Easy Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float (Summer Drink Idea)

This fizzy, creamy float tastes like summer in a glass. Just three ingredients and a minute to make!

I saw this Shirley Temple ice cream float on Pinterest a while back and thought it looked fun to try with the girls.

Just a few simple ingredients, super summery, and way more exciting than plain ginger ale.

We made them one afternoon and now it’s turned into one of those drinks the kids keep asking for!

It’s fizzy, creamy, and the prettiest pink so you really can’t go wrong.

Perfect for sunny days, easy enough for them to help with, and honestly?

I love it too!

Ingredients for Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Alright, here’s what you need to make the easiest summer float that feels super fancy.

All you need is a few basics you probably already have hanging around the kitchen.

• Vanilla ice cream – any kind works, just scoop it straight from the tub
• Ginger ale – makes it bubbly and sweet with a little zip
• Grenadine – gives it that pretty pink swirl and cherry-ish flavor
• Maraschino cherry – totally optional, but it looks cute on top
• Whipped cream – optional

How to Make a Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

Step 1

Scoop some vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.

I don’t really level it or anything…just a good heaping spoonful right out of the tub.

I’ve learned to use the glasses with the thicker bottoms since we’ve had a few tip over disasters.

You want about 2 scoops for kids and maybe 3 if its for the adults after the kids go to bed (wink).

I prefer the real vanilla ice cream not the vanilla flavored frozen dessert stuff. Breyers or even store brand is fine just make sure its actual ice cream.

Step 2

Slowly pour the ginger ale over the ice cream.

It’ll foam up a bit, so go easy unless you want a sticky counter.

If the ginger ale is really cold it foams less which is a good tip for when you’re making these for a bunch of kids.

Step 3

Drizzle the grenadine over the top. It sinks down and makes that pretty swirl the kids always get excited about.

This is totally optional but it makes it look so fancy!

The grenadine lasts forever in the fridge so its worth having on hand.

About a tablespoon is plenty and you can find it in the mixer section at the grocery store.

Step 4

Pop a maraschino cherry on top if you’ve got one.

Not necessary, but it does make it feel more like a treat.

Step 5

Hand it over with a straw and a spoon.

I keep a stash of those thicker milkshake straws because regular ones are too flimsy. Everyone has their own method for eating these.

Perfect for Friday movie nights or when its just too hot outside to function.

Common Question You Might Have

Does the ginger ale need to be cold?

Yes and no.

Cold ginger ale tastes better but actually foams less!

So if you’re making these for a bunch of kids maybe don’t use it straight from the fridge to avoid the foam monster situation.

Can I use other sodas instead of ginger ale?

Absolutely!

Root beer makes an amazing float (my husbands favorite when he’s home from his construction jobs).

Orange soda with vanilla ice cream tastes like a creamsicle which the girls go crazy for.

My oldest even tried it with Sprite once and it was pretty good!

Is this too sugary for kids?

I mean yes its definately a treat not an everyday thing!

For birthdays or movie nights its perfect though.

My middle one had a friend over who wasn’t allowed sugar and I felt so bad making these for everyone else.

You could try a smaller portion or use diet ginger ale if you’re worried about it.

Can I make a big batch for a party?

I wouldn’t recommend making them ahead since the ice cream melts and the soda goes flat.

But you can set up a little float station!

Put out glasses scoops of ice cream in a bowl with ice around it bottles of soda and the toppings.

Kids love making their own and it saves you the work. Just keep lots of napkins handy!

Any tips to avoid the mess?

Use taller glasses with thicker bottoms so they dont tip over easily.

The plastic cups from Targets summer collection are perfect for this!

Also pour the ginger ale SLOWLY down the side of the glass not directly on the ice cream.

And maybe do this over the sink the first few times until you get the hang of it.

Float Season is Here!

This one’s quick, sweet, and hits the spot when it’s blazing outside.

Keep the ingredients on hand and you’ve got an easy win anytime the craving hits!