Name: Shirley Temple Float
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Vanilla Ice Cream (1 cup); 1 ounce Grenadine; 8 ounces Lemon Lime Soda; Maraschino Cherries (optional); Lime Wedges (optional); Whipped Topping (optional); Pink Sanding Sugar

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This Shirley Temple Float turns the classic mocktail into a fun, fizzy dessert drink with vanilla ice cream, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda—perfect for parties, warm days, or Valentine’s Day.

A tall glass of shirley temple with pink and white layer.

Why We Love This Shirley Temple Float

Quick and easy to make – Just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes is all it takes to reach the deliciousness that awaits your taste buds—no blender needed!
Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a pool party drink, holiday treat, or summer dessert for kids, this easy ice cream float always fits right in.
A creamy twist on a classic – A traditional Shirley Temple turned into a fizzy kid-friendly float that adults will love too.
A fun, non-alcoholic party drink – Great for kids, teens, and anyone who wants a festive beverage without the booze.
Picture-perfect presentation – Serve your Shirley Temple drink in tall sundae glasses or sip it through a straw for that retro soda shop vibe.

For more delicious ways to turn a single classic Shirley Temple drink into a multi-serving treat, try my Shirley Temple Punch, Dirty Shirley Popsicle, and Shirley Temple Jello Shots!

Ingredients for a Shirley Temple Float

Vanilla ice cream: I used classic vanilla ice cream for simplicity, but feel free to get creative! Since grenadine has a pomegranate-cherry flavor, it pairs well with other ice cream varieties like cherry, raspberry ripple, or even chocolate for a richer twist. Use lime sorbet for a dairy-free dessert!
Grenadine: This sweet syrup gives the float its signature red color and flavor. If you don’t have grenadine on hand, you can substitute with cherry juice, raspberry syrup, or even pomegranate juice for a similar sweetness.
Lemon Lime Soda: A bubbly lemon-lime soda like Sprite, 7UP, Ginger Ale, or your favorite brand adds the fizz and makes the drink extra refreshing. You can also try a flavored sparkling water for a lighter version.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Shirley temple drink with whipped cream and cherry.

How to Make a Shirley Temple Float

Start With The Ice Cream: Scoop the ice cream into the bottom of a tall glass.
Add The Liquids Last: Drizzle the grenadine over the top of the ice cream then pour in the soda.
Serve: Serve with optional garnishes and enjoy!

Place the ice cream,Drizzle the grenadine over the top ,pour soda over the top of the ice cream.

Tips for the Best Float

Chill your glass first – Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the float colder longer.
Pour soda slowly – Add the soda gently to avoid too much foam spilling over.
Scoop ice cream first – Always start with the scoops of ice cream at the bottom so the soda can float around it perfectly.
Serve right away – These pink soda floats are best enjoyed fresh—don’t try to make them ahead or store leftovers.

Shirley temple drink surrounded by lime, 7UP cans.

Fun Variations to Try

Soda Swaps – Clear sodas work best to let the pink grenadine shine. Flavored sparkling waters, lemon San Pellegrino, or even a cherry-flavored soda add a unique spin. Or use cola to turn the classic drink into a Roy Rogers Float!
Tasty Toppings – Add a dollop of whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, pink sanding sugar, or lime slices for extra flair.
Fun Finishes – Sprinkle on rainbow sprinkles or try a sour cherry on top for a playful garnish that pops.
Make it a Dirty Shirley cocktail – Add 1 oz plain or cherry vodka to turn this into a fun Dirty Shirley float for grown-ups. It’s everything you love about the classic, with a boozy twist! Sip responsibly.

Storage Tips & Make-Ahead Instructions

To Store: This float is best enjoyed right away, as it’s an ice cream-based drink that melts quickly.
Make Ahead? Not recommended. For the best texture and fizz, assemble just before serving.
Pro Tip: You can prep your garnishes and chill your glasses in advance, but keep all ingredients separate until you’re ready to build the float.

Shirley temple float with cherry on top, striped straws. and lime.

More Mocktail Recipes

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Shirley Temple Float

Author — Jennifer Fishkind

Serves —

Fun and fizzy Shirley Temple Float made with ice cream, soda, and grenadine—a quick, kid-friendly party treat ready in 5 minutes.

Print Rate Pin Save

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Ingredients

Instructions

Place the ice cream in the bottom of a tall glass.
8 ounces Vanilla Ice Cream
Drizzle the grenadine over the top of the ice cream.
1 ounce Grenadine
Gently pour the soda over the top of the ice cream.
8 ounces Lemon Lime Soda
Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping, a cherry, a lime slice, and a dash of sprinkles, if desired. Enjoy!
Maraschino Cherries, Lime Wedges, Whipped Topping, Pink Sanding Sugar

Jenn’s Notes

Storage :

To Store: This float is best enjoyed right away, as it’s an ice cream-based drink that melts quickly.

Make Ahead? Not recommended. For the best texture and fizz, assemble just before serving.

Pro Tip: You can prep your garnishes and chill your glasses in advance, but keep all ingredients separate until you’re ready to build the float.

Tips :

Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the float colder longer.
Add the soda gently to avoid too much foam spilling over.
Always start with the scoops of ice cream at the bottom so the soda can float around it perfectly.
These pink soda floats are best enjoyed fresh—don’t try to make them ahead or store leftovers.