The air is crisp, and the twinkling lights are casting a warm glow in every window—there’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season. When it comes to celebrating with friends and family, I love treating them to a delightful drink that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Enter my Festive Peppermint Christmas Float! This creamy concoction is not only a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for those busy holiday gatherings, but it also combines the nostalgic flavors of peppermint and ice cream, transforming any occasion into a winter wonderland. It’s a festive drink that will charm guests of all ages—who wouldn’t want to sip on a minty, frothy delight topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes? Ready to indulge in some holiday cheer? Let’s get started and create a float that will make this season truly unforgettable!

Why is this drink a holiday favorite?

Simplicity at its finest: This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum cheer!

Creamy and dreamy flavors combine: The combination of ice cream and peppermint candy creates a delightful consistency that’s both smooth and crunchy.

Versatile options available: Feel free to switch up the ice cream flavor or the beverage base to create a unique twist to cater to everyone’s taste at your holiday gatherings.

Perfect party pleaser: This float is not only refreshing but also visually stunning, making it a show-stopper for festive celebrations—not to mention it’s fun for kids and adults alike!

Make-ahead options allow for stress-free hosting: Prepare the drink mixture in advance and simply add the ice cream right before serving for effortless entertaining.

Ingredients
• • ## Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

For the Float

Ice Cream – Use vanilla or peppermint-flavored to enhance the creamy texture and festive vibe.
Peppermint Candy – Crushed candy canes are perfect for that intense peppermint flavor and crunchy garnish.
Beverage Base (e.g., soda, milk) – Clear soda adds fizz, while milk provides a creamy foundation for your festive peppermint Christmas float.

For Garnishing
Whipped Cream – A fluffy topping that adds extra creaminess and makes the float even more tempting.
Extra Crushed Peppermint Candy – Sprinkle on top for a pop of color and added texture that guests will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Bowl
Start by selecting a clean punch bowl or a large beverage jar, ensuring it’s free of any off-flavors. Position it on a stable surface for easy mixing. You’ll be combining the drink ingredients here, so make sure you have enough room for a lively float!

Step 2: Mix Base Ingredients
Carefully pour your choice of a clear soda or milk into the punch bowl. If you’re aiming for a fizzy float, use soda for that delightful sparkle. Add crushed peppermint candy to the bowl, creating a bright and festive appearance. This mixture will be the refreshing base of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.

Step 3: Stir the Mixture
Using a long spoon, gently stir the ingredients together in the bowl. Aim for about 15-30 seconds for the flavors to meld, ensuring the peppermint candy is evenly distributed. Be gentle, especially if using soda, as you want to maintain its carbonation while blending the flavors.

Step 4: Pour into Glasses
Grab your favorite serving glasses and carefully pour the mixed drink into each one until they’re about three-quarters full. Visualize the beautiful layers you’re creating, as the clear soda or milk swirls with the peppermint candy, making each glass a joy to behold.

Step 5: Add the Ice Cream
Top each glass generously with a scoop of creamy ice cream, allowing it to float on top of the drink. The ice cream should begin to melt slightly into the refreshing base while maintaining its shape. This layering adds a delightful contrast to your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.

Step 6: Garnish with Peppermint Candy
Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candy on top of the ice cream to create a beautiful, festive garnish. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the minty flavor, ensuring that every sip is filled with delightful crunch and holiday cheer.

Step 7: Serve with Flair
Present your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float with a spoon and a straw for easy enjoyment. Encourage your family or guests to dig in and swirl their straws for a fun mixing experience. Your holiday gathering is now complete with this delightful drink that everyone will cherish!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your festive drink truly your own!

Chocolate Twist: Substitute vanilla ice cream with rich chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free ice cream and almond milk for a creamy float that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Soda Alternatives: Swap regular soda for flavored sodas like cherry or vanilla to add a unique zing to your float—how about a cherry-vanilla peppermint experience?
Add Warmth: Incorporate a splash of hot chocolate into the soda or milk for a cozy, warming version of your float.
Minty Fresh: Infuse your milk with a few drops of peppermint extract before combining it with the soda to amplify the mint flavor.
Fizzy Licorice: Instead of soda, try using ginger ale or lemon-lime soda to bring a burst of fizz and a new layer of flavor to your float.
Garnish Galore: Top with whipped cream and drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce for an extravagant finish that will wow your guests.
Sparkling Contrast: Combine this with a scoop of your favorite berry sorbet for a refreshing fruitiness that adds color and taste to your float.

If you want more festive ideas, check out the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake for a sweet ending to your holiday feasts, or consider pairing this float with a delightful cupcake for a fun dessert spread!

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Indulging in a creamy, minty drink is just the beginning; let’s elevate your festive gathering with these delightful pairings.

Christmas Cookie Platter: A medley of gingerbread, sugar, and peppermint cookies perfectly complements the float’s sweet flavors, creating a festive treat spread.
Spiced Nuts: Crunchy mixed nuts coated in warm spices provide a contrasting texture that balances the float’s creaminess, making for a delightful snack.
Holiday Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruits mixed with a hint of honey can cut through the richness of the float, providing a refreshing contrast while adding color to your spread.
Chocolate Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies offer a deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the minty float’s sweetness—decadence at its finest!
Mulled Wine or Apple Cider: Warm, spiced beverages like mulled wine or apple cider complement the holiday spirit, creating a cozy atmosphere that enhances your festive gathering.
Whipped Cream and Nutmeg: Serve a dollop of whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg as a side, enhancing the float and adding an aromatic twist to each sip.

With these enticing pairings, your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is set to shine as the star of your holiday gathering!

Expert Tips for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh ice cream and seasonal peppermint candies to enhance the flavor and overall festive appeal of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.
Maintain Carbonation: When stirring the drink mix, be gentle to keep the fizz intact, especially if using soda. Over-stirring can lead to a flat float.
Serve Immediately: To experience the best texture and flavor, serve the float right after assembly. Adding ice cream too early can cause it to melt too quickly.
Customize Flavors: Don’t hesitate to explore variations! Use chocolate ice cream or flavored sodas for a unique twist on the traditional Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.
Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ice cream on top just before serving, and use clear glasses to showcase the vibrant colors of the drink.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the drink base—mixing the soda or milk with crushed peppermint candy—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the delightful fizz and creamy texture, wait to add the ice cream until just before serving. When you’re ready to impress your guests, pour the chilled base into serving glasses, top them with a scoop of ice cream, and garnish with extra crushed peppermint candy. You’ll enjoy a stress-free celebration with just as much festive cheer!

How to Store and Freeze Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Fridge: Store the drink base (soda or milk and peppermint candy) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Avoid adding ice cream until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezer: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the float without ice cream for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge before serving.

Serving Tips: For the best experience, enjoy the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float immediately after preparation. If necessary, prepare the base in advance for effortless entertaining.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this drink; simply serve cold for the ultimate festive refreshment!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best peppermint candy for my float?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using seasonal peppermint candies, such as candy canes, which offer a fresh and intense peppermint taste. Choose candies that are brightly colored without any dark spots or signs of aging. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a festive visual element to your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
You can store the drink base (soda or milk mixed with crushed peppermint candy) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure not to mix in the ice cream until you’re ready to serve; that way, you maintain the ideal texture and flavor. If you end up with leftovers without ice cream, feel free to freeze it for up to 1 month, allowing you to enjoy it later!

Can I freeze the float with ice cream?
Unfortunately, freezing the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float with ice cream isn’t recommended as it can lead to a watery texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the base without the ice cream. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before serving and then add fresh ice cream for that creamy touch right before enjoying.

What should I do if my float is flat or doesn’t have enough fizz?
It can happen! If your float ends up flat, make sure you’re gentle when stirring the mixture, and avoid over-mixing the soda to retain carbonation. If you’re mixing ahead of time, keep the soda and peppermint candy separate until just before serving! An alternative is to add a splash of fresh soda on top of the float before serving to revive that fizz.

Is this drink suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful treat, be mindful of your guests’ dietary needs. For a lower-calorie version, consider using sugar-free ice cream. If anyone has allergies, be aware that peppermint candies may contain allergens like nuts or gluten. Always double-check the ingredient labels, and feel free to substitute with allergen-free alternatives when necessary!