Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA summer afternoon calls for something deliciously unforgettable, and I’ve just the treat to brighten your day! Let me introduce you to my 3-Ingredient Shirley Temple Floats—a vibrant twist on the classic mocktail that turns ordinary moments into sweet celebrations. Thoughtfully layered with bubbly ginger ale, rich vanilla ice cream, and the delightful splash of grenadine, this refreshing dessert is not just simple to make; it’s a sure way to impress guests of all ages! Perfect for cooling down on those sunny days, these floats can elevate any gathering or simply be enjoyed while lounging in your backyard. Are you ready to experience this nostalgic delight with a fun twist? Let’s get floatin’! Why Will You Crave These Floats? Simplicity at its Best: With only three ingredients, these Shirley Temple Floats are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to dessert for busy weekends or spontaneous gatherings. Nostalgic Experience: These floats evoke childhood memories while offering a delightful twist that both kids and adults will love. Versatile Flavors: Feel free to switch up the ginger ale for lemon-lime soda or try different ice cream flavors like cherry for a unique spin. Perfect for Summer: Ideal for hot days, these treats are a refreshing way to cool down while soaking up the sun. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Serve them at picnics, barbecues, or birthday parties, and watch as they steal the show—each sip is a guaranteed smile! Shirley Temple Floats Ingredients • Discover the magic of a delightful summer treat! For the Float Grenadine – Provides sweetness and signature pomegranate flavor; substitute with cherry syrup for a different taste. Ginger Ale – Offers carbonation and a zesty kick; swap with lemon-lime soda or ginger beer for varied flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds creamy richness; experiment with flavored ice creams like cherry or chocolate for a twist. For Garnish (optional) Maraschino Cherries – Adds a pop of color and extra sweetness; feel free to get creative with your toppings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shirley Temple Floats Step 1: Prepare the Glasses Begin by selecting two tall sundae glasses, which will highlight the beauty of your Shirley Temple Floats. Measure and pour about 1 ounce of grenadine into the bottom of each glass. Watch as the crimson liquid settles at the base, creating a vibrant layer that sets the stage for your delicious creation. Step 2: Add the Ginger Ale Next, gently pour 12 ounces of chilled ginger ale into each glass, allowing it to mix softly with the grenadine. Pour slowly to avoid excessive fizzing or overflow, ensuring you see that beautiful swirl of red and bubbly gold. Take a moment to admire the colorful blend before moving on to the next step. Step 3: Scoop the Ice Cream Now it’s time for the creamy delight! Grab your favorite scoop and add four generous scoops of rich vanilla ice cream to each glass. As the ice cream rests atop the fizzy mixture, you’ll notice it melting slightly, creating a frothy crown that invites you to dive right in. Step 4: Garnish for Perfection To elevate your Shirley Temple Floats, add a playful touch with a maraschino cherry perched on top of the ice cream if desired. This finishing touch not only offers a pop of color but also a hint of sweetness, making your floats even more enticing. Step 5: Serve Immediately Once you’ve crafted your Shirley Temple Floats, serve them immediately while the ginger ale is still bubbling and the ice cream is cold and creamy. These refreshing treats are best enjoyed together—grab a straw or a spoon, sit back, and savor the delightful flavors of summer! How to Store and Freeze Shirley Temple Floats Fridge: Enjoy your Shirley Temple Floats fresh for the best taste. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 1 hour but be aware that the fizz will diminish. Freezer: Avoid freezing the completed floats as the ice cream will lose its texture. However, you can freeze the ice cream separately for up to 2 weeks, keeping it in an airtight container. Preparation Tips: Prepare the components, like grenadine and ginger ale, in advance, but assemble right before serving for that fizzy experience. Reheating: There’s no reheating needed for this chilled treat, as it’s best served cold to maintain the refreshing elements of the Shirley Temple Floats. Shirley Temple Floats Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful floats for your unique taste! Citrus Twist: Swap ginger ale for orange soda for a bright and fruity flavor that adds a cheerful touch. Orange slices on top elevate the experience. Cherry Burst: Use cherry-flavored soda instead of ginger ale to enhance the sweetness and add a more intense cherry flavor to each sip. Creamy Alternative: Experiment with chocolate or strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla for a decadent spin that pairs wonderfully with the soda. Adult Version: Add a splash of rum or vodka for an adult version of these floats, perfect for summer soirées or backyard gatherings. Berry Boost: Toss in some fresh raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and an added layer of fruitiness that everyone will rave about. No-Soda Option: For a healthier take, use sparkling water combined with a splash of fruit juice for a fizzy fun twist minus the sugar. Herbal Infusion: Infuse a hint of mint or basil into your floats for an unexpected burst of freshness that elevates the classic recipe. Granita Style: Freeze the soda mixture in ice cube trays, then blend to create a slushy treat for a delightful texture twist on your Shirley Temple Floats. No matter how you choose to customize your Shirley Temple Floats, your creativity will make it a memorable treat for all! Expert Tips for Shirley Temple Floats Chill Your Ingredients: Keep the ginger ale and glassware in the fridge beforehand for an ultra-refreshing experience. Mix Slowly: Pour the soda slowly to avoid too much fizz and ensure a delightful layer of color remains as you mix your Shirley Temple Floats. Ice Cream Choices: Experiment with different flavors of ice cream, like cherry or orange, to add a unique twist that complements the grenadine. Garnish Creatively: Enhance your floats with fun toppings like whipped cream or colorful sprinkles along with the maraschino cherry for added flair. Serving Size: Consider using smaller glasses for kids or a fun party approach, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the fizzy treat without overflowing! Make Ahead Options These refreshing Shirley Temple Floats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the grenadine and chill the ginger ale up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a delicious base ready to go when you’re ready to serve. If you prefer, you can also scoop the vanilla ice cream into individual cups and freeze them up to 3 days ahead of time; just pop them out when it’s float time! To maintain quality, keep the soda and ice cream separate until you’re ready to mix and serve, preserving the fizzy fun and creamy delight that make these floats so special. When it’s time to enjoy, simply pour the ginger ale over the grenadine, add the scoops of ice cream, and finish with a maraschino cherry for a delightful presentation! What to Serve with Shirley Temple Floats? Nothing says summer quite like these vibrant, fizzy treats, and they deserve delightful companions to elevate every sip! Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful blend of seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness of the floats while adding a refreshing crunch. The natural acidity of citrus fruits pairs beautifully with the sugary notes of grenadine. Savory Sliders: Bite-sized sliders with savory fillings complement the sweetness of the floats. Consider mini burgers or pulled pork sliders for a satisfying contrast to your dessert. Crunchy Veggie Sticks: Pair with a tangy dip, these crisp vegetables provide a healthy crunch and balance out the float’s sweetness. A zesty ranch or hummus dip will tantalize your taste buds. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Continue the creamy theme with cool ice cream sandwiches that offer a fun, nostalgic feel. Choose cookies or brownies that provide a rich, chocolatey texture against the fizzy float. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or sweet iced tea bring additional layers of flavor to your gathering. Each sip rounds out the sweetness, enhancing the overall experience. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Warm, gooey cookies are an all-time favorite that pairs nicely with the cold, creamy float. The richness of chocolate complements the fruity hints perfectly. Grilled Pineapple: The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple is a delightful surprise that enhances the flavor profile of the floats. It’s a warm, tropical twist that speaks to summer! Sparkling Water: For a light and refreshing side, serve sparkling water with a hint of lime. It cleanses the palate between sips and encases the refreshing nature of summer. Brownie Bites: Small, fudgy brownie squares make for an indulgent dessert pairing and a rich complement to the lightness of the Shirley Temple Floats. Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of fruit sorbet can act as a light, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the floats, amplifying the fruity experience while keeping things cool and refreshing. Shirley Temple Floats Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best grenadine for my floats? Absolutely! When selecting grenadine, look for one that is made with real pomegranate juice. This will give you the authentic flavor you want. Avoid versions with artificial colors and flavors for the best taste. A good tip is to look for a deep red color and check the ingredients—real pomegranate juice should be listed as one of the top ones. How should I store leftover Shirley Temple Floats? Very good question! These delightful floats are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 1 hour. Keep in mind that the carbonation will decrease, so be prepared for a less fizzy experience. Can I freeze the individual components of Shirley Temple Floats? Of course! While you shouldn’t freeze the assembled floats, you can freeze the vanilla ice cream separately for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. This way, you always have some on hand for future fun floats! Just let it thaw for a few minutes before serving. What should I do if my float overflows when adding ginger ale? Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! If you find that your float is overflowing, simply pour the ginger ale in slowly. Additionally, try to tilt the glass slightly as you pour, which helps minimize excessive fizzing and keeps your beautiful layers intact. Are Shirley Temple Floats suitable for children or those with dietary restrictions? Yes, they definitely are! Shirley Temple Floats are a fun, non-alcoholic treat that kids will adore. If you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, check the ginger ale for any added sugars or artificial ingredients. You can also use sugar-free or natural soda alternatives to cater to different needs. Delightful Shirley Temple Floats: Your 3-Ingredient Summer Sip Enjoy the refreshing taste of Shirley Temple Floats, a 3-ingredient summer sip that combines ginger ale, vanilla ice cream, and grenadine for a delightful treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 10 minutes mins Servings: 2 floatsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Float1 ounce Grenadine Provides sweetness and signature pomegranate flavor; substitute with cherry syrup for a different taste.12 ounces Ginger Ale Offers carbonation and a zesty kick; swap with lemon-lime soda or ginger beer for varied flavors.4 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream Adds creamy richness; experiment with flavored ice creams like cherry or chocolate for a twist.For Garnish (optional)1 Maraschino Cherries Adds a pop of color and extra sweetness; feel free to get creative with your toppings! Equipment Sundae glasses Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Shirley Temple FloatsBegin by selecting two tall sundae glasses, which will highlight the beauty of your Shirley Temple Floats. Measure and pour about 1 ounce of grenadine into the bottom of each glass.Next, gently pour 12 ounces of chilled ginger ale into each glass, allowing it to mix softly with the grenadine. Pour slowly to avoid excessive fizzing or overflow.Grab your favorite scoop and add four generous scoops of rich vanilla ice cream to each glass. As the ice cream rests atop the fizzy mixture, you'll notice it melting slightly, creating a frothy crown.To elevate your Shirley Temple Floats, add a playful touch with a maraschino cherry perched on top of the ice cream if desired.Once you've crafted your Shirley Temple Floats, serve them immediately while the ginger ale is still bubbling and the ice cream is cold and creamy. Nutrition Serving: 1floatCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 36gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg NotesKeep the ginger ale and glassware in the fridge beforehand for an ultra-refreshing experience. Pour soda slowly to maintain color layers. Experiment with different ice cream flavors and toppings for a unique twist. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
