Bring the magic of Whoville to your holiday table with these Grinch-inspired ice cream floats! With their vibrant green color, sweet creamy flavor, and a hint of whimsy, these floats are perfect for kids (and the young at heart). They’re a festive and fun addition to any holiday gathering and a surefire way to make spirits bright.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Grinch kids ice cream floats are:
- Super simple to make with just a few ingredients
- A colorful treat that screams holiday cheer
- Perfect for family movie nights, parties, or classroom celebrations
- Totally customizable to fit your favorite flavors and toppings
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need for this holiday magic:
- Lime sherbet or vanilla ice cream with green food coloring
- Lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- Whipped cream
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or candies
The full list of ingredients and exact measurements is included below in the recipe card!
Directions
- Prepare the glasses
Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for an extra frosty presentation. If you’d like, dip the rims in green sanding sugar or edible glitter for a festive touch. - Scoop the ice cream
Add two to three scoops of lime sherbet (or dyed vanilla ice cream) into each glass. - Add the soda
Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda over the ice cream, allowing the frothy bubbles to rise to the top. Be careful not to overfill! - Top it off
Add a generous swirl of whipped cream, then place a single red heart sprinkle or candy on top—it’s the Grinch’s growing heart! - Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately with a straw and spoon for sipping and scooping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use green food coloring to achieve the perfect Grinch shade if you’re using vanilla ice cream.
- Freeze your glasses for at least 15 minutes before assembling to keep the floats colder longer.
- For extra holiday flair, sprinkle crushed candy canes or green sprinkles on the whipped cream.
- Make these floats in clear plastic cups for an easy cleanup at parties.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap lime sherbet for green apple sorbet or pistachio ice cream for different flavor profiles.
- Use ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda for a slightly spicier taste.
- Add a drizzle of green apple syrup for extra sweetness and color.
- Make an adult version with a splash of vodka or melon liqueur.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Grinch ice cream floats are delightful on their own or paired with other holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark. Serve them during a Grinch movie marathon or as part of a festive dessert bar at your Christmas party.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These floats are best enjoyed immediately, but you can prepare the ice cream scoops ahead of time and store them in a freezer-safe tray. Assemble just before serving for the freshest experience.
FAQs
Can I use another soda flavor?
Yes, you can use green apple soda, ginger ale, or even sparkling water with a splash of green apple syrup for a fun twist.
What if I can’t find red heart-shaped sprinkles?
You can cut small red candies or use a red jellybean as a substitute.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free lime sherbet or green-colored sorbet and pair it with a dairy-free whipped topping.
Are these floats just for kids?
Not at all! Adults love them too, and you can make them extra special with a splash of holiday spirits.
Conclusion
The Grinch kids ice cream float is a playful, festive treat that’s sure to warm even the Grinch’s heart. With its vibrant green hue and sweet bubbly goodness, it’s a holiday tradition in the making. Whip up a batch and enjoy the joy of the season with your loved ones—it’s a recipe that will grow everyone’s heart three sizes that day!
Print
The Grinch Kids Ice Cream Float
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This fun and festive Grinch-themed ice cream float is perfect for kids during the holidays. The combination of lime sherbet, green punch, and lemon-lime soda creates a bubbly, green treat that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Green Hawaiian Punch
- About 2 cups Lemon-Lime Soda
- 3 to 4 scoops of Lime Sherbet (or Vanilla Ice Cream)
- Sour candy hearts (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Float:
In a large pitcher, place 3 to 4 scoops of lime sherbet (or vanilla ice cream). If preferred, make individual servings by placing scoops directly into glasses. - Add the Punch and Soda:
Slowly pour the green Hawaiian Punch and lemon-lime soda over the sherbet, being careful to avoid overflow. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish each float with a straw and a sour candy heart if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add more soda or punch to adjust the sweetness and flavor. Lime sherbet enhances the Grinch-green color, but vanilla ice cream works great too!
- Individual Servings: This recipe can easily be adapted for individual glasses instead of a large pitcher.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg