Peppermint Christmas Float: 7 Great Ways to Serve

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Peppermint Christmas Float has been my go-to festive drink for years, a true taste of the holidays in a glass! I still remember the first time I made it for my family; the kids’ eyes lit up like the Christmas tree lights as the creamy soda frothed in their glasses. The sweet, cool scent of peppermint mixed with the vanilla ice cream is pure magic. It’s such an incredibly simple yet impressive holiday party drink that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, absolutely adores. Let’s get this festive float made!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Christmas Float

This festive drink is a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its incredible taste!

Incredibly Easy: Seriously, it only takes 5 minutes to whip up this delightful treat.
Festive Flavor: The cool peppermint and creamy vanilla ice cream scream Christmas.
Kid-Approved: It’s a fun, fizzy indulgence that little ones go wild for.
Crowd-Pleaser: Adults love this easy holiday drink just as much as kids do!
Versatile Serving: Perfect for a big punch bowl at parties or individual glasses for a cozy night in.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to be dairy-free or less sweet.
Visually Stunning: Garnished with crushed candy canes and whipped cream, it looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients for Peppermint Christmas Float

Gather these simple items for a truly magical holiday beverage. This easy holiday drink comes together with just a few key components that make it extra special.

15 oz vanilla ice cream – use a good quality, creamy vanilla; softening it slightly makes scooping easier
1.5 liters 7UP or Sprite, chilled – the fizz is essential for that classic float texture; chilling it prevents premature melting
3 tbsp milk (whole or 2%) – adds a touch more creaminess and helps blend the peppermint
1/4 tsp peppermint extract – this is where the Christmas magic happens! Use real peppermint extract for the best flavor
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional garnish) – for that extra festive crunch and peppermint kick
Whipped cream (optional garnish) – a dollop makes it extra decadent
Mini candy canes for stirrers (optional garnish) – a cute and functional touch
Red and white striped straws (optional garnish) – adds to the festive visual appeal
Maraschino cherries (optional garnish) – a classic float topping

How to Make Peppermint Christmas Float

Whipping up this festive drink is incredibly simple, perfect for adding some sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Forget preheating an oven; this is an instant gratification recipe!

Step 1: In a large, clean punch bowl, gently mix together the 3 tablespoons of milk and the 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This is where the signature holiday aroma begins to develop.
Step 2: Add generous scoops of the 15 ounces of vanilla ice cream, distributing them evenly across the bottom of the punch bowl. Letting the ice cream soften slightly for about 10 minutes at room temperature will make this step much easier and prevent it from breaking apart too much.
Step 3: Now for the fizz! Slowly and carefully pour the chilled 1.5 liters of 7UP or Sprite down the side of the punch bowl. This technique helps to minimize the foam and prevent an overflow, allowing you to enjoy the delightful bubbling sound and visual.
Step 4: Ladle the creamy, fizzy mixture into tall glasses. Make sure each serving gets a good amount of both ice cream and soda for that perfect float experience. This is the moment you can really see how delightful this Peppermint Christmas Float is shaping up to be.
Step 5: For individual servings, start by placing 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each tall glass.
Step 6: In a small separate bowl, mix the milk and peppermint extract. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of this mixture over the ice cream in each glass.
Step 7: Very slowly, pour the chilled 7UP over the ice cream until the glass is about three-quarters full. You’ll see it begin to froth up beautifully, creating that classic ice cream soda texture.
Step 8: Top each glass with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and if you like, a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a festive straw and a spoon to enjoy this delightful Peppermint Christmas Float!

Peppermint Christmas Float: 7 Great Ways to Serve - Peppermint Christmas Float - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Christmas Float

Want to make your holiday float absolutely spectacular? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:

Chill Everything: Make sure your 7UP is super cold before you start. This helps keep the ice cream from melting too fast and keeps the drink perfectly fizzy.
Soften the Ice Cream Slightly: Don’t let your ice cream get rock hard. Let it sit out for about 5-10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop and mixes better with the soda.
Pour Slowly: When adding the soda, pour it gently down the side of the bowl or glass. This minimizes the foam-up and makes for a smoother, less messy float.
Fresh Extract is Key: Use good quality, real peppermint extract. It makes a huge difference in the flavor compared to artificial versions.

What’s the secret to a perfect Peppermint Christmas Float?

The real magic comes from chilling your soda thoroughly and using a quality peppermint extract. Pouring the 7UP slowly down the side is also crucial for that perfect, frothy texture without an overflow. For more on flavor enhancers, check out this guide on flavor enhancers.

Can I make Peppermint Christmas Float ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed immediately for maximum fizz, you can prep components. Scoop the ice cream into glasses and have the soda and peppermint mixture ready to combine just before serving. This is similar to how some overnight oats are prepped for convenience.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Christmas Float?

The biggest mistake is using warm soda, which melts the ice cream instantly. Also, avoid over-mixing the soda into the ice cream; it should just gently combine for that classic float texture. Understanding ingredient interactions is key, much like when comparing zucchini and cucumber.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Christmas Float

This delightful festive mocktail is more than just a drink; it’s an experience! For a truly memorable holiday gathering, consider these serving suggestions. A punch bowl setup is fantastic for parties, allowing guests to ladle their own creamy, fizzy concoction. For a more intimate feel, individual tall glasses adorned with whipped cream and crushed candy canes make each person feel special. This easy holiday drink pairs wonderfully with Christmas cookies, gingerbread, or even a light fruit salad. Imagine serving it alongside a plate of sugar cookies – pure festive bliss!

Nutrition Facts for Peppermint Christmas Float

When you’re enjoying this delightful holiday treat, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re sipping on. Each serving of this festive mocktail offers a sweet indulgence:

Calories: 185 kcal
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 45mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For more on dietary fiber, you might find this article on fiber helpful.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Christmas Float

While this festive drink is best enjoyed fresh, I’ve found a few ways to save some for later if you happen to have leftovers. It’s a bit tricky since it’s carbonated, but totally doable!

First, let any leftover float sit for a few minutes to reduce the fizz. Then, carefully ladle any remaining mixture into an airtight container. For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just know that the carbonation will diminish significantly. If you’re looking for longer storage, you can freeze the mixture! Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple: thaw the frozen float in the refrigerator overnight. Stir it well before serving, and be prepared for a less fizzy, but still delicious, experience. You can always add a splash of fresh soda water to revive some sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Christmas Float

Can I make Peppermint Christmas Float with different ice cream flavors?

Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment. Try a mint chocolate chip ice cream for an extra minty kick or even a chocolate ice cream for a richer flavor. Just remember that the peppermint extract is key to the signature holiday taste of this Peppermint Christmas Float.

What can I use instead of 7UP for this festive mocktail?

If you’re looking for an alternative to 7UP or Sprite, club soda or sparkling water are great options for a less sweet, more grown-up version of this holiday party drink. You might need to add a touch more sweetener if you go this route, but it keeps the drink light and bubbly. For other healthy beverage options, consider hibiscus water.

How much peppermint extract should I use?

The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon, which provides a balanced peppermint flavor without being overpowering. I’d start with that amount. If you’re a huge peppermint fan, you can cautiously add a tiny bit more, but be careful, as too much can make it taste medicinal.

Is this Peppermint Christmas Float recipe suitable for a large holiday party?

Yes, this Peppermint Christmas Float recipe is perfect for parties! You can easily scale it up and serve it from a punch bowl, making it super convenient for self-service. Just ensure you have plenty of ice cream and chilled soda on hand.

Variations of Peppermint Christmas Float You Can Try

While the classic is divine, I love getting creative with this festive drink! It’s so easy to switch things up to suit different tastes or dietary needs, making this holiday party drink adaptable for everyone.

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the regular vanilla ice cream for a good quality dairy-free vanilla ice cream and use your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk). This makes for a creamy, festive treat that everyone can enjoy.
Adults-Only Twist: For those over 21, a splash of peppermint schnapps or a good quality vodka can be added to individual servings for a boozy kick. It transforms this easy holiday drink into a festive cocktail!
Chocolate Peppermint Dream: Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla and perhaps a chocolate syrup drizzle. This variation offers a richer, more decadent flavor profile while still keeping that essential peppermint Christmas spirit.
Sparkling Cider Swap: For a non-soda option, try using chilled sparkling apple cider mixed with a bit of club soda for fizz. It offers a different fruit-forward flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint.