Are you looking for a fun and beautiful drink recipe to spice up your next party or social gathering? Look no further than a Dirty Shirley float! This playful and delicious beverage features a twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink, with a splash of vodka and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Close up view of Dirty Shirley Float in a clear glass topped with a lime slice and cherry.

Take your love for floats a step further with this Dirty Shirley Float. Refreshing and also a little sweet and sour.

Front view of Dirty Shirley Float in a clear glass topped with a lime slice and cherry.

Are you ready for a new twist on an old classic? Meet the Dirty Shirley Float! This refreshing drink is a fun and playful take on the traditional Shirley Temple, blending sweet and sour flavors with a fizzy kick. The Dirty Shirley Float is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little sizzle to their cocktail repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer barbecue or sipping it on a relaxing afternoon, the Dirty Shirley Float is sure to become your new go-to drink.

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Float

Refreshing and Delicious – The Dirty Shirley Float is a perfect treat for hot summer days. With its fruity flavors and fizzy touch, this drink is a refreshing way to beat the heat.
Easy to Make – You don’t have to be a mixologist to create a Dirty Shirley Float. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some ice cream; you’re good to go! It’s a quick and easy drink you can make quickly.
Fun Twist on Classic Drink – If you’re a classic Shirley Temple drink fan, you’ll love the Dirty Shirley Float. It’s a playful twist on the traditional drink that’ll add some excitement to your next gathering or date night.

What is a dirty float?

A dirty float is when you add an alcoholic ingredient to a normal float, it makes it a “dirty float.”

Shirley Temple Float Ingredients

Lemon-lime soda – This fizzy, carbonated beverage provides the base for the Dirty Shirley Float, adding a sweet and sour flavor to the drink. It adds a refreshing touch to the cocktail and balances out the other flavors.
Vodka – Vodka gives the Dirty Shirley Float a slight alcoholic kick, making it perfect for adults to enjoy. It blends well with the sweet notes of the soda and grenadine, giving the drink a well-rounded flavor.
Grenadine – Grenadine is a sweet, red syrup that adds fruity notes to the beverage. It gives the cocktail it’s signature pink color and enhances the flavor profile, cutting the sharpness of the vodka and soda.

Overhead view of the ingredients needed to complete this recipe.

Vanilla ice cream – Vanilla ice cream makes the Dirty Shirley Float a creamy and decadent treat. It adds richness to the cocktail and blends well with the other flavors, providing a smooth texture and a creamy finish.
Maraschino cherries – These bright red cherries add a pop of color to the drink and a sweet, fruity accent. They are a traditional garnish for Shirley Temple drinks and work perfectly with this drink.
Lime slices – Lime slices add a tart and sour flavor to the cocktail, contrasting nicely with the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also provides a refreshing touch to the drink.

FAQs for Shirley Temple Float

Is this a non-alcoholic drink?

This recipe calls for vodka, so it is an alcoholic drink. However, you can omit the vodka to make a non-alcoholic version.

Can I use a different type of soda?

Yes, you can use different types of soda, like lemonade or club soda, but the flavor will change.

Can I use a different type of ice cream?

Yes, you can use different types of ice cream to give it a distinct flavor. However, using a different type of ice cream will modify the taste of the cocktail.

Overhead view of Dirty Shirley Float in a clear glass topped with a lime slice and cherry.

Is grenadine necessary?

Grenadine is an important ingredient in the Dirty Shirley Float, adding sweetness and giving it the signature red color. However, you can omit it if you don’t like the taste or prefer a less sweet drink.