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

Description

Classic and fun to make, Shirley Temple Floats are refreshing sodas transformed into creamy ice cream floats. Both the traditional Shirley Temple (grenadine and ginger ale) and a citrusy orange soda float version combine bright flavors with smooth vanilla ice cream, all topped with fruity garnishes. Perfect for parties, hot summer days, or a nostalgic treat, these floats are quick to prepare and offer a delightful burst of sweetness in every sip.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Shirley Temple Float

1 oz. grenadine
12 oz. ginger ale
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
2 maraschino cherries (optional)

For the Orange Soda Float

12 oz. orange soda
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
2 orange slices
2 maraschino cherries

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Instructions

Prepare the Glasses: Place 2 tall sundae glasses on your workspace. Make sure they are clean and chilled for best results.
Make the Shirley Temple Float: Divide the grenadine evenly between the two glasses. Gently pour in the ginger ale, taking care not to create too much foam. Top each glass with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream. For garnish, add a maraschino cherry to each float if desired.
Make the Orange Soda Float: Pour 6 oz. of orange soda into each of two tall glasses. Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for a festive look.
Serve Immediately: Present the floats with drinking straws and long spoons. Enjoy the creamy and fizzy treat before the ice cream melts completely.

Notes

Use extra-cold glasses or briefly freeze them before preparing for the best texture.
If you want a deeper flavor, add a splash more grenadine or use cherry soda as a base.
Experiment with different ice cream flavors for fun variations.
Serve immediately, as the ice cream will melt quickly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 float
Calories: 342
Sugar: 42 g
Sodium: 90 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 66 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 29 mg