Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic Shirley Temple with the creamy delight of an ice cream float. This refreshing treat is perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence after a long day. With its vibrant colors and playful presentation, this dessert is sure to impress kids and adults alike!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Soda Mixture
- For the Float
- How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Step 1: Prepare the Soda Mixture
- Step 2: Assemble Your Floats
- Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve
- How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Fun Glassware Options
- Toppings Galore
- Garnishing with Fruits
- Straws and Spoons
- How to Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Best Side Dishes for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Reheating Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
- Can I customize my Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
- Is the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float suitable for kids?
- How do I make a Shirley Temple Float more festive?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delightful drink in under five minutes.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cherry soda, ginger ale, and vanilla ice cream creates a sweet and fizzy experience that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, this float adds fun and flavor to any event.
- Kid-Friendly Treat: This non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for children, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the soda flavors or add fun toppings like whipped cream or sprinkles to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, gather the essential tools for preparation. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pitcher
- Glasses or mugs
- Ice cream scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Pitcher: A pitcher allows you to mix all your liquids easily and pour them into multiple glasses at once.
- Glasses or Mugs: Choose fun glasses or mugs to serve your floats; they enhance the visual appeal of your dessert.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Using an ice cream scoop helps you serve perfectly rounded scoops of vanilla ice cream for the best presentation.
Ingredients
Two classics- the Shirley Temple and Ice Cream Float- put together in one sweet dessert treat.
For the Soda Mixture
- 2 cans (3 cups) Cherry 7-up (or regular 7-up or Sprite)
- 1 cup Ginger-ale
- 2 Tablespoons grenadine
For the Float
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Cherries
- Limes
How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Step 1: Prepare the Soda Mixture
- In a pitcher, combine the Cherry 7-up, ginger-ale, and grenadine.
- Stir gently until well mixed.
Step 2: Assemble Your Floats
- In 2-3 glasses or mugs, place 2 scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Pour the soda mixture over the ice cream in each glass until filled.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve
- Squeeze some fresh lime juice over each float for added zest.
- Garnish with cherries on top.
- Insert colorful straws and enjoy your delicious Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float!
How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Serving a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults. This delightful dessert can be customized in various ways to make it even more appealing.
Fun Glassware Options
- Use fun, colorful glasses to serve your floats. This adds a festive touch and enhances the visual appeal.
- Consider using mason jars for a rustic vibe. They are great for casual gatherings or outdoor parties.
Toppings Galore
- Whipped cream can be added on top for an extra creamy taste. It pairs nicely with the fizzy drink.
- Sprinkles are perfect for adding a pop of color. Kids will love this fun addition!
Garnishing with Fruits
- Fresh cherries on top make for a classic garnish. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the float.
- Lime slices add a refreshing twist. Place them on the rim of the glass for added flair.
Straws and Spoons
- Use colorful striped straws to enhance the festive look. They are also fun for sipping!
- Provide small spoons for scooping up ice cream. This way, everyone can enjoy every bit of the float.
How to Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Perfecting your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is all about attention to detail and creating balance in flavors.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh ginger-ale and high-quality grenadine elevates the taste of your float.
- Chill Your Glasses: Refrigerate your serving glasses beforehand to keep the drink cold longer.
- Layer Ingredients Carefully: Pour the soda mixture gently over the ice cream to create beautiful layers.
- Customize with Flavors: Experiment with different sodas like raspberry or orange for unique twists on this classic treat.
- Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of grenadine based on personal preference; too much can overwhelm the drink.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your float right after making it to ensure freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Pairing side dishes with your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Mini Sandwiches – Simple finger sandwiches filled with ham or cheese complement the sweetness of the float.
- Fruit Skewers – Colorful skewers with assorted fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the rich ice cream.
- Veggie Chips – Crunchy veggie chips offer a savory snack that balances out the sweetness of your float.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses pairs well, providing savoriness that enhances overall flavor.
- Popcorn – Lightly salted or caramel popcorn makes for a fun, crunchy side that kids will enjoy.
- Cake Pops – These bite-sized treats are sweet but not overwhelming, making them ideal alongside your float.
- Cookies – Classic chocolate chip cookies pair perfectly with ice cream drinks; they’re a crowd favorite!
- Pretzel Bites – Soft pretzel bites offer a salty counterpoint that works well with sweet beverages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can be fun, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them.
- Overmixing Ingredients: Mixing the soda and grenadine too much can flatten the carbonation. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
- Using Warm Ice Cream: Starting with soft or melted ice cream will make your float less enjoyable. Always use ice cream straight from the freezer.
- Skipping Garnishes: Not adding cherries or lime can make your drink look plain. These garnishes add flavor and visual appeal.
- Wrong Glass Size: Using small glasses can lead to spills as the float expands. Choose larger glasses to accommodate the mix and ice cream.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store any unused Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- item Keep it refrigerated, but note that carbonation may diminish over time.
Freezing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- item Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture and flavor. The soda may separate when thawed.
Reheating Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- item Oven: Not applicable; this beverage is best enjoyed cold.
- item Microwave: Not suggested; reheating will ruin the drink’s appeal.
- item Stovetop: Again, not suitable; serve it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about details concerning the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, here are some frequently asked questions.
What is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
A Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float combines the classic Shirley Temple drink with creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert treat.
Can I customize my Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
Absolutely! You can use different sodas like Sprite or add other flavors of ice cream for a unique twist.
Is the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float suitable for kids?
Yes! This non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for kids’ parties and gatherings.
How do I make a Shirley Temple Float more festive?
You can add colorful straws or themed decorations to enhance its presentation and make it more appealing for parties.
Final Thoughts
The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a delightful blend of flavors that brings nostalgia and joy to any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized according to personal preferences, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Try experimenting with different sodas or toppings to create your unique version!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 to 3 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgia of summer with a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, a delightful fusion of classic flavors and creamy indulgence. This refreshing treat is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet escape after a long day. With its vibrant colors and fizzy texture, the Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float brings joy to any occasion. Easy to make in just minutes, this fun dessert can be customized with your favorite toppings and soda combinations. Dive into this retro-inspired drink for a whimsical touch that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (3 cups) Cherry 7-up (or regular 7-up or Sprite)
- 1 cup Ginger-ale
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh cherries
- Lime slices
Instructions
- In a pitcher, mix Cherry 7-up, ginger-ale, and grenadine; stir gently.
- In 2-3 glasses, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream each.
- Pour the soda mixture over the ice cream until filled.
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice and garnish with cherries.
- Serve immediately with colorful straws and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
