Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is the perfect drink to elevate any holiday gathering. Its refreshing flavor and vibrant colors make it a festive addition to your celebrations. This delightful float is quick to prepare and is suitable for family parties, cozy get-togethers, or as a sweet treat after dinner. With its creamy vanilla ice cream and a hint of peppermint, this drink is sure to impress everyone at your holiday table!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Float
- How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Step 2: Assemble the Float
- Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- How to Serve Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Fun Glassware
- Whipped Topping
- Colorful Straws
- Mint Leaves Garnish
- How to Perfect Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Best Side Dishes for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Reheating Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
- Can I customize my Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
- How do I make my float more festive?
- Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Deliciously Refreshing: The combination of vanilla ice cream and peppermint extract creates a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for festive occasions.
- Versatile Drink: Serve it at Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or any winter gathering for a fun twist on traditional drinks.
- Kid-Friendly: This float is non-alcoholic, making it a great choice for guests of all ages.
- Fun Presentation: The colorful layers of ice cream and soda create an eye-catching centerpiece on your holiday table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, gather the essential tools needed for preparation. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glasses
- Spoon or straw for serving
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spills.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients ensures the perfect balance of flavors in your float.
- Tall glasses: These are essential for showcasing the beautiful layers of your festive drink.
- Spoon or straw for serving: A long spoon or straw helps guests enjoy every sip of this delicious float.

Ingredients
For the Float
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 pound vanilla ice cream (15 oz)
- 1.5 liters 7 up
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and peppermint extract. Stir well until mixed.
Step 2: Assemble the Float
- In each tall glass, add two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour in about 3 tablespoons of the milk and peppermint mixture over the ice cream.
- Slowly top each glass with 7 Up until it’s nearly full.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Garnish each float with extra mint leaves or crushed candy canes if desired. Serve immediately with a spoon or straw, and enjoy this festive delight!
How to Serve Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Serving the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful way to bring holiday cheer to any gathering. This refreshing drink can be customized with various toppings and presentations that will impress your guests.
Fun Glassware
- Use festive glasses to enhance the holiday vibe. Consider using clear glasses to showcase the drink’s vibrant colors.
Whipped Topping
- Top each float with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. You can also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a crunchy texture.
Colorful Straws
- Serve your float with colorful straws to make drinking more fun, especially for kids and party-goers.
Mint Leaves Garnish
- Add fresh mint leaves as a garnish. They not only enhance the appearance but also add a refreshing aroma.
How to Perfect Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Creating the perfect Festive Peppermint Christmas Float involves a few simple techniques that elevate its taste and presentation.
Chill your ingredients: Keep your soda and glassware in the refrigerator beforehand. This ensures your float stays cold and refreshing longer.
Measure peppermint extract carefully: Too much peppermint extract can overpower the flavor. Stick to 1/4 teaspoon for a balanced taste.
Use quality vanilla ice cream: A creamy, high-quality vanilla ice cream makes all the difference in achieving a rich, smooth float.
Stir gently: When combining ice cream and soda, stir gently to maintain the fizzy texture, which is key to a great float experience.
Best Side Dishes for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Pairing delicious side dishes with your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float can create an even more enjoyable holiday experience. Here are some suggestions:
Crispy Veggie Platter
Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with hummus make a crunchy, healthy side.Cheese and Crackers Board
A selection of cheeses paired with assorted crackers offers savory bites that balance out the sweetness of your float.Mini Fruit Skewers
Colorful fruit skewers featuring strawberries, grapes, and melon add a refreshing touch that complements the drink well.Spiced Nuts Mix
Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast and are easy to prepare in advance for snacking.Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Sweet and salty chocolate-dipped pretzels are perfect for guests who enjoy both flavors together.Holiday Cookie Platter
An assortment of festive cookies adds traditional holiday flair and gives everyone something sweet to nibble on alongside their float.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not measuring ingredients – Always measure the peppermint extract and milk accurately to ensure the right flavor balance.
- Using non-vanilla ice cream – Stick with vanilla ice cream for the best taste; other flavors can overpower the peppermint essence.
- Ignoring serving suggestions – Serve immediately after preparation for the best experience; waiting too long may cause the float to lose its fizz.
- Overmixing – Combine the ingredients gently to maintain a nice layered effect in your float; overmixing can lead to a less appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Festive Peppermint Christmas Float in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Ensure it’s sealed well to preserve carbonation.
Freezing Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the texture of the ice cream and soda.
- If you must freeze it, consume within one week but expect changes in quality.
Reheating Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Oven – Not applicable for this float; it’s best enjoyed cold.
- Microwave – Not suitable as it will melt the ice cream; enjoy it fresh instead.
- Stovetop – This recipe is not meant for reheating; serve cold for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
A Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful holiday beverage made with vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract, topped with fizzy soda.
Can I customize my Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
Absolutely! You can add different flavored sodas or even use chocolate ice cream for a unique twist.
How do I make my float more festive?
Consider garnishing your float with crushed candy canes or whipped cream for added holiday cheer.
Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute regular milk and ice cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut ice cream.
Final Thoughts
The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a fun and refreshing drink that captures the spirit of the holidays. Its creamy texture and minty flavor make it perfect for gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize your float with different flavors or toppings to make it truly yours!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in the festive spirit with our Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, a refreshing holiday drink that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with a hint of peppermint and fizzy soda. This vibrant beverage is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a family party or a cozy get-together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can impress your guests with this eye-catching treat. The creamy texture and bubbly soda create an irresistible combination that’s sure to please all ages. Top it off with festive garnishes like crushed candy canes or mint leaves for an extra touch of holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 pound vanilla ice cream (15 oz)
- 1.5 liters lemon-lime soda (like 7 Up)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and peppermint extract; stir until well mixed.
- In each tall glass, add two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour about 3 tablespoons of the milk mixture over the ice cream in each glass.
- Slowly top off each glass with lemon-lime soda until nearly full.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float (approximately 8 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





