The Shirley Temple Float: A Nostalgic & Delicious Ice Cream Treat for All Ages
Discover the enchanting Shirley Temple Float, a delightful twist on the classic non-alcoholic beverage that combines the nostalgic charm of a Shirley Temple with the creamy indulgence of an ice cream float. This vibrant, ruby-red drink topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a cherry isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes, guaranteed to bring smiles to children and adults alike. Crafted with simple ingredients like vanilla ice cream, crisp lemon-lime soda, a splash of grenadine, and a generous garnish of whipped cream and maraschino cherries, this float is more than just a drink—it’s an experience.
A Sip Down Memory Lane: The Enduring Appeal of Shirley Temples
For many, the Shirley Temple drink holds a special place in childhood memories. It was the quintessential “grown-up” drink that made us feel special, often ordered during family dinners or enjoyed at a grandparent’s house. I vividly recall the Saturday nights spent at my grandparents’ home, the familiar sounds of the Lawrence Welk Show playing softly in the background. My grandma would pop fresh popcorn on the stove, filling the air with its comforting aroma. While the adults gathered upstairs for their Hi-Balls and a game of Pitch, us kids would disappear into the basement for epic pool tournaments or board game marathons.
Those evenings were filled with warmth and laughter, and the simple act of my grandparents fixing me a Shirley Temple always made me feel cherished. There’s an undeniable magic in that bright red maraschino cherry floating in your glass, elevating an ordinary drink into something truly extraordinary. It’s a small detail, but one that imbues the moment with a sense of occasion, especially for a child. This classic mocktail, with its sweet and bubbly profile, remains a symbol of innocence and celebration for countless families, bridging generations with its simple charm.
The Unexpected History of the Shirley Temple Drink
It’s a curious twist of fate that the iconic Shirley Temple drink, named after the legendary child movie star, was reportedly despised by its namesake. This anecdote, often filed under “celebrity problems,” adds a touch of ironic humor to the drink’s history. Legend has it that the Shirley Temple was concocted by a bartender in Los Angeles, California, during the height of Shirley Temple’s fame as a child actor. She later transitioned into a respected career as a diplomat and ambassador, but it seems the world couldn’t quite let go of her sweet, child-star image.
Throughout her adult life, people found it amusing to serve her “her” drink, much to her chagrin. She reportedly found it far too sweet, a sentiment many of us might find hard to believe, especially when considering the immense sweetness she embodied on screen. But perhaps, for a real person who simply wanted to be seen as an adult, the constant reminder of a sugary childhood concoction was simply “too much.” Yet, for the rest of us, “too sweet” hardly seems like a valid complaint! In a world that often feels short on joy, a little extra sweetness—especially in the form of a delicious beverage—is always welcome. And when you add creamy vanilla ice cream to the mix, transforming it into a Shirley Temple Float, the sweetness factor, and the smiles it generates, only grow bigger.
Why the Shirley Temple Float is the Perfect Treat
The Shirley Temple Float is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass. For as long as I can remember, root beer floats have been a cherished family tradition, a simple joy I’ve gladly passed down to my own children. The first time I introduced them to these Shirley Temple Ice Cream Floats was a memorable Valentine’s Day surprise after school. Their eyes lit up at the vibrant colors and the promise of a fizzy, creamy delight. These floats truly make a fantastic and festive treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings and birthday parties to casual movie nights or simply a hot summer afternoon.
Their visual appeal is undeniable – the sparkling soda, the blush of grenadine, the creamy white ice cream, and the bright red cherry create an irresistible tableau. Beyond their beauty, they offer a delightful textural contrast: the cold, smooth ice cream melting into the crisp, bubbly soda, all enhanced by the sweet, fruity notes of grenadine and cherry. They’re incredibly easy to assemble, making them a stress-free option for parents or hosts. Whether you’re looking to create a special moment for your kids or simply want to indulge in a nostalgic treat yourself, the Shirley Temple Float is an instant crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Creative Variations for Your Shirley Temple Float
While the classic Shirley Temple Float is undoubtedly perfect, there’s plenty of room for creative variations to suit any taste. Traditionally, the original Shirley Temple recipe called for ginger ale as the soda of choice, offering a slightly spicier, more sophisticated base. However, over time, most recipes, including this float version, have gravitated towards the lighter and sweeter profile of lemon-lime soda. The clarity of lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7Up also beautifully showcases the vibrant red hues of the grenadine and maraschino cherries.
But don’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with other clear or light-colored sodas. Orange or grape sodas can add a fun, fruity dimension, creating a unique flavor experience that still maintains the spirit of the float. For an extra punch of cherry flavor, consider using a cherry-flavored soda, which truly puts an “extra cherry on top” of this already delightful concoction. If you opt for cola, the drink transforms into a “Cherry Cola Float,” but it technically becomes a Roy Rogers Float—the male counterpart to the Shirley Temple, distinguished by its cola base rather than ginger ale or lemon-lime. While these variations are delicious, I personally find that clear sodas work best, allowing the striking colors of the grenadine and cherries to truly pop and create that signature magical appearance.
Crafting the Perfect Shirley Temple Float: A Simple Guide
Creating a beautiful and delicious Shirley Temple Float is incredibly simple, requiring just a few steps to achieve a show-stopping result. The key is in the layering, which allows the colors and textures to meld perfectly. Here’s how to make this delightful treat:
- Start with Quality Ice Cream: Begin by scooping several generous portions of high-quality vanilla ice cream into a tall, clear glass. The better the ice cream, the creamier and more indulgent your float will be. Pack it gently into the glass, leaving a little room at the top.
- Pour the Soda Slowly: Next, carefully pour the lemon-lime soda into the glass, allowing it to cascade over and around the ice cream. Pouring slowly helps prevent excessive fizz and ensures the ice cream doesn’t melt too quickly, maintaining its creamy texture.
- Drizzle the Grenadine: Now for the signature Shirley Temple touch! Drizzle the grenadine syrup artfully over the top of the ice cream and into the bubbly soda. Watch as the vibrant red syrup creates beautiful streaks and swirls, adding both color and a burst of cherry-like sweetness throughout the drink.
- Garnish with Flair: Finish your float with a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating a fluffy cloud on top. And of course, no Shirley Temple is complete without that iconic maraschino cherry. Place one (or two!) proudly on top of the whipped cream for the perfect final flourish.
For an extra touch, consider chilling your glasses beforehand. This will help keep your float colder for longer, enhancing the refreshing experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings with every sip.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as enchanted by these delightful Shirley Temple Floats as we are, make sure to save this recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board, whether it’s for “Summer Drinks,” “Kids Party Ideas,” or “Dessert Recipes,” so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes or a special occasion calls for a splash of color and fun. Don’t forget, a printable recipe card with all the details is available at the bottom of this post, making it convenient to keep in your recipe binder or stick on your fridge!
The “Dirty Shirley”: An Adult Take on a Childhood Favorite
While the Shirley Temple proudly stands as the ultimate “kids’ cocktail” (a charming, if not entirely politically correct, term from a bygone era), there’s absolutely no reason why adults can’t enjoy a spirited version. In fact, the “Dirty Shirley” has become a hugely popular and legitimate drink order at bars everywhere, offering a nostalgic nod with an adult twist. There are a couple of popular variations, but both maintain the essence of the original while adding a kick.
To craft a Dirty Shirley, you’ll typically start with a clear soda such as lemon-lime, ginger ale, or even a bolder ginger beer for a spicier profile. Add the essential grenadine for that vibrant color and cherry sweetness. The adult component comes in the form of vodka, which blends seamlessly without altering the drink’s appearance. For those who truly love the cherry notes, a shot of cherry vodka can elevate the flavor significantly, creating an even more cohesive and delicious cocktail. Garnish with fresh lime slices and, of course, a few maraschino cherries, then raise a glass to that iconic childhood star, Shirley herself!
Indulge in a Dirty Shirley Float
Who says grown-ups can’t have their ice cream and their cocktails too? The delightful Shirley Temple Float can be effortlessly transformed into an indulgent adult blended ice cream cocktail. Much like my famous Pink Squirrel or my Grown-Up Orange Julius, this boozy float is a dessert and a drink rolled into one. It’s the perfect treat for a summer evening, a backyard barbecue, or any time you want to combine sophisticated flavors with a touch of playful nostalgia.
To create this blended masterpiece, simply combine your chosen vodka (regular or cherry), lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale/ginger beer), grenadine, and generous scoops of vanilla ice cream in a blender. Give it a good whir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended. Pour this luscious concoction into a chilled glass, top with a swirl of whipped cream, and crown it with a glistening maraschino cherry. It’s an irresistibly fun and flavorful way for adults to unwind and enjoy a dessert drink that’s both comforting and celebratory.
More Delicious Ways to Use Maraschino Cherries
Don’t let that jar of maraschino cherries languish in the back of your fridge after making your floats! These vibrant, sweet cherries are incredibly versatile and can last a long time, ready to add a pop of color and flavor to a variety of dishes. Beyond simply eating them straight from the jar (a guilty pleasure for many!), here are some other fun and delicious ways to incorporate “a cherry on top” – or inside – your culinary creations:
- Pink Squirrel Cocktail (as pictured above)
- Fried Ice Cream Pie
- Cherry Cheese Bread
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Space Pop Cocktail
- Hurricane Fresh Fruit Salad
From dazzling cocktails and festive desserts to unique breakfast treats, maraschino cherries add a special touch that’s hard to beat. They’re a simple ingredient that brings a surprising amount of joy and flair to any recipe.
Ready to Make Your Own Shirley Temple Float?
Whether you’re planning a fun surprise for the kids, hosting a party, or simply craving a delightful and nostalgic treat, the Shirley Temple Float is an absolute must-try. Go ahead and whip up a batch soon – heck, make one for yourself too! With or without a splash of alcohol, there’s no judgment here, just pure, unadulterated enjoyment. It’s a simple pleasure that reminds us of childhood joy and the power of a perfectly crafted, sweet beverage. Now, let’s dive into the Shirley Temple Float recipe and bring some bubbly, creamy goodness into your day!
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Print Recipe
Shirley Temple Float
Ingredients
- 1/2 can Lemon Lime Soda like Sprite or 7Up
- 1-2 Maraschino Cherries
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Grenadine Syrup
- 3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- Whipped Cream for garnish
Instructions
- Press ice cream into a pint-sized glass.
- Pour soda over the ice cream.
- Drizzle grenadine over the top.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally shared on February 2, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on June 15, 2020.