Unleash the spirit of Halloween with an adult beverage that’s as eerie as it is enticing: the Bloody Dirty Shirley Float. This ghoulishly delightful ice cream cocktail combines smooth vodka, creamy vanilla ice cream, effervescent lemon-lime soda, and dramatic syringes of grenadine “blood” to create a drink that’s guaranteed to cast a spell on your taste buds. Prepare for a frightfully fun experience with every sip!
The Bloody Dirty Shirley Float: A Ghastly Good Halloween Treat
The very name, Bloody Dirty Shirley Ice Cream Cocktail, conjures images worthy of a classic horror film, doesn’t it? It evokes a sense of unsettling mystery, a chilling whisper of a horrific crime scene, making it the perfect moniker for a sophisticated adult beverage designed for the most haunted night of the year – Halloween. Most people are familiar with the innocent charm of a classic Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic blend typically enjoyed by children. There’s inherently nothing scary about a simple Shirley Temple, unless, of course, you find the notion of saccharine-sweet child stars in tear-jerking movies terrifyingly sappy.
However, the moment you introduce a splash of vodka, that sweet, innocent Shirley Temple transforms into a “Dirty Shirley,” shedding its childlike innocence for a more mature, spirited character. And when you infuse it with a dramatic, blood-red twist, it evolves into the formidable Bloody Dirty Shirley Float, a concoction tailor-made for adult Halloween festivities. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a statement, a nod to the darker, more playful side of the season. It’s an invitation to indulge in a creepy yet utterly delicious treat that will elevate any Halloween gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.
Embrace the Spooky Season with #HalloweenTreatsWeek
As the crisp autumn air heralds the approach of Halloween, it’s time once again for the much-anticipated #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipe and giveaway event! This yearly blogging extravaganza, masterfully hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife, promises a week filled with deliciously wicked Halloween treats, spine-chilling recipes, and frightfully fun giveaways. It’s a celebration of all things spooky, sweet, and sensational, bringing together talented bloggers to share their most creative and delicious Halloween-themed creations.
“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.”
Unveiling the Bloody Dirty Shirley Float: A Killer Cocktail for Adults
A Dirty Shirley Temple earns its “dirty” reputation with the spirited addition of vodka, transforming a childhood favorite into a sophisticated adult indulgence. This transformation takes an even more delightful turn when you introduce creamy vanilla ice cream, elevating it into a luxurious ice cream cocktail. But to achieve the truly “bloody” aspect of our Bloody Dirty Shirley, we intensify the deep red hue with an extra generous pour of grenadine. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief – there’s absolutely no need to contemplate mixing ice cream into a savory Bloody Mary blend! If that were the case, we’d probably be naming it a “Psycho Killer Bloody Dirty Mary Float,” a concept that genuinely sounds terrifying enough to give anyone nightmares.
This unique blend captures the fun and festivity of an ice cream float while delivering an unexpected adult twist. The effervescence of the lemon-lime soda cuts through the sweetness, the vanilla ice cream adds a decadent creaminess, and the vodka provides a subtle warmth, all harmonized by the vibrant, cherry-like flavor of grenadine. It’s a multi-layered sensory experience that’s perfect for a grown-up Halloween celebration, offering both visual appeal and exquisite taste.
An Adult Shirley Temple Reimagined: The Ultimate Halloween Cocktail
It’s a quirky piece of trivia that the original child actress, Shirley Temple, reportedly disliked the non-alcoholic drink bearing her name. Imagine a lifetime of being offered your namesake drink everywhere you go, only to find it utterly unappealing! One might even picture her reaching a breaking point, embarking on a playful revenge spree, chopping innocent ingredients into tiny bits to garnish her own twisted version of the drink. Fortunately, our modern rendition takes the adult Shirley Temple concept far beyond the point of no return in terms of sweetness and flavor complexity, resulting in a truly killer cocktail – in the most delicious sense of the word!
This float is so irresistibly good, it goes down incredibly easily. But I must issue a word of caution: don’t let its delightful flavor deceive you. These potent potions can sneak up on you faster than a ghost in the night. You certainly don’t want to find yourself transformed into a zombie-like creature, stumbling around in search of fresh brains (or, more practically, your car keys!) by the end of the evening. Enjoy responsibly, and let this float be a highlight of your Halloween, not the reason for your monstrous headache the next day.
How to Make Your Shirley Temple Float Gorgeously Gory
Crafting this magnificent Halloween ice cream cocktail is scarily simple, even for those new to mixology. The magic happens swiftly: once you’ve scooped generous dollops of creamy vanilla ice cream into your chosen spooky mugs or glasses, you’ll introduce the invigorating kick of vodka and the bubbly zest of lemon-lime soda. The grand finale is giving each float that signature “bloody look” – a dramatic flourish that makes them perfectly suited for any Halloween party! They’re equally fantastic for a cozy evening, sipping while you hand out candy to eager trick-or-treaters, adding a touch of adult fun to the festivities.
For an extra layer of theatricality and interactive fun, we highly recommend using these food-grade syringes. They make “bloodying” up your ice cream and whipped cream not just easy, but incredibly entertaining! While you certainly don’t *need* them – you could simply pour the grenadine over the top, just like with my regular Shirley Temple Floats – these syringes truly enhance the gory aesthetic, transforming your drink into a visually striking masterpiece. Plus, imagine the delight of your guests as they get to squirt their own “blood” into their cocktail, adding a fun, interactive element to the party experience!
Sip with Care: The Importance of Moderation
Despite the generous pour of booze this recipe might entail, you’ll find that the sweetness of the soda, ice cream, and grenadine masterfully masks the alcoholic kick. This delicious disguise is precisely why you need to exercise caution. It’s incredibly easy to get carried away, sipping one after another, oblivious to the rising alcohol content. Don’t fall prey to this sugary siren song, unless you’re genuinely looking forward to a monstrous headache the following day – the kind that will make you wish you truly were among the undead, numb to all earthly pains. Yes, these delightful floats have a sneaky way of creeping up on you if you indulge too much. But, if you insist on overdoing it, at least it’s a sweet, delicious way to go!
Gathering Your Gruesome Ingredients for This Bloody Halloween Cocktail
You won’t need to embark on a perilous quest, fight off vampires, or outrun hordes of zombies to procure the components for this tantalizing drink. Chances are, many of these simple ingredients are already lurking in your pantry or refrigerator, making this an effortlessly attainable Halloween treat. Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up your own Bloody Dirty Shirley Float:
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Brands like Sprite or 7Up work perfectly, providing that essential fizz and bright citrus note. Choose your favorite for optimal flavor.
- Vodka: A good quality unflavored vodka is ideal, allowing the other flavors to shine. For an adventurous twist, consider cherry vodka to enhance the grenadine notes, or even amaretto for a subtly nutty sweetness that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Maraschino Cherries: These vibrant red gems aren’t just for garnish; their sweet, slightly almondy flavor adds another layer of depth, and their color fits the theme perfectly.
- Grenadine Syrup: This is your “blood”! Essential for both color and its distinctive sweet-tart cherry/pomegranate flavor. Don’t skimp on this if you want that dramatic bloody effect.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The foundation of any great float. Choose a high-quality, rich vanilla ice cream for ultimate creaminess and flavor. French vanilla or even a vanilla bean ice cream would be exquisite.
- Whipped Cream: For a decadent, cloud-like garnish that provides a delightful textural contrast to the drink below. Homemade or store-bought, it’s a must for that luxurious finish.
How to Make a Bloody Dirty Shirley Ice Cream Cocktail: Your Step-by-Step Guide
These Halloween cocktails are so simple to prepare, it’s almost eerie! Follow these steps for a perfectly spooky and delicious treat:
Step One: The Foundation of Fearful Fun
Carefully press several generous scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream into each pint-sized glass or mug. The quantity of ice cream will dictate the richness of your float, so don’t be shy! For an extra chilling effect, you can even pre-chill your glasses in the freezer.
Step Two: The Spirits and Sparkle
Slowly pour your chosen vodka over the ice cream, allowing it to begin melting slightly and infusing the creamy base. Immediately follow with a pour of lemon-lime soda, letting its effervescence dance with the ice cream, creating that iconic float fizz. Be careful not to overfill, leaving space for the “blood” and garnishes.
Step Three: Unleashing the Blood Effect
Now for the dramatic flair! Drizzle a generous amount of grenadine syrup over the very top of your float. Watch as the rich red liquid slowly drips down through the ice cream and soda, creating captivating “bloody” streaks and pools. This is where the magic truly happens, transforming your float into a visual spectacle.
Step Four: The Ghastly Garnish
Crown your chilling creation with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Perch a bright red maraschino cherry atop the whipped cream for a final splash of color. For an authentic and truly unforgettable effect, serve additional grenadine (or even an extra shot of red cherry vodka for those daring enough) in those aforementioned syringes on the side. This allows your guests to add more “blood” to their liking, enhancing both the flavor and the fright factor!
Love This Spooky Sip? Pin It for Later!
Don’t lose your head and forget where you unearthed this incredible recipe for Halloween Ice Cream Cocktails! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you vanish into the night. That way, you’ll always have this chillingly good concoction at your fingertips for future Halloween festivities, horror movie marathons, or whenever you crave a deliciously eerie treat.
#HalloweenTreatsWeek Giveaway: Win Spooktacular Prizes!
For the 4th annual #HalloweenTreatsWeek event, we’ve gathered 28 hauntingly talented bloggers who are eager to share their favorite Halloween recipes throughout this special week! Prepare to be inspired by an array of creative and delicious spooky delights.
Be sure to follow the hashtag #HalloweenTreatsWeek on all your social media channels to catch every ghoulishly good recipe. Also, remember to check the bottom of each post from participating bloggers to discover all the fantastic Halloween creations we’re sharing!
Prize #1 from Dixie Crystals
41 Pieces Silicone Bakeware Set
3 Piece Halloween Silicone Spatula Set
Nordic Ware Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan
Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older. All entries will be verified. No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsor to winner, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from October 11th – October 15th at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be selected soon afterward and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 1 (ONE) prize pack and therefore we will have a total of 1 (ONE) winner. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law.
More Spine-Chilling Treats for Halloween Entertaining
If you’re still seeking inspiration for your Halloween bash or simply craving more delightful treats for both kids and adults, I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite hauntingly good recipes. From other spirited cocktails to delicious desserts and savory bites, these ideas are sure to make your Halloween celebration unforgettable:
- Grasshopper Cocktails: A minty, creamy, and vibrantly green cocktail that’s both festive and refreshingly delicious.
- Red RUM! Red RUM! Frozen Punch: A chillingly good, blood-red punch that’s perfect for a crowd and screams “The Shining.”
- Halloween Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies: A crunchy, sweet, and addictive snack mix, perfect for munching during a horror movie marathon.
- The Best Bloody Mary for Halloween: A classic savory cocktail, perfect for those who prefer a different kind of “bloody” indulgence.
- Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust: A delightful and easier-to-serve alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, capturing the flavors of autumn.
And in case you missed Monday’s terrifyingly tasty recipe, be sure to check out the incredible Monster Burgers that I shared! They’re a monstrously good meal for any Halloween gathering.
May your Halloween be filled with delightful scares, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy your Bloody Dirty Shirley Floats, and have a frighteningly good time! 
Discover More #HalloweenTreatsWeek Recipes
- Haunted Mansion Bloody Wedding Cake from Big Bear’s Wife
- Frankenstein Cupcakes from Semi Homemade Recipes
- Poison Apple Mocktail from Jen Around the World
- Graveyard Dirt Cream Puffs from Pint Sized Baker
- Halloween Cookies & Cream Cheesecakes from Fresh April Flours
- Halloween Cupcakes from Devour Dinner
- Halloween Ghost Cake from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Pumpkin Macarons from The Redhead Baker
- Monster Burgers from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
- Poisoned Apple Hand Pies from Cookaholic Wife
- Halloween Nachos from Eat Move Make
- Homemade Butterbeer from House of Nash Eats
- Baked Pumpkin Donuts from The Flour Handprint
- Caramel Apple Sandwich Cookies from Sweet ReciPEAs
- Caramel Apple Cupcakes from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Hocus Pocus Spell Book Cupcakes from It’s Shanaka
- Halloween Cake Pops from Sweet Beginnings
- Deviled Egg Eyeballs from The Spiffy Cookie
- Poisoned Apple Macarons from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Pizza Skulls from Lemon Blossoms
- Bloody Dirty Shirley Float from An Affair from the Heart
- Reese’s Pieces Cookies from Back To My Southern Roots
- Oogie Boogie Dark Chocolate Brownies from Savory Moments
- Halloween Ghost Kabobs from Our Good Life
Disclaimer: These posts and recipes are part of the week-long event, #HalloweenTreatsWeek, but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like to Thank our amazing brand sponsors: Dixie Crystals, who generously provided a prize pack for our giveaways and also sent some samples and products to the #HalloweenTreatsWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.