This Easy Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float is a fun and bubbly treat! With fizzy ginger ale, cherry syrup, and creamy ice cream, it’s perfect for hot days or any celebration.
This drink makes me feel like a kid again, especially with that cherry on top. I love serving it at parties – everyone smiles when they see it! 🍒
It’s super simple to whip up, just mix, scoop, and enjoy! I usually make extra to share, but they tend to disappear quickly. Who can resist this yummy float?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ginger Ale: The bubbly base of this float. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, go for caffeine-free ginger ale or even club soda. It will still provide that fizzy lift!
Grenadine Syrup: This adds sweetness and that classic cherry flavor. If you don’t have grenadine, using cherry juice works too! It might be slightly less sweet, but it will still taste great.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A must-have for creaminess! For a twist, try chocolate or strawberry ice cream. Dairy-free or plant-based ice cream can also be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Maraschino Cherries: These are a fun garnish. If you’re looking for something healthier, fresh cherries work well too, or you can skip the cherry altogether!
How Do I Make Sure My Float Stays Frothy?
Keeping your float frothy is all about timing and temperature. Here are some tips:
- Use **chilled ginger ale** to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Pour the ginger ale gently and then slowly add the grenadine. This helps keep the bubbles intact.
- Serve right after assembling. The longer it sits, the less frothy it becomes.
With these tricks, you’ll have a delightful float that’s fizzy to the last sip!
Easy Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ginger ale, chilled
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup (cherry syrup)
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Paper straws (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and fun recipe, perfect for a sunny day or a party. Just mix, scoop, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pour the Ginger Ale:
Start by taking your chilled ginger ale and pouring it into a tall glass. Make sure it’s nice and cold for the best flavor!
2. Add the Grenadine:
Next, drizzle in the grenadine syrup. Give it a gentle stir to mix, and watch as the drink turns a beautiful pink color!
3. Scoop in the Ice Cream:
Now, carefully add your two scoops of vanilla ice cream into the glass. This is where the magic happens as it starts to froth up!
4. Garnish Your Float:
To make it look extra special, top off your float with a maraschino cherry right on top. You can also place a slice of lime on the rim for a pop of color and a touch of zest.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Pop in some paper straws if you’d like, and serve your float immediately. Enjoy every fizzy sip of your refreshing Shirley Temple ice cream float!
Now that you have all the steps, get ready for a deliciously fun treat that everyone will love! Cheers! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Soda?
Absolutely! While ginger ale gives that classic Shirley Temple flavor, you can also use lemon-lime soda or even club soda for a lighter option. Just keep the sweetness in mind when choosing your soda!
How Can I Make This Float Dairy-Free?
No problem! Simply replace the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free ice cream alternative, such as coconut or almond milk-based ice cream. The rest of the recipe remains the same for a delicious dairy-free treat!
Can I Prepare This Float Ahead of Time?
It’s best to assemble this float just before serving to keep it frothy and bubbly. If you want to make the ginger ale and grenadine mixture ahead of time, just mix it together and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to add the ice cream!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them in the fridge without the ice cream. The ginger ale will lose its fizz once combined. If you need to store leftover floats, place them in the fridge and add fresh ice cream when ready to enjoy again!