pairing with orange soda—there’s a reason this combo is a classic!
Orange Slices: For a burst of fresh flavor and a little pizzazz in your presentation.
Maraschino Cherries: Bright, sweet, and utterly irresistible on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Lemon-Lime Twist: Swap ginger ale for lemon-lime soda for an extra zing.
Cherry Bomb: Add an extra dash of cherry juice or use cherry soda for an intense fruity kick.
Sorbet Swap: Try orange or raspberry sorbet in place of vanilla ice cream for a lighter (dairy-free!) version.
Adult Version: Stir in a splash of vodka or spiced rum for the grown-ups—just serve responsibly.
Allergy-Friendly: Use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream; oat or coconut milk-based versions work beautifully.

How to Make the Shirley Temple Floats

Step 1: Prepare the Glasses

Start by lining up two tall sundae or highball glasses, making sure they’re clean and ready for assembly. The right glass lets those bubbly, creamy layers shine.

Step 2: Build the Shirley Temple Float

Pour a generous splash of grenadine into the bottom of each glass. Slowly fill with ginger ale, pouring along the side to minimize froth (unless you like a fizzy overflow!). Gently add scoops of vanilla ice cream—let them float up and tumble into the soda. Top each with a maraschino cherry for the classic finishing touch.

Step 3: Build the Orange Soda Float

For this version, simply pour orange soda into two tall glasses. Drop in the vanilla ice cream scoops—it will fizz and foam spectacularly. Garnish with fresh orange slices and a maraschino cherry.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

These floats are meant to be sipped and spooned right away, when the ice cream is cold and the soda is super fizzy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Ice-Cold Soda: Chilled soda maximizes those lovely bubbles and keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Gentle Scooping: Add the ice cream slowly to avoid splashing and to create those tempting, over-the-top peaks.
Layer for Looks: If presentation matters, alternate layers of soda and ice cream to create a cascading effect in the glass.
Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space at the top—floats tend to foam up quickly with that initial pour.

How to Serve

Shirley Temple Floats are dreamy all on their own, but if you want to make the moment extra special, try these pairings:

Classic Diner Spread: Serve alongside burgers, fries, or a simple grilled cheese for a retro-inspired meal that delights the kid in everyone.
Dessert Gathering: Bring out a tray of floats at the end of a barbecue or family dinner.
Garnish Galore: Go wild with sprinkles, colored sugar, whipped cream, or even decorative straws for that soda shop flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Floats are meant to be enjoyed fresh. If you do need to pause, keep the glass in the freezer for up to 20 minutes—any longer and you risk the ice cream separating.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled floats. For a head start, you can pre-scoop the ice cream onto a tray and freeze the balls, ready to plop into soda when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Not applicable (nobody wants a hot float!)—just savor them ice-cold and frothy.

FAQs

Can I use different sodas for the floats?

Absolutely! Experiment with root beer, grape soda, or lemon-lime soda—whatever your heart (or pantry) desires. Each adds its own twist, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
What’s the best type of ice cream to use?

Classic vanilla is ideal because of its creamy texture and neutral flavor, but you can branch out to try vanilla bean, French vanilla, or even dairy-free alternatives. The creamier the better for luscious foam.
Can these floats be made ahead?

These are best prepared and enjoyed immediately, but you can save time by pre-scooping your ice cream. Just keep the scoops chilled in the freezer until float time.
Are these floats suitable for parties?

Yes! They’re a hit at kids’ birthdays, summer cookouts, or any celebration. Set up a DIY float bar with various sodas, ice cream flavors, and plenty of garnishes so everyone can build their own.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a Shirley Temple Float to brighten a busy weeknight or to bring a dose of nostalgia and fun to the table. These floats come together in moments and always deliver that unbeatable mix of fizzy, creamy, and sweet. Whether you stick to the tried-and-true recipe or get playful with flavors and garnishes, let yourself enjoy the process—and the treat! Give these floats a try; sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most memorable.