Name: Festive Peppermint Christmas Float: A Creamy Holiday Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Peppermint Candy (Crushed or whole, based on preference.); 2 cups Ice Cream (Vanilla or mint chocolate chip.); 4 cups Soft Drink (e.g., club soda or ginger ale.); 1 cup Whipped Cream (For topping.); 2 tablespoons Additional Crushed Peppermint (For garnish.)

As I stirred up the sweet and creamy chaos in my kitchen, the scent of peppermint filled the air, instantly whisking me back to my childhood holiday gatherings. It’s amazing how a simple drink, like the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, can transform an ordinary day into something magical. Not only is this easy-to-prepare beverage a surefire crowd-pleaser for both kiddos and adults, but it also brings a delightfully fizzy twist to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or cozying up after a long winter outing, this float captures the essence of festive cheer in a single sip. Can’t wait to see your own festive twist on this classic drink!

Why Is This Drink So Special?

Irresistible Creaminess: The combination of rich ice cream and refreshing peppermint creates a luxurious texture that feels indulgent.

Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this festive drink in minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.

Festive Flair: Brightly colored crushed peppermint adds a playful touch that turns any occasion into a celebration, perfectly complementing your favorite holiday dishes.

Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy this float as a delightful dessert-style beverage after your winter activities or serve it at holiday parties to impress guests.

Crowd Favorite: Kid-approved and adult-friendly, this float is sure to be a hit with everyone at your gathering, making it a must-have for your holiday repertoire.

For more cozy drink ideas, check out our delightful hot chocolate recipes that will warm you up this winter!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

• Get ready to create the magic!

For the Base

Peppermint Candy – Adds a festive flavor and crunch; crushed or whole works based on your preference.
Ice Cream – Provides creaminess and richness; vanilla or mint chocolate chip are perfect options.
Soft Drink (e.g., club soda) – Adds fizz and lightness to your drink; ginger ale can serve as a delicious substitute.

For Garnishing

Whipped Cream – A dollop lends indulgence and balances the peppermint’s freshness beautifully.
Additional Crushed Peppermint – Sprinkle on top for an extra touch of holiday cheer and sweetness.

Get ready to enjoy this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float that will delight all during your celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Begin by selecting a large punch bowl or a beverage jar, ensuring it’s thoroughly clean. This will be the centerpiece for your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, so make sure it’s visually appealing. Set it on a stable surface to prevent any spills while mixing.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the soft drink, ice cream, and any desired crushed peppermint candy into your bowl or jar. Use a spatula or whisk to gently stir the mixture together, allowing the ice cream to blend smoothly with the fizzing drink. Aim for a creamy and fluffy consistency, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Distribute into Glasses
Using a ladle or large spoon, carefully distribute the vibrant mixture into clear serving glasses. Aim for a generous portion in each glass, filling them about three-quarters full. This ensures there’s enough room for your delightful ice cream scoop on top, creating an impressive layered effect.

Step 4: Add Ice Cream and Garnish
Scoop a generous portion of your favorite ice cream—vanilla or mint chocolate chip—placing it atop each festive glass. This adds a creamy richness to your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float. Follow this with a sprinkle of more crushed peppermint candy for an extra touch of sparkle and flavor.

Step 5: Serve with Style
To enhance the enjoyment, provide each glass with a small spoon and a straw. This allows guests to mix their float to their desired consistency while sipping on the bubbly goodness. Present your Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats with a smile and watch the joy unfold at your holiday gathering!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float – these fun variations will add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations!

Dairy-Free: Substitute regular ice cream with a dairy-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful drink. Almond milk or coconut ice creams are great options!
Flavorful Syrups: Add a swirl of chocolate or caramel syrup for a richer experience. A hint of chocolatey goodness can elevate the festive feel!
Ginger Spice: Switch in ginger ale for a spicier zing, giving a unique flair to the traditional float. It perfectly complements the creamy peppermint!
Cookie Crunch: Replace peppermint candy with crushed Oreos or chocolate wafers for an unexpected texture twist. The combination may just become your new favorite!
Minty Mix: Incorporate mint extract or a few sprigs of fresh mint for an intensified peppermint experience. A little goes a long way, so test as you mix!
Chocolate Lover’s Floats: Use a mix of chocolate ice cream or add cocoa powder for chocolatey bliss. Who could resist a chocolate-mint combination during the holidays?
Layered Treat: Create layers by alternating the peppermint float mixture with layers of fruit puree, like raspberry or strawberry. The colorful contrast is visually stunning!
Heat Level: For those who enjoy warm beverages, serve it warmed but not hot with melted ice cream and warm soda. Cozy on a chilly night!

For even more festive ideas, consider exploring our delicious holiday dessert drink recipes perfect for warming up your festivities!

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can mix the drink ingredients (soft drink and crushed peppermint) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully without compromising freshness. When it’s time to serve, simply pour the mixture into glasses and top each with a scoop of ice cream and additional crushed peppermint just before serving. This way, your float remains delightfully fizzy and creamy—just as delicious as if you made it fresh!

Expert Tips for the Best Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined to prevent separation. Stir gently but thoroughly for a creamy blend.
Ice Cream Choice: Opt for hard ice cream rather than soft serve for a thicker and richer float consistency, enhancing the experience.
Peppermint Caution: When adding crushed peppermint, start with a small amount—it can overpower the drink if used excessively!
Serving Presentation: Clear glasses make the vibrant layers shine. Garnish with whipped cream and more peppermint to elevate visual appeal.
Make Ahead: Prepare drink ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge. Mix with ice cream just before serving for a fresh treat!

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Indulge in a delightful array of flavors that enhance your holiday celebration alongside this refreshing drink.

Crispy Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices contrast beautifully with the cool float, creating a cozy holiday pairing.
Chocolate Truffles: Rich, creamy chocolate elevates the festive experience, making each sip and bite a true indulgence.
Chewy Peppermint Bark: A perfect match that complements the minty flavors in the float while adding crunch and sweetness.
Savory Cheese Platter: Add variety with assorted cheeses and nuts to balance the rich sweetness of the float. It invites guests to snack and sip!
Mixed Nuts: A crunchy element with a hint of saltiness to perfectly accompany the drink, providing a satisfying texture contrast.
Warm Holiday Bread Pudding: This sumptuous dessert adds warmth to your spread, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
Sparkling Water Lemonade: A refreshing, light drink that enhances the festive vibe while letting the float shine as the star.
Pumpkin Pie Squares: Their spiced richness mirrors the holidays, tying together the celebration with a sweet touch that everyone loves.

How to Store and Freeze Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Fridge: Store any leftover drink mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just remember, the fizz will fade, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Freezer: If you want to make ahead, freeze the prepared mixture without ice cream. It can last up to 1 month and can be blended again with fresh ice cream before serving.
Reheating: This drink is best served cold, not reheated. Instead, blend any previously frozen mixture with new soda for a refreshing treat!
Serving Tip: If you’ve kept it in the fridge, give it a gentle stir before serving to revitalize that creamy texture of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

What kind of peppermint candy should I use?
Absolutely! You can use either crushed peppermint or whole mint candies for your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float. Crushed peppermint integrates beautifully into the drink, adding texture and a delightful crunchy bite, while whole candies can be used as a festive garnish. Just make sure they’re fresh and vibrant—look for candies that aren’t discolored or have dark spots.

How should I store any leftovers from the float?
If you happen to have some of the drink mixture left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the fizzy quality will diminish over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh. You can also prepare the base in advance, store it without ice cream, and then mix it with ice cream right before serving for the best experience!

Can I freeze the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared drink mixture without the ice cream! To do this, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and ensure it’s sealed tightly. It will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply blend the frozen mixture with fresh soda and a scoop of ice cream for a refreshing treat!

What if my float is too sweet or too fizzy?
Very! If your float turns out too sweet, consider balancing it with a little more club soda or ginger ale. This will dilute the sweetness while adding extra fizz. If it’s more fizzy than you like, stir gently to mix the texture without losing too much carbonation. Remember, the ideal float should have a perfect blend of creaminess and fizz!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you have guests who are lactose intolerant, I recommend swapping traditional ice cream with a dairy-free option. Also, be cautious with peppermint for those who may have allergies—it’s best to check with your guests before serving. For an alternative, you can substitute mint-flavored candies for a more generalized sweet flavor that caters to different tastes.

Is this drink suitable for children?
Yes, indeed! The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a hit with kids and adults alike. Just be sure to manage the amount of crushed peppermint if serving to children, as it can be quite strong. You can also offer a non-carbonated version by replacing the soda with a non-fizzy alternative, like a milk base, for a gentler treat.