The aroma of peppermint fills the air, instantly whisking me back to cozy holiday gatherings. This year, I couldn’t be more excited to share my recipe for a Peppermint Christmas Float! It’s a wonderfully festive drink that’s not only creamy and rich but also incredibly easy to prepare—a true crowd-pleaser for any holiday celebration. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create this delightful treat that blends refreshing peppermint flavors with a scoop of ice cream, adding a charming twist to traditional holiday beverages. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this drink is sure to bring joy to your festive season. Are you ready to stir up some holiday magic?

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Why is this drink a holiday must-try?

Festive Flavors: The Peppermint Christmas Float melds the iconic taste of peppermint with creamy ice cream for a refreshing twist on holiday drinks.

Easy to Make: You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this float, making it the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings without pulling you away from the fun.

Crowd-Pleasing: This drink caters to both young and old, ensuring everyone at your party will want to indulge in this delightful treat.

Versatile Options: Want to customize? Experiment with various sodas or substitute ice cream for a dairy-free alternative—it’s all about making it your own!

Instant Festivity: Just the sight of this float, topped with crushed peppermint, brings a festive spirit to any occasion, ensuring it’s a hit at your holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for more seasonal delights, check out our additional holiday recipes!

Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

For the Drink

Flavored Soda – Choose your favorite soda, such as ginger ale or lemon-lime, to create the base for your Peppermint Christmas Float.
Milk – Adds creaminess to balance the sweetness of the soda; use whole or low-fat, according to your preference.

For the Ice Cream

Vanilla or Peppermint Ice Cream – The star of the float, bringing rich creaminess and holiday cheer; make sure it’s slightly softened for easier scooping.

For the Garnish

Crushed Peppermint Candy – adds that essential crunch and festive flavor; feel free to substitute with chocolate shavings for a different twist.
Whipped Cream – A fluffy topping that elevates the float experience, making it feel extra special—don’t skip this!

Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting your dreamy Peppermint Christmas Float, promising a delightful burst of flavor with every sip. Enjoy making this festive drink your own!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare Your Serving Container
Start by selecting a big punch bowl or a large-serving beverage jar, ensuring it’s clean and free of any residues. This is where your delightful Peppermint Christmas Float will come to life. Set the bowl on a stable countertop, ready for the delicious mixing that awaits.

Step 2: Mix the Drink Base
Pour your chosen flavored soda, like ginger ale or lemon-lime, into the bowl. Next, add the milk to create a creamy balance with the sweetness of the soda. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until everything is well combined, and you see a lovely frothy surface forming.

Step 3: Pour Into Glasses
Using a ladle, carefully pour the mixed drink into individual serving glasses. Aim for about three-quarters full to leave room for the delicious toppings. Watch as the bubbles rise, adding a festive flair to your Peppermint Christmas Floats.

Step 4: Scoop the Ice Cream
Now, take your slightly softened vanilla or peppermint ice cream and scoop one generous scoop into each glass on top of the drink mixture. This adds a creamy richness that will melt beautifully into the soda, creating a wonderful contrast in textures.

Step 5: Garnish for Festivity
Sprinkle a handful of crushed peppermint candy over each float for that perfect holiday touch. The vibrant colors and crunch of the peppermint will add a delightful visual appeal and enhance the festive flavor profile of your Peppermint Christmas Float.

Step 6: Serve with Style
To make it even more enjoyable, serve each glass with a small spoon and a straw. This allows everyone to savor the creamy ice cream and refreshing float at their own pace. Now your Peppermint Christmas Floats are ready to bring joy to your holiday gathering!

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Helpful Tricks for Peppermint Christmas Float

Scoop Technique: Use a warm ice cream scoop for easier portioning of ice cream. This helps prevent it from breaking apart when added to the drink.
Flavor Balance: Adjust the amount of flavored soda to suit your sweetness preference. Start with less soda and add more if necessary for a balanced Peppermint Christmas Float.
Ice Cream Softening: Let ice cream soften at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the float’s creamy texture.
Peppermint Garnish: Be mindful when adding crushed peppermint; too much can overpower the drink. Start with a little and adjust based on taste.
Chill the Glasses: For an extra festive touch, chill your serving glasses in the freezer prior to serving. This keeps your Peppermint Christmas Float cold and refreshing longer.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Christmas Float

Refrigerator: Store any leftover drink mixture (without ice cream) in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezer: Freezing the mixed drink isn’t recommended, as carbonation may change its texture; however, leftover ice cream can be stored for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Reheating: For the best taste and texture, serve the Peppermint Christmas Float immediately after preparation. If needed, allow the ice cream to soften slightly in the fridge before serving leftovers.

What to Serve with Easy Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delicious sides and drinks that pair beautifully with this creamy seasonal delight.

Festive Cheese Platter: A delightful spread of soft and hard cheeses complements the sweet float, balancing flavors perfectly. Add festive nuts and seasonal fruits for a touch of elegance.
Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices of gingerbread enhance the peppermint’s freshness, making each sip and bite a delightful holiday experience. These cookies can also be a fun activity to make with family!
Chocolate Fondue: A rich chocolate dip with fruit skewer options creates an interactive dessert that pairs wonderfully with the float. Guests will love indulging in chocolate-covered strawberries alongside their drinks.
Spiced Cider: A warm spiced cider offers a cozy beverage choice that complements the coolness of the float. It brings a festive aroma to the air, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Mini Quiches: These savory bites are a great contrast to the sweetness of the Peppermint Christmas Float. Choose a variety of fillings, so every guest can find their favorite!
Peppermint Bark Brownies: Layered brownies topped with peppermint bark create a chocolaty treat that echoes the float’s flavors, adding richness to your dessert table while impressing everyone.
Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa station with toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream for a fun twist. This warm drink matches perfectly with the chill of the float, offering guests a choice in temperature.
Sparkling Water: Keep it refreshing with some sparkling water or soda to cleanse the palate between the rich flavors of the float. It adds an elegant touch to your holiday festivities.

Every pairing enhances the experience of the Peppermint Christmas Float, ensuring your holiday celebrations are packed with joy and deliciousness!

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Christmas Floats are perfect for busy holiday hosts! You can prepare the drink mixture (soda and milk) up to 24 hours in advance; just mix it thoroughly and refrigerate it in a sealed container to maintain freshness. The ice cream should be kept in the freezer until you’re ready to serve to ensure it stays scoopable. When it’s time to impress your guests, pour the prepped drink into glasses, add a scoop of ice cream, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for a stunning festive touch. This way, you’ll enjoy more moments with your loved ones without sacrificing the quality of this delicious holiday beverage!

Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Explore these delightful twists to customize your festive drink and make it even more enjoyable for your holiday gatherings!

Dairy-Free: Swap regular ice cream for dairy-free vanilla ice cream to keep it creamy and vegan-friendly.
Let your guests indulge without dietary worries while still enjoying the festive flavors.
Flavor-Fused: Try different flavored sodas like raspberry or cream soda for a fun and unique taste adventure.
This is a great way to surprise your friends and family with unexpected flavor combinations!
Chocolate Twist: Substitute crushed peppermint candy with chocolate shavings for a decadent cocoa-infused float.
The combination of creamy chocolate and peppermint will surely delight any sweet tooth!
Minty Fresh: Infuse your drink with mint extract for an extra burst of refreshing mintiness.
Just a few drops in the soda will elevate the peppermint experience to new heights.
Whipped Cream Delight: Pile on whipped cream as an indulgent topping, adding even more creaminess and holiday flair.
This simple addition transforms your float from delightful to decadently dreamy!
Spiced Holiday: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the drink base for a warm and cozy holiday flavor.
This twist will make your Peppermint Christmas Float as inviting as a snowy evening by the fire.
Fun Strawberries: Introduce fresh strawberries as an additional garnish for a pop of fruity flavor and color.
This not only adds a fun twist but also makes your presentation as festive as the flavor!

For more festive ideas, consider checking out our cozy warm holiday drinks that will surely warm your heart and soul!

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Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

What kind of flavored soda should I use for the Peppermint Christmas Float?
Absolutely! You can use any soda that complements the peppermint flavor, but I highly recommend ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for that refreshing touch. Both options create a delightful balance of sweetness and fizz in your float!

How should I store any leftover Peppermint Christmas Float?
For storage, make sure to keep any leftover drink mixture (without ice cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed immediately for that delicious ice cream texture!

Can I freeze the Peppermint Christmas Float?
Freezing the mixed drink isn’t ideal as the carbonation will affect the texture when thawed, but leftover ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

What if the ice cream is too hard to scoop?
No worries! Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before attempting to scoop. This makes it easier to work with and allows for a beautiful, creamy addition to your Peppermint Christmas Float.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! If you’re hosting guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make your Peppermint Christmas Float dairy-free by substituting regular ice cream with a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, check your flavored soda for any allergens to accommodate everyone at your gathering.