The holiday season brings a swirl of joy and excitement, and what better way to celebrate than with a cheery drink? This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful, creamy concoction that captures the spirit of the season in every sip! With its effortless preparation, this drink quickly transforms any festive gathering into a memorable celebration. Picture this: a bubbly blend of soda, luscious ice cream, and a hint of peppermint, all topped off with crunchy candy that adds a festive flair. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this float is bound to please both kids and adults alike. Ready to elevate your holiday celebrations with a drink that tastes like Christmas magic? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is this drink a holiday must-try?

Festive Flavor: This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is bursting with seasonal cheer, combining the iconic flavors of peppermint and ice cream for a treat that’s sure to delight.

Effortless Mixing: With a simple blend of soda and peppermint, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy family night, this drink will bring smiles to both kids and adults.

Customizable Treat: Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors or sodas, ensuring everyone can enjoy their perfect version.

Visually Stunning: Topped with crushed peppermint candy, this float is as pretty as it is delicious, making it a showstopper for your festive table. Consider pairing it with easy holiday appetizers to create a delightful spread!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

For the Base
• Soda – Use lemon-lime soda or sparkling water to create a fizzy and refreshing base for your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.
• Peppermint extract – A few drops go a long way, adding that essential minty flavor that screams holiday spirit. Adjust to your taste for a minty kick!

For the Creamy Layer
• Ice cream – Choose vanilla or peppermint flavor for creamy richness; dairy-free ice cream works great for a vegan twist if needed.

For the Garnish
• Crushed peppermint candy – Sprinkle this over the top for a festive crunch and an eye-catching presentation; chocolate shavings make a delicious alternative!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare the Serving Vessel
Begin by selecting a large punch bowl or beverage jar, ensuring it’s clean and dry to maximize flavor presentation. This will be the focal point of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float. Getting the right vessel ready sets the stage for a delightful gathering, so make sure it’s visually appealing for serving.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Pour in your chosen soda—lemon-lime soda works wonderfully—and a few drops of peppermint extract into the bowl. Stir gently with a long spoon for about 30 seconds until the soda and extract are evenly combined. As you stir, watch for the lovely bubbles that signal the carbonation, enhancing the festive spirit of your float.

Step 3: Serve
Take the glasses you’ll be using to serve your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float and divide the mixture evenly among them. Aim for about three-quarters full in each glass to make room for the ice cream. The fizzy drink should look inviting, bubbling cheerfully and ready to receive its creamy topping.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Now it’s time for the best part! Add a generous scoop of ice cream to the top of each glass, allowing it to rest on the fizzy mixture. It should slowly begin to melt into the drink, creating a beautiful, creamy layer. This combination of flavors is what makes the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle generous amounts of crushed peppermint candy over the ice cream in each glass. This will not only add a festive crunch but also create a visually stunning presentation. Serve the drinks immediately with spoons and straws, inviting everyone to enjoy both the creamy delight and bubbly refreshment together!

Step 6: Enjoy Every Sip
Gather your loved ones around and watch their faces light up as they sip on your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float. As they enjoy the flavors and textures, share stories and laughter, making this holiday drink a centerpiece for joyful memories. This float truly embodies the spirit of the season!

How to Store and Freeze Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Fridge: This drink is best enjoyed fresh due to its carbonation, but you can store prepared ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 2 days before mixing.

Freezer: If you happen to have leftover ice cream, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months, ensuring it stays creamy and delicious for future floats.

Reheating: Since this is a cold drink, there’s no need for reheating; simply mix when you’re ready to enjoy your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float!

Garnish Care: If you’ve made your crushed peppermint candy in advance, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain its crunch for up to 1 week.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings a breeze! You can mix the soda and peppermint extract up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate the mixture, ensuring it’s chilled and ready to serve. Just remember to stir gently before serving to revive those delightful bubbles and flavors. Additionally, you can crush the peppermint candy a day ahead and store it in an airtight container to maintain its crunch. When it’s time to indulge, simply pour the prepared mixture into glasses, add a scoop of ice cream, garnish with crushed peppermint candy, and enjoy a refreshing, festive drink that your friends and family will adore, all without the last-minute hustle!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe, enhancing your float with delightful twists that tantalize your taste buds!

Chocolate Twist: Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream for a rich and decadent flavor contrast that pairs perfectly with peppermint.
Fruit Soda Splash: Use berry-flavored sparkling water for a fruity touch that adds brightness, creating a refreshing twist to the traditional float.
Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for creamy coconut or almond milk ice cream to make a delicious vegan version, allowing everyone to join in on the festive fun!
Mocha Magic: Elevate your float with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or espresso for a caffeinated kick that complements the peppermint beautifully.
Spicy Heat: Infuse your float with a hint of cayenne pepper for an unexpected spicy twist, balancing the sweetness with a warm kick.
Minty Lime: Add a splash of lime juice to the soda mixture for a zesty zing that brightens up the creamy float while enhancing its festive flavors.
Candy Swap: Use crushed Oreos or chocolate-covered pretzels instead of peppermint candy for a unique flavor combination that gives great texture and visual appeal.
Garnish Upgrades: Top with whipped cream and extra crushed candy canes for a luxurious finish that makes your float a true holiday showstopper.

For extra festive fun, consider pairing your float with easy holiday appetizers to create an inviting spread that delights all your guests!

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Enhance your holiday gatherings with delightful pairings that harmonize perfectly with the creamy, minty flavors of this festive drink.

Holiday Cookies:
Treat your guests to a plate of classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men. Their sweetness beautifully complements the minty freshness, creating a delightful holiday harmony.
Cheese Platter:
A selection of creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese contrasts wonderfully with the float’s sweetness, adding a savory note to the festive experience.
Chocolate Desserts:
Rich chocolate truffles or brownies provide a decadent pairing that enhances the peppermint flavor while offering a satisfying texture contrast. The bittersweet chocolate brings out the float’s festive charm.
Fruit Salad:
A light and refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and berries adds a burst of freshness. This brightens the palate, making it a wonderful balance to the creamy float.
Spiced Nuts:
Serve a bowl of spiced nuts for a crunchy, savory snack. The warm spices will provide a cozy ambiance, making this pairing ideal for winter celebrations.
Sparkling Wine:
For an adult touch, offer a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. The bubbles and crispness elevate the festive spirit and pair well with the float’s creamy sweetness.
Hot Cocoa:
A warm cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows is a comforting contrast to the cool peppermint float. It invites guests to indulge in sweet warmth during chilly holiday nights.

Gather your loved ones around and enjoy these delightful pairings alongside the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float for a truly magical holiday experience!

Tips for the Best Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Temperature Matters: Ensure your soda is chilled before mixing. Warm soda can lose its fizz quickly, affecting the overall experience of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.
Ice Cream Selection: Use slightly softened ice cream to easily scoop. This prevents it from sinking immediately when added to the soda, leading to a lovely layered drink.
Minty Goodness: Start with a small amount of peppermint extract and add more gradually. Tasting as you go will help you achieve the perfect balance without overpowering the drink.
Garnish Perfection: For a stunning look, crush peppermint candy just before serving. This maintains its crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal of your float.
Custom Flavor Profiles: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sodas or ice cream flavors. A chocolate ice cream and fruit soda combination can create delightful twists on the classic Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right soda for my float?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use a clear soda like lemon-lime to complement the peppermint extract without overwhelming it. If you want a different flair, sparkling water works too—just remember, stick to clear sodas for that festive look!

How should I store leftovers of the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
This drink is best enjoyed fresh due to the carbonation. However, you can store any remaining ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to mix everything together right before serving for that fizzy experience!

Can I freeze this drink for later?
It’s not advisable to freeze the completed float since soda doesn’t freeze well and will lose its fizz. However, for an ice cream treat later, store the uncombined ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply pull it out, mix with fresh soda, and enjoy!

What should I do if my float doesn’t have enough peppermint flavor?
If you find that your float lacks that delightful peppermint kick, don’t worry! Just add a few drops of peppermint extract gradually, stirring and tasting until it reaches your desired flavor. It’s really easy to adjust to your liking as you go—very customizable!

Are there any dietary considerations with this drink?
Yes! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, consider using dairy-free ice cream to make it vegan-friendly. Additionally, always check the labels on your soda and peppermint candy for potential allergens. Delightfulness for everyone, without compromise!