The moment you take a sip of this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, you’ll know why it’s a holiday favorite! Combining the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream with the refreshing fizz of peppermint soda, this drink radiates joyful flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Each ingredient plays a delightful role, from the subtle peppermint extract enhancing the aroma to the crushed peppermint candies adding a charming crunch. If you’re looking to serve a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is an absolute must-make.

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each selected to deliver the perfect balance of creamy, fizzy, and minty goodness. These essentials are easy to find and make the magic happen in your glass.

2 cups of vanilla ice cream: Provides a creamy, smooth base that melts deliciously with every sip.

1 cup of peppermint-flavored soda: Adds refreshing fizz and invigorating peppermint flavor.
1 cup of milk: Balances the float’s richness and helps blend the flavors seamlessly.

1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract: Boosts the peppermint essence for an extra festive touch.
Whipped cream for topping: Brings a light, fluffy layer of indulgence to finish off the float.

Crushed peppermint candies for garnish: Adds a crunchy, colorful sprinkle that’s perfect for the holidays.

How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Mix Milk and Peppermint Extract

Start by pouring 1 cup of milk into a large glass and stirring in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This combination lays the foundation for your float, infusing creamy milk with that unmistakable holiday mint flavor right from the get-go. Take a moment to enjoy the peppermint aroma that fills the air—it’s the kind of scent that instantly feels like Christmas.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla Ice Cream

Next, carefully add 2 cups of vanilla ice cream to the glass. The cold creaminess is what makes this float so satisfying; it softens the milk and peppermint mixture into something truly dreamy. The vanilla ice cream also adds subtle sweetness and a velvety texture that’s impossible to resist.

Step 3: Pour the Peppermint Soda

Now it’s time for the fizzy magic. Gently pour 1 cup of peppermint-flavored soda over the ice cream. You’ll see the delightful fizz rise to the top, creating a bubbly, refreshing layer that mixes with the creamy ice cream below. This step transforms your drink into a sparkling treat with that classic float appeal.

Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream and Candies

Finish your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float by generously topping it with fluffy whipped cream. Then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top to add crunch and a pop of festive color. These garnishes turn your float into a show-stopping dessert that looks just as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

The key to enjoying your float at its best is to serve it right away. The mix of cold ice cream, fizzy soda, and creamy milk provides a wonderfully balanced taste and texture that’s incredibly refreshing. Gather your loved ones and watch their faces light up with each sip of this seasonal delight.

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Garnishes

Beyond the whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, you can get creative with garnishes such as edible glitter, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a candy cane perched on the rim. These little touches make the float extra festive and perfect for holiday celebrations.

Side Dishes

This float pairs beautifully with light holiday cookies, gingerbread, or peppermint bark. The combination of cold, creamy soda and sweet biscuits or candies creates a lovely balance, making your gathering feel unforgettably special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float in tall, clear glasses to showcase its layers of creamy white and sparkling soda. Add cute paper straws in red and green or festive-themed glassware to elevate the holiday spirit. You might also set up a float bar where guests can customize their own with different toppings and sodas for an interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Because of the soda’s fizz, the float will lose some of its sparkle over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

While freezing the prepared float isn’t recommended, you can freeze extra portions of vanilla ice cream and crushed peppermint candies separately. This way, you’re always ready to whip up a fresh Festive Peppermint Christmas Float at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not applicable. It’s meant to be enjoyed chilled and fizzy to capture that unique float experience perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular soda instead of peppermint-flavored soda?

You can, but using peppermint-flavored soda makes all the difference by enhancing the minty holiday feel. Regular soda won’t provide that same festive burst of flavor.

Is it possible to make this float dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free version and use plant-based milk. Just make sure to find a peppermint soda that doesn’t contain dairy ingredients.

Can I prepare the float for a large party?

Certainly! Just scale up the ingredients and serve in individual glasses or a punch bowl for easy self-serving. Keep in mind that the float is best when made fresh to retain the fizz.

What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, a few drops of spearmint extract can be a substitute, but peppermint extract will give you that classic holiday flavor you’re aiming for.

How can I make this float less sweet?

Try using a lighter vanilla ice cream or reducing the amount of soda slightly. You can also opt for a diet version of peppermint soda to cut down on sugar without compromising the fizz.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a wonderful way to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. Its bright, minty flavors paired with creamy ice cream create a delicious memory everyone will want to revisit year after year. Take a few minutes to make this float your own and share the joy—it’s holiday magic in a glass that’s just waiting to be enjoyed!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam

Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Celebrate the holiday season with this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, a delightful and refreshing dessert drink featuring creamy vanilla ice cream, cool peppermint soda, and a hint of peppermint extract. Topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, this float is perfect for Christmas gatherings and festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 cups of vanilla ice cream
1 cup of milk

1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract

Flavored Soda

1 cup of peppermint-flavored soda

Toppings

Whipped cream for topping

Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Mix Milk and Peppermint Extract: In a large glass, pour 1 cup of milk and add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir gently to combine the flavors thoroughly.
Add Vanilla Ice Cream: Carefully add 2 cups of vanilla ice cream into the glass with the milk mixture, making sure not to spill over the sides.

Pour Peppermint Soda: Slowly pour 1 cup of peppermint-flavored soda over the ice cream to create a fizzy, refreshing float.
Add Toppings: Generously top the float with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the whipped cream for a festive and crunchy garnish.
Serve Immediately: Serve the peppermint Christmas float right away to enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, fizzy, and minty flavors while the ice cream is still cold and bubbly.

Notes

For a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract to taste but be careful not to overpower the float.
You may substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Use a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers of the float.

To make it more festive, add a candy cane on the side as a stirrer.
Serve immediately to prevent the soda from losing its fizz.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage/Dessert
Method: No-cook, Assembly

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 float (approximately 1 cup)
Calories: 320 kcal

Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 14 g

Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 5 g

Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: peppermint float, Christmas float, holiday drink, peppermint soda float, festive dessert beverage, vanilla ice cream float