Get into the holiday spirit with this Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float, a delightful and refreshing drink that captures the joy of the season in every bubbly sip. With creamy vanilla ice cream, fizzy soda, and the cool, minty flavor of peppermint, this festive float is as fun to make as it is to drink. The first time I made it for a Christmas party, it became an instant hit—guests loved the candy cane garnish and cheerful red-and-white swirls. It’s the perfect treat for kids and adults alike, combining sweetness, nostalgia, and that signature holiday sparkle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas float is everything a festive drink should be—creamy, colorful, and full of peppermint cheer. It’s quick to make, requires only a few ingredients, and looks absolutely stunning on any holiday table. You’ll love how the ice cream melts into the fizzy soda, creating a creamy, candy-cane-inspired blend. It’s an easy and fun dessert drink that instantly adds magic to your celebrations. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy movie nights, or even as a special Christmas morning surprise.
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Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float – A Festive and Refreshing Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float is a festive and refreshing holiday drink made with creamy vanilla ice cream, sparkling soda, and a touch of cool peppermint. It’s sweet, fizzy, and full of Christmas cheer — perfect for parties or a fun winter treat.
Ingredients
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda or club soda (chilled)
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes (plus more for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- 1 candy cane (for garnish)
- Red and white sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a tall glass, add crushed candy canes to the bottom for a sweet, minty base.
- Place 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into the glass.
- Slowly pour in the chilled soda, allowing it to fizz and foam up.
- Add peppermint extract and gently stir to combine without losing the bubbles.
- Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and festive sprinkles.
- Garnish with a candy cane on the rim and serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Notes
- For a pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring or a splash of peppermint syrup.
- Make it a chocolate version by using chocolate ice cream and drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Use dairy-free ice cream and sparkling water for a vegan-friendly option.
- Serve in clear glasses to show off the festive layers and color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy base of the float. Choose a rich, high-quality vanilla for the best flavor.
Peppermint Extract: Adds that signature cool, minty flavor. A few drops go a long way.
Red Soda or Cream Soda: Use cherry soda, strawberry soda, or cream soda with red food coloring for that festive color and fizz.
Crushed Candy Canes: For garnish and added crunch. They also infuse a subtle peppermint sweetness as they melt.
Whipped Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy topping that makes the float extra indulgent.
Peppermint Candies or Mini Candy Canes: The perfect garnish for presentation.
Red and White Sprinkles (optional): For an extra festive touch on top.
Mint Leaves (optional): For a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Directions
Scoop 2–3 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. Add a few drops of peppermint extract directly to the ice cream. Slowly pour the red soda or cream soda over the ice cream, allowing it to foam and fizz up to the rim. Top generously with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles over the top. Garnish with a mini candy cane or peppermint stick. Serve immediately with a festive straw and enjoy the creamy, minty bubbles.
For a layered look, drizzle a bit of red syrup or grenadine along the inside of the glass before adding the ice cream—it creates a candy-cane swirl effect that’s perfect for Christmas photos.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 2–3 people. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Total time: 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
This festive float is best enjoyed immediately after making. However, you can pre-scoop the ice cream into glasses and keep them in the freezer until ready to serve—just pour the soda and garnish when guests arrive.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Peppermint Float: Use chocolate ice cream or drizzle chocolate syrup for a decadent twist.
Candy Cane Float: Blend crushed candy canes into the soda for extra peppermint crunch.
Adult Version: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps, Bailey’s, or vanilla vodka for a grown-up treat.
Green Christmas Float: Use lemon-lime soda and a drop of green food coloring for a fun Grinch-inspired version.
Strawberry Peppermint Float: Use strawberry soda and a scoop of strawberry ice cream for fruity mint flavor.
Gingerbread Peppermint Float: Add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicy holiday flair.
Sugar Cookie Float: Use sugar cookie ice cream instead of vanilla for a cookie-inspired twist.
White Christmas Float: Skip the soda and use sparkling water and peppermint syrup for a lighter version.
Hot Chocolate Float: Pour hot chocolate over peppermint ice cream for a warm winter treat.
Peppermint Mocha Float: Add a scoop of coffee ice cream and drizzle mocha sauce for a café-style indulgence.
FAQs
Can I make this float with diet soda?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly less rich and sweet.
Can I use peppermint ice cream instead of vanilla?
Absolutely—it will make the peppermint flavor even stronger.
What type of soda works best?
Cream soda, cherry soda, or strawberry soda all pair beautifully with peppermint.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free ice cream and coconut whipped cream.
How do I keep it from overflowing?
Pour the soda slowly and leave room at the top for foam.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Assemble right before serving to maintain the fizz and creaminess.
Can kids enjoy this version?
Definitely—it’s alcohol-free, festive, and fun for all ages.
What other toppings can I add?
Mini marshmallows, red sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate syrup.
How can I make it extra festive?
Serve in Christmas-themed glasses with candy cane rims.
Can I make a large batch for parties?
Yes, serve in a punch bowl with scoops of ice cream and a ladle.
Conclusion
This Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float is a festive, fun, and irresistibly creamy holiday treat that’s sure to delight everyone. With its cool peppermint flavor, fizzy sweetness, and beautiful presentation, it captures the magic of Christmas in every glass. It’s quick to make, perfect for parties, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace or served at a holiday gathering, this peppermint float is a must-try seasonal indulgence that tastes just like Christmas cheer.
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