Peppermint Christmas Float

Imagine the cool, refreshing sensation of creamy vanilla ice cream melting into fizzy soda, all infused with the bright, invigorating flavor of peppermint. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this festive Peppermint Christmas Float. This delightful holiday beverage transforms an ordinary dessert drink into a magical Christmas treat that captures the essence of the season. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night by the tree, this Peppermint Christmas Float balances sweetness with refreshing mint in every sip. You’ll learn how to create this stunning layered drink that tastes just as impressive as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Peppermint Christmas Float isn’t just a drink—it’s a holiday experience in a glass. The contrast between the smooth, rich vanilla ice cream and the effervescent soda creates a delightful texture play that dances on your palate. The cooling peppermint flavor cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced treat that isn’t overpowering.

What makes this Christmas peppermint drink special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough for a quiet evening of Christmas movie watching. Children and adults alike will be enchanted by the festive colors and familiar flavors that evoke candy cane memories.

Best of all, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, you can whip up this impressive dessert beverage in minutes. The red and white color scheme naturally fits the holiday theme, making it a picture-perfect addition to your Christmas table.

Ingredients

For the perfect Peppermint Christmas Float, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (4 scoops) premium vanilla ice cream
• 24 oz (3 cups) clear cream soda or lemon-lime soda
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) peppermint syrup
• 4-6 crushed candy canes (about ¼ cup)
• Whipped cream for topping (1 cup)
• 4 whole candy canes for garnish
• Red and green sprinkles (optional, 2 tablespoons)
• 2-4 drops red food coloring (optional)

The quality of vanilla ice cream matters significantly here—choose a premium brand with real vanilla flecks for the richest flavor. For the soda, cream soda provides a vanilla undertone that complements the peppermint, while lemon-lime soda offers a brighter, more refreshing contrast. Peppermint syrup can be store-bought or homemade (simply dissolve crushed candy canes in hot water with a touch of sugar and cool).

Pro Tips

Glass Preparation
Always chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before assembling your Peppermint Christmas Float. This keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and creates beautiful frost on the outside of the glass for that extra magical appearance. For an extra festive touch, dip the rim in corn syrup and then in crushed candy canes before chilling.

Ice Cream Technique
Instead of scooping ice cream directly into room temperature glasses, pre-scoop your ice cream onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and return it to the freezer for 30 minutes. This creates firmer scoops that will melt more slowly in your drink, giving you more time to enjoy your holiday float and take photos before serving.

Layering Method
Pour your soda slowly along the side of the glass rather than directly onto the ice cream to preserve the beautiful layered effect. Use a bar spoon or the back of a regular spoon held against the inside of the glass to guide the soda gently down the side. This technique creates distinct layers rather than an immediately mixed drink, making your Peppermint Christmas Float visually stunning.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Glasses
Take your serving glasses (tall sundae glasses work beautifully) and place them in the freezer for 15 minutes. While waiting, crush your candy canes by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently breaking them with a rolling pin or heavy spoon until you have a mixture of fine powder and small chunks. If creating a rimmed glass, pour a small amount of corn syrup onto a small plate, and your crushed candy canes onto another. Dip the rim of each chilled glass first in the corn syrup, then in the crushed candy.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppermint Component
If using store-bought peppermint syrup, measure out your portions. If making homemade, combine ½ cup crushed candy canes with ¼ cup hot water and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently until dissolved, then cool completely. For a more vibrant color, add 2-4 drops of red food coloring to your peppermint syrup and stir well.

Step 3: Layer Your Float
Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer. Add 1-2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes to the bottom of each glass. Next, add 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint syrup to each glass. Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass, pressing gently without compacting too much.

Step 4: Add the Effervescence
This is where the magic happens! Slowly pour about ¾ cup of chilled cream soda or lemon-lime soda down the side of each glass using the back of a spoon to guide it. Watch as the soda creates beautiful fizz around the ice cream. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the glass.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Crown each Peppermint Christmas Float with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes and holiday sprinkles if desired. Garnish with a whole candy cane hooked over the rim of the glass. Serve immediately with both a straw and a long spoon.

Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Float
Transform the classic Peppermint Christmas Float into a chocolate lover’s dream by substituting chocolate ice cream for vanilla. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup down the inside of the glass before adding the ice cream, and use chocolate cream soda instead of regular. This creates a decadent chocolate-mint experience reminiscent of holiday thin mint cookies, but in a luxurious drinkable form.

Dairy-Free Peppermint Float
For those with dairy sensitivities, create a dairy-free version using coconut milk-based vanilla ice cream and coconut whipped cream. The coconut notes add an interesting tropical dimension to the cool peppermint, creating a unique flavor profile that many find even more refreshing than the original. Make sure your candy canes are vegan (many commercial brands are) for a completely plant-based festive treat.

Adult Peppermint Float
For an adults-only gathering, create a spirited version by adding 1 oz of peppermint schnapps or white crème de menthe to each float. For chocolate peppermint lovers, try adding a half-ounce of chocolate liqueur as well. The alcohol prevents the ice cream from freezing too hard, creating an even creamier texture while adding sophisticated depth to this holiday peppermint dessert drink.

Storage and Serving

The Peppermint Christmas Float is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the magic happens when the cold ice cream meets the fizzy soda. However, you can prepare certain components ahead of time. Pre-crush candy canes and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Pre-scoop ice cream and freeze on a parchment-lined sheet for up to 24 hours before assembling.

For an enchanting presentation, serve your floats on a mirrored tray decorated with artificial snow and miniature Christmas ornaments. Add LED string lights around the serving area for extra sparkle. These festive drinks look particularly stunning when served alongside a platter of holiday cookies.

For a special Christmas morning treat, create a build-your-own float bar with different flavored sodas, ice cream options, and various toppings. This interactive element makes the Peppermint Christmas Float experience even more memorable for guests of all ages.

FAQs

Can I make this float non-alcoholic?
Yes! The original Peppermint Christmas Float recipe is completely non-alcoholic and family-friendly. It’s perfect for children and adults alike at holiday gatherings.

What can I substitute for peppermint syrup?
If you can’t find peppermint syrup, dissolve crushed candy canes in hot water with a little sugar. Alternatively, use 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract mixed with 2 tablespoons simple syrup for each float.

Why is my float mixing together too quickly?
For distinct layers, ensure your glasses and soda are well-chilled, your ice cream is very firm, and you pour the soda slowly down the side of the glass using a spoon to break the fall.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
It’s best to assemble Peppermint Christmas Floats just before serving. However, you can set up a station with pre-chilled glasses, pre-scooped ice cream on a frozen baking sheet, and all garnishes ready to go.

Will this work with other flavors of ice cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla provides the classic candy cane color contrast, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or even strawberry ice cream can create delicious variations on the traditional Peppermint Christmas Float.

Conclusion

This Peppermint Christmas Float is comfort food at its finest — a nostalgic, refreshing dessert beverage that brings together the iconic flavors of the holiday season in spectacular fashion. It’s the kind of drink that creates immediate smiles and childhood memories while being sophisticated enough to serve at any holiday gathering. With its perfect balance of creamy, cool, sweet and minty, this festive treat captures Christmas in a glass, making ordinary moments feel magical and special occasions truly unforgettable.

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