The Grinch Kids Ice Cream Float Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Grinch Kids Ice Cream Float is a festive, fun, and colorful drink perfect for holiday celebrations. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved green character, this float combines a bright green soda with creamy vanilla ice cream and a cherry on top to mimic the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. It’s simple to make, kid-friendly, and a cheerful addition to any Christmas gathering.
ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
lime sodavanilla ice creamred maraschino cherriesred sanding sugargreen food coloring (optional for extra color)corn syrup (for rimming the glass)whipped cream (optional)
directions
Rim the edges of your serving glasses with corn syrup, then dip them into red sanding sugar for a festive look.
Scoop 2–3 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass.
If desired, add a drop of green food coloring to the lime soda for a more vibrant green color.
Slowly pour lime soda over the ice cream until the glass is full and foamy.
Top with whipped cream (optional) and a red maraschino cherry to represent the Grinch’s heart.
Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 floats.Preparation time: 5 minutesTotal time: 5 minutes
Variations
Use lemon-lime soda or green apple soda as alternatives to lime soda.
Add a drop of peppermint extract for a minty twist.
Use strawberry or cherry ice cream for a fruity contrast.
Make a “grown-up” version by adding a splash of vodka or flavored liqueur.
storage/reheating
This recipe is best served fresh and does not store well. For party prep, you can scoop ice cream into cups ahead of time and freeze them, then add soda just before serving.

FAQs
Can I make these floats ahead of time?
You can pre-scoop the ice cream and freeze it in the cups, but only pour the soda when ready to serve.
Is the food coloring necessary?
No, it’s optional. The lime soda is already green, but the food coloring enhances the color.
Can I use different types of soda?
Yes! Lemon-lime, green apple, or even cream soda with coloring work well.
Are these floats safe for kids?
Yes, they are non-alcoholic and perfect for children.
What if I don’t have sanding sugar?
You can skip the rim or use colored sugar sprinkles as a substitute.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Honey or maple syrup will work to make the sugar stick to the glass rim.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream and check your soda ingredients to ensure they’re dairy-free.
Conclusion
The Grinch Kids Ice Cream Float is a festive, simple, and sweet holiday drink that will bring smiles to kids and adults alike. With its vibrant green color and playful cherry heart, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether for a party or a cozy night watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this float adds a magical touch to your holiday fun.
Print
The Grinch Kids Ice Cream Float Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A cheerful, festive drink made with lime soda, vanilla ice cream, and a cherry on top, perfect for Christmas celebrations with kids.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lime soda
- 4–6 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 red maraschino cherries
- Red sanding sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Corn syrup (for rimming the glass)
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Rim the edges of serving glasses with corn syrup, then dip them in red sanding sugar.
- Add 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- If desired, tint the lime soda with green food coloring for a brighter hue.
- Slowly pour lime soda over the ice cream until the glass is full and foamy.
- Top with whipped cream (optional) and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Notes
- Use lemon-lime or green apple soda as an alternative to lime soda.
- For a minty twist, add a drop of peppermint extract.
- Substitute strawberry or cherry ice cream for a fruity variation.
- Make it a grown-up float with a splash of vodka or liqueur.
- Pre-scoop ice cream and freeze in cups for easier party prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Assembled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg