Indulge in the delightful combination of a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, where two beloved classics unite to create a refreshing and sweet dessert treat. Perfect for warm summer days, birthday parties, or family gatherings, this fun drink is sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. With its vibrant colors and fizzy flavors, it’s not just a drink—it’s an experience that evokes nostalgia and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Fun Presentation: The vibrant colors and ice cream make for an eye-catching treat that everyone will love.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to switch up the sodas or ice cream flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: A non-alcoholic option that allows kids to enjoy a festive drink at any celebration.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, birthday party, or cozy family night, this float fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Making a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is simple with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- pitcher
- glasses or mugs
- scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Pitcher: Ideal for mixing your soda and grenadine evenly before serving.
- Glasses or Mugs: Choose fun or festive glassware to enhance the presentation of your float.
- Scoop: A scoop helps you serve the perfect amount of vanilla ice cream every time.
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 and limes
How to Make Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Step 1: Prepare the Soda Mixture
In a pitcher, add the Cherry 7-up, ginger-ale, and grenadine. Mix well until combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Floats
In 2-3 glasses or mugs:
1. Add 2 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.
2. Pour the mixed soda over the ice cream until it fills the glass.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Top each float with:
1. A squeeze of fresh lime juice.
2. A few cherries for garnish.
3. Add a straw for easy sipping and enjoy your refreshing treat!
How to Serve Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Serving a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can be a delightful experience for both kids and adults. The colorful layers and bubbly texture make it not just a drink but a fun dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your presentation and enjoyment.
Fun Glassware Options
- Mason Jars: Use mason jars for a rustic look, perfect for summer picnics.
- Colorful Straws: Add vibrant straws to each glass for a pop of color.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Cherries: Top each float with a cherry for that classic touch.
- Lime Wedges: A lime wedge on the rim adds zest and visual appeal.
Themed Parties
- Retro Party Theme: Serve these floats at a 1950s-themed party to evoke nostalgia.
- Birthday Celebrations: Customize floats with birthday candles on top for festive occasions.
Kid-Friendly Versions
- Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Juice: Substitute soda with sparkling juice for a healthier option.
- Ice Cream Flavors: Experiment with different ice cream flavors like cherry or strawberry.
How to Perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
To make your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float truly special, consider these helpful tips. Each point will guide you in delivering the best experience possible.
- Mixers: Use cold mixers like ginger-ale and Cherry 7-up to keep the float refreshing.
- Layering Technique: Pour the soda slowly over the ice cream to create beautiful layers.
- Quality Ice Cream: Opt for high-quality vanilla ice cream for richer flavor and creaminess.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy floats right after preparation to maintain their fizz and texture.
- Chill Your Glasses: Pre-chill your glasses in the freezer for an extra refreshing experience.
Best Side Dishes for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Pairing side dishes with your Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers provide a juicy contrast to the sweet float.
- Mini Sandwiches: Light mini sandwiches offer savory bites that balance sweetness.
- Popcorn Mix: Sweet and salty popcorn adds crunch and texture alongside the float.
- Cheese Platter: A simple cheese platter can bring varied flavors that enhance the overall meal.
- Veggie Sticks with Dip: Crisp veggies dipped in ranch provide a healthy option to balance out the sweetness.
- Cookies Galore: Serve assorted cookies, such as chocolate chip or sugar cookies, for additional treats alongside your float.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong soda – Opting for a soda that doesn’t match the flavor profile can lead to a less enjoyable drink. Stick with Cherry 7-up or regular 7-up for the best taste.
- Not mixing ingredients properly – Failing to mix your soda and grenadine well can leave you with uneven flavors. Make sure to stir thoroughly in your pitcher before serving.
- Overfilling glasses – Pouring too much soda over the ice cream can cause spills and messes. Leave some space at the top of your glass to avoid overflow.
- Skipping garnishes – Neglecting to add cherries and lime can make your drink look plain. Garnishing adds visual appeal and enhances flavor.
- Using warm ice cream – If your ice cream isn’t cold enough, it can melt too quickly. Always use ice cream straight from the freezer for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration – Store any leftover Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
- Containers – Use an airtight container to prevent loss of carbonation.
Freezing Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Duration – You can freeze this float for up to 1 month, but keep in mind that ice cream may change texture.
- Containers – Use a freezer-safe container. Allow it to thaw slightly before serving again.
Reheating Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Oven – Not recommended, as this dessert is best served cold.
- Microwave – Avoid using a microwave, as it will melt the ice cream too quickly and ruin the float’s structure.
- Stovetop – This method is not applicable since this drink should remain chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float?
A Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a delightful blend of Cherry 7-up (or another lemon-lime soda), ginger-ale, grenadine, and vanilla ice cream, topped with cherries and lime for added flavor.
Can I use different flavors of ice cream?
Yes! While vanilla is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like cherry or even chocolate to customize your float.
How do I make this drink more festive?
You can add fun decorations like colorful straws or festive cups. Adding whipped cream on top also enhances appearance and taste.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a non-alcoholic beverage perfect for kids’ parties or family gatherings.
How long does it take to prepare?
This refreshing drink only takes about 5 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy dessert option!
Final Thoughts
The Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a fun, nostalgic treat that brings together two beloved classics. This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it with different sodas or ice cream flavors. Whether it’s a summer party or just a special dessert at home, this float will surely delight everyone. Give it a try today!
Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 floats 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float, where the classic flavors of Cherry 7-up and creamy vanilla ice cream come together for a refreshing dessert. This vibrant treat is perfect for warm summer days, birthday parties, or family gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike. With its fizzy texture and colorful presentation, each sip is an explosion of fun and flavor. Easy to make in just five minutes, this non-alcoholic delight can be customized with your favorite soda and ice cream flavors, making it a versatile addition to any celebration. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this charming float that brings smiles to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (3 cups) Cherry 7-up (or regular 7-up or Sprite)
- 1 cup Ginger-ale
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cherries and limes for garnish
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine Cherry 7-up, ginger-ale, and grenadine. Mix well.
- In glasses or mugs, add two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour the soda mixture over the ice cream until filled.
- Garnish with fresh lime juice, cherries, and serve with a straw.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float (250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
