Shirley Temple Float is the exact thing you make when kids (or, um, adults) want something special that feels way fancier than just soda. Maybe you’ve got a Friday night with friends, and everyone’s bored of regular dessert. Or your little one’s birthday is almost here and you want to skip the oven—can you relate? Been there. These amazing floats save the day with zero fuss, big smiles, and a boatload of nostalgia. Get ready for cherry-happy faces and fizzy giggles; it’s truly the drink that makes any day feel like a party.
Whats In A Shirley Temple?
Here’s the legendary thing: a classic Shirley Temple is so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every weekend. The OG recipe is non-alcoholic. It starts with lemon-lime soda—Sprite, 7-Up, take your pick. Next, a splash (okay, a generous splash) of grenadine gives that unmistakable sweet cherry twang and the eye-popping red streaks in your glass. Top it all with one of those bright red maraschino cherries you probably have lurking somewhere in the fridge. For the float version? Just pile on a big, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream right in the glass. Some folks, myself included, sometimes sneak in extra cherries or a bit more ice cream (no shame here). If you like it extra fizzy, use club soda too. Friends will ask for seconds—I swear.
“I’d never even tried a Shirley Temple Float until last summer, and now my kids beg for them every week. Never seen them finish a drink so fast!” – Local mom, real-life Shirley Temple Float convert.
A History Of The Shirley Temple
Alright, it’s story time (and, wow, this is a cute one). The Shirley Temple isn’t just some random sugary soda. It’s actually named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple herself. Apparently, way back in the 1930s, bartenders wanted to whip up something fancy for kids and those who didn’t drink alcohol. Basically, they made a mini red soda cocktail so kids could have their own “grown-up” drink at the party. Supposedly, even Shirley herself wasn’t wild about it (she thought it was too sweet—wild, I know), but the drink exploded in popularity anyway. And now? Generations have sipped on Shirley Temple Floats at birthday parties, retro diners, and honestly, any place that wants a bit of jazzy, old-school fun in a glass.
Variations On Shirley Temple Floats
Look, there’s never just one way to make a Shirley Temple Float. That would be boring, and these drinks are anything but. Toss in orange soda instead of lemon-lime for a completely different mood (my nephew swears it’s the best). Or mix half ginger ale and half sparkling water—gives it a zippy, bubbly punch. Sometimes I even drizzle in a little cherry syrup for overlooked sweet tooths out there. Other friends go for chocolate or cherry ice cream in place of vanilla—call it zingy or call it radical, but it tastes wild in the best way. Plus, fancy a garnish? More cherries, fresh whipped cream, or even some colorful paper umbrellas (those should never go out of style, let’s be honest).
Kitchen Tips To Make The Best Shirley Temple Float
Let me give you some of my straight-up, don’t-skip-this tips:
- Freeze your glasses first, especially in summer. Trust me—it keeps everything refreshingly cold.
- Always pour the soda over the ice cream, not the other way around. This gets that photogenic fizzy volcano you want.
- Don’t skimp on the cherries. Kids always want extras (and me, admittedly).
- For parties, let guests build their own Shirley Temple Float bar. It gets funny fast when everyone tries their “secret combo.”
Adult Version of the Shirley Temple – The Dirty Shirley
You know what’s hilarious? My cousin calls the grown-up version the “Dirty Shirley” and, well, sometimes you just need a little fun. All you really do is add vodka to your Shirley Temple Float. That’s it. Splash it in right before the soda, stir it gently, and suddenly, you’ve got a cocktail dressed up in a cherry-red suit. Occasionally, we switch to dark rum for a bolder kick. Serve it with a lemon wedge or (if you’re feeling dramatic) a fancy paper straw. It’s the perfect, cheeky drink for BBQs and summer birthdays that need a little spin.
Common Questions
Q: Is this recipe safe for kids?
A: Absolutely! The Shirley Temple Float is non-alcoholic unless you make the Dirty Shirley version.
Q: Can I use diet soda instead?
A: Go for it. You’ll get the same fizz, less sugar.
Q: What ice cream works best?
A: Classic vanilla is perfect. But nobody will judge you for chocolate, strawberry, or even a swirl.
Q: Can you make these ahead of time?
A: Honestly, they’re best made to order. The fizz and ice cream melt quick!
Q: What if I don’t have grenadine?
A: Try maraschino cherry juice or even a little raspberry syrup.
Ready For A Sweet Sip Of Nostalgia?
So, that’s my not-so-secret formula for total party success: a Shirley Temple Float. Easy, charming, a little silly, and maximum yum. If you want to check out more takes or see some seriously drool-worthy pics, try the recipes at Shirley Temple Float – Sugar and Soul or the Best Shirley Temple Floats Recipe for extra inspiration. I say gather your favorite people, raid the ice cream stash, and get ready for a mini celebration. Trust me, your dessert table has never looked so bright.
Shirley Temple Float
Ingredients
Method
- Freeze glasses for a few minutes to keep drinks cold.
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in each glass.
- Slowly pour lemon-lime soda over the ice cream.
- Add a generous splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
- Top each float with a maraschino cherry.
