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There’s something undeniably enchanting about the holiday season—a warmth in the air, twinkling lights, and the sweet aroma of festive treats wafting through our homes. As I prepared for this year’s celebrations, I found myself dreaming of a drink that captures all the joy and cheer of the season, and that’s when my Festive Peppermint Christmas Float came to mind.

Imagine the first sip: it hits your palate like a snowflake landing on your tongue. This delightful concoction blends the creaminess of vanilla ice cream with the refreshing fizz of sparkling soda, all elevated by the vibrant bite of peppermint. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to focus more on laughter and love with family and friends during those cherished holiday moments. Join me as we mix up this refreshing drink that perfectly embodies the spirit of giving and togetherness!

Why Love This Peppermint Christmas Float?

Festive and Fun: This Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful way to celebrate the season! Its vibrant colors and festive presentation make it a standout at any holiday gathering.

Creamy Texture: The rich combination of ice cream and milk creates a lush, satisfying drink that feels like a dessert in a glass.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in minutes, freeing you to enjoy the merry moments with loved ones.

Customizable: Feel free to experiment—substitute flavors or toppings to make it uniquely yours!

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a festive party or cozy family gathering, this float is sure to bring smiles and joy to faces of all ages.

Serve it at your next holiday bash for a drink that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

For the Drink

Peppermint Candy – Adds sweetness and festive flavor; you can substitute with crushed candy canes for that authentic peppermint kick.
Ice Cream – Provides creaminess and body; vanilla ice cream works best, but feel free to experiment with peppermint or chocolate varieties for a twist.
Carbonated Beverage – Creates refreshing fizz; consider using soda or sparkling water, and opt for tonic water for a less sweet version.
Milk or Cream – Enhances richness; whole milk gives the best texture, while non-dairy options like almond or oat milk are great substitutes.

For Topping

Crushed Peppermint Candy – For decoration and added flavor; crush finely to avoid a gritty texture in your drink.
Additional Ice Cream Scoop – Top each glass with an extra scoop for an extra indulgent touch!

How to Make Peppermint Christmas Float

Prepare a clean punch bowl or large beverage jar to mix your ingredients. This will ensure everything is combined beautifully for your festive drink.
Combine all drink ingredients: add your peppermint candy, ice cream, carbonated beverage, and milk/cream into your bowl or jar. Stir gently until well mixed, creating a creamy, sweet blend.
Pour the delightful mixture into serving glasses, ensuring each glass is filled to your liking. You’ll want everyone to enjoy this tasty treat!
Top each glass with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy for a festive, eye-catching appearance. This extra touch adds layers of goodness!
Serve your Peppermint Christmas Float with spoons and straws, making it easy for everyone to enjoy both the refreshing drink and rich ice cream.

Optional: Garnish with a sprig of mint for an extra festive flair.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful drink with these fun variations!

Chocolate Twist: Replace peppermint candy with chocolate sprinkles for a decadent flavor that adds a warm touch to your float. This sweet twist caters to chocolate lovers and keeps the festivity alive.
Fruity Sorbet: Swap ice cream for a fruity sorbet, like raspberry or lemon, for a lighter, refreshing option that still brings sweetness and color to your drink. It’s a perfect alternative for those warmer winter days!
Flavored Fizz: Experiment with different carbonated beverages, such as cherry soda or vanilla cream, to create unique flavor profiles that keep everyone guessing. Each choice brings a new layer of excitement!
Nutty Touch: Add a drizzle of almond or hazelnut syrup for a luscious nutty flavor that beautifully complements the peppermint for a dessert-like experience. It’s an elegant twist that’s sure to impress!
Coconut Bliss: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical twist that enhances both creaminess and flavor, perfect for those who love a hint of the exotic in their holiday drinks.
Herb Garnish: Garnish each float with a fresh mint sprig to elevate the drink not only visually but also in scent, enhancing that delightful peppermint aroma.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, stir in a dash of ground ginger or cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that dances on your palate. It’s a bold choice that adds intriguing depth!
Syrup Substitution: Swap traditional peppermint candy for your favorite candy cane syrup, which creates a smooth texture while still delivering the classic minty flavor everyone loves. This alternative is perfect for those who prefer a less chunky float.

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?

Complete your festive gathering with delightful bites and sips that pair beautifully with this creamy holiday drink.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: The soft, gooey texture of these cookies offers a perfect contrast to the fizzy float. Each bite complements the peppermint sweetness.
Mini Quiches: Savory and satisfying, these bite-sized treats bring warmth to the table. Their creamy filling brings a delightful balance to the float.
Spiced Nuts: Crunchy and seasoned, these nuts create a lovely contrast in texture. Their bold flavors provide a delightful juxtaposition to the sweetness of the drink.
Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits add a burst of freshness and color. The vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits enhance the joyful spirit of the holiday.
Hot Chocolate Bar: Embrace the festive vibe by offering a hot chocolate station. Guests can customize their drinks, making it a fun addition to the refreshing float.
Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, these cookies melt in your mouth and harmonize with the creamy texture of the Peppermint Christmas Float for irresistible sweetness.
Pumpkin Pie Bites: These mini treats scream holiday cheer! The aromatic spices in pumpkin pie bring a cozy warmth that matches the festive drink perfectly.
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve sparkling water with lemon or lime. The effervescence will resonate beautifully alongside the float.
Gingerbread Men: The spiced goodness of these cookies adds a nostalgic touch while their unique flavors complement the creamy peppermint delight perfectly.
Marshmallow Cups: A fun and sweet treat, these fluffy delights echo the whimsical mood of the season and pair well with the float for a festive flair.

Expert Tips for the Best Peppermint Christmas Float

Keep It Fizzy: Mix the ingredients just before serving to maintain the refreshing fizz of your Peppermint Christmas Float.
Crush Carefully: When incorporating the peppermint candy, crush it finely to avoid any gritty texture in your drink.
Be Generous with Ice Cream: Don’t be shy with the ice cream scoop; an extra dollop on top makes the float even more enticing and creamy.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap in different flavors for a unique twist, but be mindful of balance to keep that classic festive taste.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the mixture of soda and peppermint candy ahead of time but add ice cream right before serving for the best texture.

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 soda and crushed peppermint candy up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them separately to maintain their fizz and flavor. Keep the ice cream in the freezer until just before serving to ensure it stays creamy. When it’s time to enjoy, simply combine the prepped components in a punch bowl, add the milk or cream, and stir until well mixed. Serve with an extra scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful finish. This way, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing drink ready with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Christmas Float

Room Temperature: Serve this festive drink immediately after mixing for the best experience. It’s not recommended to leave it out for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: If you have leftover ingredients, store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mix again before serving for that fizzy freshness.
Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for a cool treat, but the ice cream will change texture. Consume frozen mix within 1 week for the best taste.
Reheating: This drink is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just remember to add freshly scooped ice cream right before serving your Peppermint Christmas Float!

Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint candy should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using traditional peppermint candies because they add a sweet and festive flavor. However, crushed candy canes are an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a more authentic peppermint taste.

How should I store leftover Peppermint Christmas Float?
For the best experience, enjoy your Peppermint Christmas Float immediately after mixing. If you do have leftovers, store the dry ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mix everything together again just before serving to ensure the fizz stays lively.

Can I freeze the Peppermint Christmas Float?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for a cool treat! However, keep in mind that the texture of the ice cream may change a bit. I suggest consuming the frozen mix within 1 week for optimal taste. To enjoy, simply allow it to thaw a bit before serving, then blend again if needed.

What if my float doesn’t have enough fizz?
Very! If you find your float lacking in fizz, the key is to mix all the ingredients just before serving. Ensure you’re using a fresh carbonated beverage and stir gently to preserve that bubbly excitement. If it seems flat, it might be that your fizzy drink was a bit old, so always check the carbonation freshness!

Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Certainly! You can combine the soda and peppermint candy mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for about 3 days. Just be sure to add the ice cream right before serving to maintain that luscious, creamy texture and delightful sparkle.

Is this recipe safe for children and those with dairy allergies?
Yes! This Peppermint Christmas Float is family-friendly, but if you have concerns about dairy, feel free to substitute the ice cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut ice cream. Just ensure any other allergens are checked with your guests when serving.