If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, refreshing, and oh-so-festive treat to brighten up your holiday gatherings, then the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is exactly what you need. This cheerful concoction combines the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream, the crisp sparkle of 7 Up, and the cool, refreshing zing of peppermint extract to create a drink that feels like a celebration in every sip. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or entertaining friends, this float adds an irresistible holiday twist to your festivities, giving you that perfect balance of sweetness and peppermint magic that lingers happily on your palate.

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float lies in its simplicity, with just a few carefully chosen ingredients that each play a starring role. Every element brings something special to the table, from vibrant bubbles to creamy texture and that unmistakable peppermint pop, making this float as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

Milk (3 tablespoons): Adds a subtle creaminess that blends the flavors smoothly without overpowering them.
Peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon): The essential festive kick, delivering cool and refreshing peppermint aroma and taste.
Vanilla ice cream (1 pound / 15 oz): Provides luscious creaminess and sweetness, forming the creamy base of your float.
7 Up (1.5 liters): Brings sparkling bubbles and a light citrus lift that elevates the entire drink to a fizzy delight.

How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare the Punch Bowl

Start by grabbing a large punch bowl or a spacious beverage jar—something roomy enough to mix and serve your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float with ease. Make sure it’s clean and perfectly dry, ready to hold all those wonderful ingredients coming together in delicious harmony.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Next, pour the milk, peppermint extract, vanilla ice cream, and your bubbly 7 Up into the punch bowl. Take a big spoon and gently stir the mixture just enough to blend the flavors while still keeping that lively fizz. The smooth combination of creamy ice cream with fizzy soda creates the signature texture that makes this float so addictive.

Step 3: Serve the Drink

Once your mixture is perfectly combined, ladle the festive potion into individual glasses. Top each glass generously with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want extra indulgence, and don’t forget a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy for that extra holiday charm. The contrasting textures and colors make it look as fantastic as it tastes.

Step 4: Final Touches

To complete each serving, add a spoon and a straw. This little gesture makes the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float easy to enjoy, allowing you to sip the fizzy drink while savoring the creamy ice cream between sips. It’s a simple but important step for maximizing that joyful holiday experience.

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Garnishes

Adding garnishes really turns up the holiday spirit with this float. A few crushed peppermint candies on top lend a festive sparkle and crunch, while a fresh sprig of mint or a candy cane hook on the rim adds visual appeal and an aromatic hint that delights your senses even before the first sip.

Side Dishes

Because the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is sweet and refreshing, it pairs beautifully with lightly salted snacks like buttery popcorn or crunchy roasted nuts to balance the flavors. Soft sugar cookies or gingerbread also make lovely companions, echoing the peppermint notes without overpowering the float’s delicate creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve the float in clear glass mugs or vintage milkshake glasses to showcase those layers of creamy ice cream and sparkling soda. You can rim glasses with crushed peppermints or colored sugar crystals for added festivity. Hosting a holiday party? Set up a DIY peppermint float bar where guests can add their garnishes and mix-ins—it’s an interactive way to spread joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Festive Peppermint Christmas Float (though it’s so good that’s unlikely), store it covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. Give it a gentle stir before serving to bring back some fizz, but be aware that the ice cream might melt and change the texture slightly.

Freezing

This drink is best enjoyed fresh because the soda’s fizz will disappear in freezing, and the ice cream texture will change. Freezing is not recommended for the full float, but you can store leftover vanilla ice cream separately in the freezer for future uses.

Reheating

Since this is a cold, bubbly float, reheating isn’t part of the plan. Its charm is in the cool, creamy, fizzy contrast, so stick to serving it chilled right after preparation to fully enjoy the festive flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other kinds of soda instead of 7 Up?

Absolutely! While 7 Up offers a perfect citrusy sparkle, you can experiment with lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or even ginger ale for a slightly different twist that still complements the peppermint and vanilla wonderfully.

Is peppermint extract very strong? Can I use less?

Peppermint extract is quite potent, so starting with 1/4 teaspoon is a good balance. If you prefer a milder peppermint flavor, feel free to reduce the amount slightly—it’s all about customizing it to your taste buds!

Can I make this float vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use your favorite plant-based vanilla ice cream and a dairy-free milk alternative. Just be sure to pick a soda without animal-derived ingredients. The festive peppermint flavor will still shine brightly.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candy for garnish?

Place candy canes or peppermints in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. Watch out for sharp bits and crush to your preferred size for that perfect sprinkle atop your float.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time and add ice cream later?

Yes, you can mix the milk, peppermint extract, and soda ahead of time and store it chilled, but add the ice cream right before serving to maintain that creamy texture and bubbly fizz that make the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float so special.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is such a joyful and easy way to bring holiday cheer to your table. It’s a nostalgic blend of creamy, fizzy, and minty flavors that always puts a smile on faces and brightens any gathering. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite seasonal tradition that everyone will look forward to year after year.