As the scent of peppermint wafts through the air, I can’t help but smile, recalling cozy holiday gatherings filled with laughter and cheer. This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float brings that joyful spirit to life in a glass! Not only is this sweet and creamy holiday drink delightfully easy to prepare, but it also serves as a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the season. Imagine a frosty drink topped with rich ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint—it’s the ultimate treat to impress your guests at any festive gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time! So, are you ready to spread some holiday cheer with this delicious float?

Why is this float a festive favorite?

Irresistible Flavor: This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float combines creamy ice cream and refreshing mint for an unforgettable taste experience.

Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients, you can create this enchanting holiday treat in no time, making it perfect for busy celebrations.

Visual Appeal: Its vibrant colors and festive garnishes make this drink stunning enough to impress guests at any gathering.

Adaptable Delight: Want chocolate instead? Feel free to use chocolate syrup or ice cream to customize it to your liking.

Nostalgic Experience: Reminiscent of childhood treats, this float brings back joyful memories while creating new ones around the holiday table.

Don’t forget to check out my holiday cookies suggestion as a delightful pairing to serve alongside this festive drink!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

For the Drink
• Peppermint Flavoring – This provides the signature minty taste; use peppermint extract for concentrated flavor or peppermint syrup for added sweetness.
• Soda – Choose lemon-lime soda or ginger ale to create a fizzy base; substitute with club soda for a less sweet option if desired.

For the Ice Cream
• Ice Cream (vanilla or peppermint) – Adds creaminess and richness; consider using frozen yogurt for a lighter alternative.

For the Garnish
• Crushed Peppermint Candy – Adds a festive crunch and bursts of peppermint flavor; you can substitute with chocolate shavings for a different twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare the Serving Bowl
Begin by selecting a clean punch bowl or large-serving beverage jar to hold your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed and dried. This bowl will be where all the magic starts, so give it a quick rinse to maintain freshness before proceeding.

Step 2: Mix the Base
Pour your chosen peppermint flavoring into the bowl along with the soda. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well combined. You want the mixture to be fizzy and fragrant, with that delightful mint aroma wafting through the air. This will form the refreshing base for your holiday treat.

Step 3: Pour into Glasses
Now, grab a ladle and carefully pour the minty soda mixture into individual serving glasses, filling each about three-quarters full. You’ll want to see the fizzy bubbles and the shimmering, festive colors. Ensure each glass looks enticing, ready to be topped with delicious ice cream.

Step 4: Add Ice Cream
Next, take your ice cream and scoop a generous dollop right on top of each glass filled with the peppermint mix. The ice cream should be slightly softened for easy scooping; aim for a creamy crown atop the float. Watch as it creates a delightful swirl with the fizzy soda beneath.

Step 5: Garnish with Peppermint
Finish off each glass of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float by sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top of the ice cream. This adds a festive crunch and a pop of color. Make sure you get an even distribution for that stunning presentation and extra minty flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Place a colorful straw or a small spoon in each glass, making them ready to serve. Present them to your guests with a warm smile and let the holiday cheer begin! The combination of creamy ice cream and refreshing soda in these floats guarantees smiles all around during your festive gathering.

Expert Tips for the Best Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh soda and ice cream for the best taste. Stale ingredients can dull the delightful flavors of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.
Optimal Mixing: Stir the ingredients gently to maintain some of the soda’s fizz. Over-mixing can lead to a flat float that loses its refreshing sparkle.
Scoop Strategy: Allow the ice cream to soften just enough for easy scooping, but not too much. If it’s too melted, it will blend into the soda instead of creating that dreamy swirl.
Garnish Generously: For a visually stunning presentation, don’t skimp on the crushed peppermint candy on top. An abundance of toppings creates a more festive appearance and enhances the flavor.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your serving glasses are chilled. This helps keep the float frosty and delightful throughout your holiday gathering.
Experiment Wisely: While customizing your float, balance flavors carefully. If adding chocolate syrup, taste as you go to maintain the harmony of mint and chocolate without overpowering the floral notes.

How to Store and Freeze Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Fridge: Store any leftover soda mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it sealed to retain the fizz.

Freezer: While this float is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the peppermint and soda mixture in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Use these cubes in drinks later for a peppermint twist.

Reheating: If you’ve made the mixture in advance, simply allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. However, avoid freezing once the ice cream has been added to maintain the float’s texture.

Serving Fresh: Always add ice cream right before serving to keep the float creamy and prevent it from melting into the mixture.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to maximize their time during busy holiday gatherings! You can prepare the minty soda mixture up to 24 hours in advance—simply combine the peppermint flavoring and soda in your clean bowl and refrigerate. However, wait to add the ice cream until just before serving to keep it creamy and prevent it from melting into the soda. Additionally, you can crush your peppermint candies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, ladle the chilled soda mix into glasses, top with the ice cream, and sprinkle the crushed candies. You’ll have a lavish treat ready with minimal effort!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Enjoy exploring the delightful possibilities with your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float! Whether you want to tweak the flavors or accommodate different dietary preferences, let your creativity shine!

Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate syrup or use chocolate ice cream for a rich, decadent flavor that pairs beautifully with the minty notes. A chocolate-peppermint combo is undeniably irresistible, bringing a new level of indulgence to your float.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute traditional ice cream with dairy-free options like coconut or almond milk ice cream. This way, everyone can partake in the holiday cheer, and it brings a delightful creaminess to the drink without the dairy.
Alternate Soda Flavors: Experiment with flavored sodas like vanilla or root beer for a unique and surprising twist! Each offers its own holiday charm, allowing you to customize the float experience based on your personal taste.
Fruity Infusion: Toss in a splash of cranberry juice or pomegranate syrup for a fruity dimension! This adds a tangy layer to balance the sweetness of the soda and ice cream, making it an eye-catching holiday drink.
Minty Boost: Enhance the mint flavor by adding fresh mint leaves or using mint chocolate chip ice cream. This creates a refreshing and aromatic drink that is perfect for those who can’t get enough mint during the holidays.
Spicy Surprise: Want some heat? Consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a touch will elevate the float’s warm holiday vibes, making it an unexpected favorite among your guests.
Garnish Variation: Instead of crushed peppermint candy, try topping with crushed gingerbread cookies or festive sprinkles for a different look and texture. This allows you to customize the float’s presentation to fit the theme of your gathering.

Feel free to mix and match these variations! For a fun treat, consider serving your float alongside delicious holiday cookies to complement the flavors and add a delightful crunch to your festive table.

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Elevate your holiday gathering with delightful pairings that complement this sweet and creamy treat.

Holiday Cookies: These sweet delights, whether gingerbread or sugar cookies, add warmth and nostalgia to your festivities, enhancing the float’s charm.
Chocolate Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies provide a satisfying contrast to the float’s creaminess, their deep chocolate flavor balancing the minty zing beautifully.
Fruit Salad: A fresh, vibrant fruit salad brings a burst of color and a lightness that enhances the float without overwhelming the palate. The natural sweetness complements the creamy drink perfectly.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a scrumptious rich option that pairs well with the light effervescence of the float, creating a delightful mix of textures.
Pecan Pie: This classic dessert adds a sweet and nutty richness, creating a comforting finish alongside the refreshing peppermint flavors of the float.
Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic beverage, a glass of sparkling water can cleanse the palate between sips of this minty treat, keeping everyone refreshed during the celebrations.

These pairings not only enhance the experience but make for a beautiful holiday spread that guests will love!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint flavoring is best to use?
Absolutely! For this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, you can use either peppermint extract for a concentrated flavor or peppermint syrup for added sweetness. If you prefer a lighter version, peppermint syrup works beautifully.

How should I store any leftover drink?
If you have any leftover soda mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it sealed tightly to retain its fizzy quality, ensuring you can enjoy it later!

Can I freeze the mix for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the peppermint and soda mixture! Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 1 month. These cubes can be used later in other drinks to add a peppermint twist. Just remember not to freeze the mixture once ice cream has been added, as it will lose its delightful creamy texture.

What should I do if the float becomes too fizzy?
Very! If you find your float fizzing over, it’s likely because the mixing of ingredients was too vigorous. To troubleshoot, reduce the stirring or gently pour the soda over the ice cream to preserve the effervescence. If you’re serving a crowd, make the base first and let everyone add their own ice cream. This helps maintain that delightful fizz!

Is this drink suitable for guests with dietary restrictions?
Certainly! You can make this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float more inclusive by using dairy-free ice cream for lactose-intolerant guests. For those with allergies, remember to check that the peppermint flavoring and candies are free of allergens. Plus, feel free to swap the soda with a sugar-free alternative if sugar intake is a concern.

How long can I keep the prepared floats before serving?
Serving fresh is key! These floats are best enjoyed immediately to preserve the creamy texture and fizzy excitement. If you prepare the soda mixture in advance, do wait to add the ice cream until just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting delightful.