Name: Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 8-12 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (15 oz) vanilla ice cream; 1 quart peppermint stick ice cream (optional); 1.5 liters lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, chilled; 1 cup peppermint candies or candy canes, crushed; 1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream; 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 10-15 maraschino cherries, drained; 8-12 small candy canes or peppermint sticks, for garnish; Red and green sprinkles (optional)

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float – a phrase that immediately conjures images of sparkling lights, cozy evenings, and the unmistakable aroma of holiday cheer. As the festive season approaches, I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a truly enchanting beverage that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Christmas in a glass. Forget your standard holiday drinks; this delightful concoction is a vibrant, creamy, and wonderfully minty spin on a beloved classic, designed to bring a smile to every face.

While the concept of a “float” has its roots in American soda fountain culture, evolving from simple ice cream sodas into a myriad of delightful variations, this particular recipe elevates it to an art form specifically for the holidays. Peppermint, with its crisp, invigorating flavor, has become synonymous with Christmas, adorning everything from candy canes to cookies, and now, taking center stage in this spectacular drink. People adore this dish – or rather, this drink – not only for its captivating taste, a perfect blend of sweet, creamy vanilla, and refreshing mint, but also for its incredibly appealing texture: the playful fizz of soda dancing with rich, melting ice cream.

It’s incredibly simple to assemble, making it the ideal showstopper for any holiday gathering, or a quiet, indulgent treat for yourself after a long day of preparations.

The visual appeal alone, with its festive colors and creamy froth, is enough to make anyone feel like a child again.

Prepare to create unforgettable memories and delight your guests with this truly sensational Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, a beverage that’s as easy to love as it is to make.

Ingredients:

High-Quality Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: 2 quarts. I always recommend a full-fat, rich vanilla bean ice cream. It provides the perfect creamy foundation without competing with the vibrant peppermint flavor.
Peppermint Stick Ice Cream (Optional, but highly recommended for an extra punch!): 1 quart. If you can find it, a good quality peppermint stick ice cream will amplify the festive experience. Otherwise, simply use more vanilla.
Clear Lemon-Lime Soda or Ginger Ale: 4-6 (12-ounce) cans, chilled. You want something with a crisp, clean flavor that won’t overpower the peppermint and vanilla, and a clear or light-colored soda ensures the beautiful red and white aesthetic really pops.
Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: Approximately 1 cup, crushed. This translates to about 10-12 regular-sized candy canes. These are essential for that quintessential peppermint crunch and visual appeal.
Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 pint (2 cups). For making fresh whipped cream, which truly elevates this float from good to absolutely heavenly.
Powdered Sugar: 2-3 tablespoons, for sweetening your homemade whipped cream.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavoring the whipped cream.
Maraschino Cherries: 1 jar (about 10-15 cherries), drained. A classic float topping that adds a burst of color and a touch of sweetness.
Small Candy Canes or Peppermint Sticks: 8-12 pieces, for garnishing the rim of each glass. These add an undeniable festive charm.
Red and Green Sprinkles (Optional): For an extra dash of Christmas spirit.
Tall Glasses or Sundae Dishes: About 8-12 individual serving glasses. The taller, the better, to accommodate all the glorious layers of your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.

Getting Ready: Preparing Your Festive Peppermint Float Components

Chill Everything to Perfection: First things first, my friend, let’s ensure all our liquid components are as cold as a winter’s night. Place your lemon-lime soda or ginger ale into the refrigerator at least a few hours before you plan to assemble your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, ideally overnight. The colder the soda, the less fizz you’ll lose when it hits the ice cream, resulting in a creamier, more delightful float. I also like to put my ice cream out on the counter for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This brief moment allows it to soften just enough to make scooping a breeze, preventing bent spoons and frustration, but not so much that it becomes a melty mess. A perfectly chilled glass can also make a difference; if you have space, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes!
Master the Art of Crushing Peppermint: This step is crucial for both flavor and visual appeal. Gather your peppermint candies or candy canes. I find the easiest and most satisfying way to crush them is to place them in a sturdy, re-sealable plastic bag (a freezer bag works wonderfully because it’s thicker). Make sure to seal it well, expelling as much air as possible. Now comes the fun part! Lay the bag on a solid, flat surface, like a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, the flat side of a meat mallet, or even a sturdy pan, gently but firmly tap and roll over the candy canes. Start with lighter taps to break them into larger pieces, then increase pressure and roll to achieve a mix of fine dust and small, irregular crunchy bits. I aim for a consistency that includes both powdery sugar for dissolving and tiny shards for textural contrast. Don’t go too fine, or you’ll lose that satisfying crunch! This texture is what truly makes each sip of our Festive Peppermint Christmas Float so exciting.
Whip Up Some Heavenly Cream: While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, trust me when I say that homemade whipped cream takes your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float to an entirely new level of decadence. In a large, chilled mixing bowl, pour your heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer (either hand-held or stand mixer with a whisk attachment) on medium-high speed, begin to whip the cream. As soft peaks begin to form – usually after 2-3 minutes – gradually add your powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until firm peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter! The cream should be light, airy, and hold its shape beautifully. Once done, cover it and keep it refrigerated until it’s time for assembly. This fresh, lightly sweetened cream provides a luxurious contrast to the sharp peppermint.

Assembling Your Magical Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Now, for the most exciting part: bringing together all these festive elements to create our show-stopping Festive Peppermint Christmas Float! Remember, presentation is key, so take your time and enjoy the process. I always like to set up an assembly line with all my ingredients, making the process smooth and enjoyable.

Prepare Your Glasses with a Festive Rim: To truly make your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float sparkle, let’s add a decorative rim to your serving glasses. Take one of your small candy canes or peppermint sticks. You can either gently rub the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge or, for a sweeter stick, simply moisten the rim with a tiny dab of water or even a lick of the candy cane itself. Then, immediately dip the moistened rim into your bowl of crushed peppermint candies. Rotate the glass gently to ensure an even coating. The combination of the vibrant red and white against the glass looks absolutely stunning and provides an immediate hint of the peppermint delight awaiting within. This small detail makes a huge difference in elevating the presentation.
The First Scoop: Laying the Foundation: With your beautifully rimmed glasses ready, it’s time for the ice cream. I usually start with two generous scoops of the high-quality vanilla bean ice cream in each glass. Use a warm ice cream scoop (I often dip mine in hot water between scoops and wipe it dry) to get perfectly round, beautiful spheres. The warmth helps the scoop glide through the ice cream without tearing. Place these scoops carefully at the bottom of the glass. The vanilla will be the creamy anchor, so make sure it’s substantial.
Adding the Peppermint Heart (If Using Peppermint Ice Cream): If you opted for the peppermint stick ice cream, now is its moment to shine! Add one heaping scoop of the peppermint stick ice cream on top of the vanilla scoops. This layering creates a delightful flavor progression – you’ll get pure vanilla, then a mix, then an explosion of peppermint. If you’re sticking solely to vanilla, simply add another scoop or two of your vanilla bean ice cream here, ensuring a good, solid base for the float. The key is to create a generous base that will support the fizzy soda without immediately melting away. I aim for the ice cream to fill about one-third to half of the glass before adding the soda.
The Fizzy Magic: Pouring the Soda: This step requires a little finesse to prevent an overflowing, bubbly mess! Take one of your chilled cans of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Gently tilt your glass to about a 45-degree angle. Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour the soda down the side of the glass, aiming for the ice cream rather than directly into the center. This technique helps to minimize the initial explosive fizz and allows the soda to gently mingle with the ice cream, creating that wonderful, creamy foam characteristic of a perfect float. As you pour, watch the foam rise. Stop when the foam reaches just below the rim of the glass, leaving room for our glorious toppings. The interaction between the cold ice cream and the chilled soda is what gives our Festive Peppermint Christmas Float its signature frothy top.
A Dash of Peppermint Crunch: Immediately after pouring the soda, while the foam is still invitingly soft, sprinkle a generous pinch of your remaining crushed peppermint candies directly onto the foam. Some will stick to the whipped cream, some will sink a little into the soda, and some will float on top, providing textural interest throughout the entire float. This not only adds more of that invigorating peppermint flavor but also creates a beautiful visual contrast against the white foam. This is one of my favorite parts because it really emphasizes the “Peppermint” in our Festive Peppermint Christmas Float!

The Grand Finale: Garnishing Your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float for Pure Joy

We’re almost there! These final touches are what truly transform a simple float into a Festive Peppermint Christmas Float that’s ready for any holiday gathering.

Crown with Whipped Cream: Now, for the crowning glory! Take your homemade whipped cream (or canned, if that’s your preference) and generously pipe or spoon a beautiful, swirling mound on top of each float. I like to use a piping bag with a star tip for that classic, elegant look, but a spoon works just as well for a more rustic charm. Don’t be shy here; a tall peak of fluffy whipped cream is a non-negotiable part of any spectacular float. This luscious cloud provides a smooth, sweet counterpoint to the fizzy, minty base of the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.
Add a Pop of Color with Cherries: No float is truly complete without a vibrant maraschino cherry (or two!). Gently place one or two drained maraschino cherries on top of the whipped cream. The bright red provides a stunning visual contrast against the white cream and green/red of the peppermint, screaming “Christmas!” from every angle. It’s a classic touch that brings a touch of nostalgic charm to our modern holiday creation.
The Signature Candy Cane Garnish: To really drive home the “Festive Peppermint Christmas Float” theme, hook a small candy cane or peppermint stick over the rim of each glass. You can even break a larger one in half if you prefer. This isn’t just for looks; it gives guests something extra to nibble on and stir with, subtly adding more peppermint flavor as it dissolves. It’s the perfect edible stir stick and a delightful decorative element.
A Final Flourish of Sprinkles (Optional, but highly recommended!): For that final festive flourish, sprinkle a pinch of red and green sprinkles over the whipped cream and cherries. This adds an extra layer of sparkle and holiday cheer, making each Festive Peppermint Christmas Float an absolute feast for the eyes before it even touches the lips. It’s like adding a final dash of holiday magic.
Serve Immediately and Savor: Your magnificent Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats are now complete and ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with a long spoon and a straw. Encourage your guests to stir gently to combine the flavors, or to enjoy the layers as they please. The blend of creamy vanilla, zesty soda, invigorating peppermint, and fluffy whipped cream is an experience that captures the joy and indulgence of the holiday season in every single sip. These floats are not just a drink; they are a celebration in a glass. Enjoy every glorious, bubbly, minty moment!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet magical steps to create a truly unforgettable holiday treat. This isn’t just another drink; it’s a vibrant, fizzy, and incredibly delightful experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season. What makes this recipe an absolute must-try, you ask? Well, for starters, its ease of preparation is unmatched. Even the most novice kitchen enthusiast can whip up a batch of these beauties in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice when you need something spectacular without the stress. Beyond its simplicity, the combination of creamy vanilla ice cream, effervescent soda, and the invigorating kick of peppermint creates a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. It’s cool, refreshing, sweet, and utterly addictive. Imagine the smiles when you present these towering, colorful concoctions to your guests – they are truly a showstopper, adding a festive visual flair to any gathering. It’s a nostalgic nod to classic ice cream floats but with a delightful, modern, and decidedly Christmassy twist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

But the joy doesn’t have to stop there! One of the things I love most about this recipe is its incredible versatility. While the classic presentation is undeniably charming, feel free to unleash your creativity with serving suggestions and variations. For an extra touch of elegance, consider serving your floats in chilled tall pilsner glasses or even charming mason jars, tied with a festive ribbon. A sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream can elevate the visual appeal even further. Don’t limit yourself to just crushed candy canes for garnish; try chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of peppermint syrup for an intensified flavor. For those grown-up gatherings, a splash of peppermint schnapps or vanilla-flavored vodka can transform this innocent treat into a sophisticated holiday cocktail. Just a small measure added to the soda before the ice cream will give it a lovely, warming kick. Alternatively, for a slightly different flavor profile, swap out the vanilla ice cream for chocolate or even a hint of strawberry to create a pinker, equally charming version. If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, fear not! Dairy-free vanilla ice cream works wonderfully, and sugar-free sodas can easily be substituted without compromising much on the festive spirit. You could even experiment with different clear sodas like lemon-lime for a subtle citrusy undertone that complements the peppermint beautifully. The possibilities truly are endless, allowing you to tailor this delightful drink to suit any taste or occasion.

Now that I’ve shared all my tips and tricks, it’s your turn! I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to try this delightful recipe in your own kitchen. There’s something so uniquely satisfying about creating something wonderful and then sharing it with loved ones, and this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is absolutely perfect for that. It’s a simple pleasure that brings immense joy. Don’t hesitate; gather your ingredients this holiday season and give it a go. Whether it’s for a cozy family movie night, a bustling holiday party, or just a sweet treat to lift your spirits on a quiet winter evening, I promise it won’t disappoint. Once you’ve experienced the magic, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, come back and share your experiences in the comments below. Did you try a fun variation? Did your kids (or adults!) love it? What was your favorite part? Your feedback and shared moments not only make my day but also inspire others in our wonderful cooking community. Snap a picture of your beautiful creation and share it – let’s spread the holiday cheer, one bubbly, minty sip at a time. This recipe is designed to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered. So, go forth, float away into a world of peppermint-infused bliss, and make some deliciously merry memories!