Shirley Temple Float Dessert Drink: A Fun Twist on a Classic Mocktail

Looking to spice up your Christmas spread? My Shirley Temple Float Dessert Drink recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. I’ve remixed the classic mocktail into this indulgent Christmas dessert. 

Start with my bright Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream, top it with Sprite, and you have a delicious dessert drink, perfect for the holidays!

In addition to the recipe, I share tips on presentation and how this drink fits into my “Literary Baking Adventures” series, inspired by the book The House in the Cerulean Sea.

What is a Shirley Temple Float?

A Shirley Temple is a mocktail made with grenadine and Sprite, topped with maraschino cherries. There are also variations that include vodka or substitute ginger ale instead of the Sprite. 

As a kid, I always ordered them at restaurants because they’re a fun non-alcoholic drink that makes you feel like an adult!

An ice cream float is just ice cream with soda poured on top. The soda reacts with the ice cream, making a fizzy, creamy drink. Typically, you’ll see recipes for coke floats, orange soda floats, or root beer floats, made with vanilla ice cream and different flavors of soda.

This time, why not use a flavored ice cream instead? I merged the classic Shirley Temple recipe with an ice cream float. To really make it a wintry holiday dessert drink, I decided to use Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry on top of the Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream, and added a candy cane garnish.

What You’ll Need

Shirley Temple Float Ingredients

• Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream: If you can, try making my ice cream recipe—it’s really got that maraschino cherry punch that works so well with the Shirley Temple drink! In a pinch, store-bought cherry ice cream is fine, as long as it doesn’t have chocolate chips in it.
• Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry: About a half can per drink. This special holiday flavor adds a nice layer or spiciness to this drink. Regular Sprite or other lemon-lime soda works too. 
• Mini Candy Canes: To use as a festive stirrer/spoon. Totally optional—but really adds to the Christmas vibes. 

Ice Cream Float Equipment

• Ice Cream Scoop: For getting those scoops of ice cream nice and spherical!
• 4 Coupe Glasses: These shallow, stemmed glasses typically used for serving cocktails or dessert drinks. They really add that elegant touch. I used this set of 4 glasses from Amazon. 

How to Make a Shirley Temple Float

Here are the steps to make my special Shirley Temple Float dessert drink. Check at the bottom for a handy printable recipe card. 

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Ahead of Time: 

At least a day ahead of time, make the Flour & Fiction Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream. 

This is so the ice cream gets to fully set and develop its rich cherry flavor. 

If you’re short on time, store-bought cherry ice cream will work, but making it yourself really brings this recipe up a notch!

Step 2: Scoop the Ice Cream into Chilled Glasses

Chill your coupe glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps keep the float cold for longer and adds a nice frosty touch. 

Once ready, put one generous scoop of Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream into each coupe glass. 

Try to make the scoop nice and even, and sit it carefully in the center of the glass. It’s all about great presentation this Christmas!

Expert Tip: To save time when serving guests, pre-scoop the ice cream onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep them in the freezer. When it’s time to make the floats, just drop a scoop in each glass!

Step 3: Slowly Pour the Sprite

Slowly pour a half can of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry (or other lemon-lime soda) into each glass.

Pouring slowly is key to prevent the soda from foaming up too much and overflowing. Tilt the glass slightly and pour down the side to keep the bubbles under control. 

This technique will also help the ice cream and soda mix gradually so you get that perfect creamy, fizzy texture.

Step 4: Add the Garnish and Serve Immediately 

And for the finishing touch, top each float with a mini candy cane! These work as festive stirrers. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a maraschino cherry on top as well. 

Serve immediately while the ice cream is still firm and the soda is bubbly. These drinks take less than 5 minutes to make, so don’t make them until you’re ready to serve.

Ice Cream Float Tips

Let’s be honest, this recipe is so simple, you can’t go wrong. But if you really want some advice…

• Glasses: I used coupe glasses because they are pretty and hold just the right amount of Sprite so that this drink isn’t too too sweet. You could also use a martini glass, wine glass, highball (with a straw), etc. Use whatever you like or have, and it helps to chill the glasses!
• Flavor Boost: For an extra punch of cherry flavor, drizzle a bit of grenadine syrup over the ice cream before pouring the soda.
• Soda Temperature: Make sure the Sprite is as cold as possible—keeping it in the fridge overnight is ideal. The colder the soda, the better it will react with the ice cream and maintain the fizzy effect.
• Festive Toppings: You can add a sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugar to make the drink even more festive. A bit of whipped cream is also nice.

Literary Baking Adventures

All my recipes are inspired from books. My recipe for Shirley Temple Floats starts with some delicious homemade Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream. 

That recipe was inspired by The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. I loved the heartwarming story of a chosen family set against the whimsical backdrop of a magical orphanage. I gave it 4 stars and highly recommend it!

A friend of mine had an idea to turn the Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream into an ice cream float. I loved the idea, so naturally, I had to try it…

Before You Go…

This pretty, pink after-dinner drink would be excellent for Valentine’s Day as well—just swap out the candy cane garnish for a heart-shaped cocktail stirrer.

If you’re looking for some more Christmas recipes and ideas, I’ve got loads:

• Try making my super-special Persimmon Cheesecake with Red Wine Sauce—it’s a luxurious dessert that’s sure to impress during the holidays.
• Looking for gifts? I’ve just refreshed my Christmas gift guide for 2024, and it’s packed with unique ideas to make your loved ones smile.
• Know someone who loves baking? This post highlights essential baking tools that every baker needs, making it a great gift resource.
• If pie is on your mind, check out these pie cookbooks—they’re perfect for both new bakers and seasoned pie lovers alike.

Please leave a comment if you tried making my Shirley Temple Float dessert drink! I’d love to know how it turned out.