As the holiday season approaches, there’s an undeniable feeling of magic in the air—it’s time to gather with family and friends, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful drink? Enter the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, an easy-to-prepare treat that captures the essence of Christmas in a single glass. This creamy, minty indulgence is both visually stunning and incredibly simple to make, making it the perfect festive drink for any gathering. With refreshing peppermint flavors and luscious ice cream, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone smiling. Are you ready to bring a sweet twist to your holiday festivities? Let’s dive into this treat that’s sure to spark joy!

Why is this Peppermint Float so special?

Festive Cheer: This Peppermint Christmas Float embodies the joy of the season, making it a festive centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.

Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this creamy delight in no time.

Visually Stunning: Its vibrant colors and textures make every glass a showstopper, perfect for impressing your guests.

Versatile Twist: Feel free to switch up the flavors by adding chocolate syrup or using vegan ice cream for a delightful variation.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday party or family gathering, this drink is sure to bring smiles and cheer to everyone around.

Get ready to indulge in a festive treat that combines simplicity with holiday magic!

Peppermint Christmas Float Ingredients

For the Creamy Base

Milk – A splash of whole, almond, or oat milk makes for a deliciously creamy base for this Peppermint Christmas Float.
Peppermint Extract – Just a few drops will pack in that festive mint flavor; adjust according to your taste preference!

For the Delightful Float

Ice Cream – Vanilla is traditional for that classic taste, but feel free to explore different flavors for a unique twist.
Crushed Peppermint Candy – This adds a fun crunch and festive flair; freshly crushed gives the best texture and flavor.

For Serving

Punch Bowl or Large Beverage Jar – Essential for mixing the float; it showcases the drink beautifully when serving!
Serving Glasses – Any clear glass will enhance the visual appeal of this creamy holiday drink.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare the Mixing Bowl
Start by cleaning your punch bowl or large beverage jar thoroughly. Make sure it’s completely dry; this ensures no water dilutes your Peppermint Christmas Float. A clean vessel will keep your drink looking clear and inviting, ready to impress your guests.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the prepared bowl, pour in your milk and add a few drops of peppermint extract. Stir the mixture gently with a whisk until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld for about 1-2 minutes. The liquid should appear creamy and reflect a light minty hue, promising a refreshing drink ahead.

Step 3: Serve the Mixed Drink
Carefully pour the creamy peppermint mixture into serving glasses, filling them about three-quarters full. This will leave room for the ice cream and toppings. As you pour, appreciate the inviting swirl of colors that embodies the festive spirit of your Peppermint Christmas Float.

Step 4: Add Ice Cream
Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream on top of each glass filled with the peppermint mixture. Aim for about one large scoop per glass, allowing it to slowly melt into the drink, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Watch as the ice cream swirls and fuses with the refreshing base.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Peppermint Candy
Finish your festive float by generously sprinkling freshly crushed peppermint candy over the ice cream. This adds a beautiful crunch and a holiday flair that will excite the senses. You’ll want to let the vibrant reds and greens contrast against the creamy white, presenting a stunningly festive appearance.

Step 6: Serve with Style
Present your Peppermint Christmas Float with a spoon and a straw for easy enjoyment. Arrange the glasses on a festive tray, ready to serve at your holiday gathering. As your guests gather around, watch their eyes light up at the sight of this creamy minty indulgence, promising smiles all around.

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Wrap your holiday gatherings in warmth and cheer with perfect pairings that elevate this delightful Peppermint Christmas Float into a full festive feast.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic treats add a soft, chewy texture that complements the creamy float with a touch of sweetness.
Gingerbread Men: Their spiced flavor and crisp texture provide a delightful contrast to the creamy mint of your float, evoking holiday nostalgia.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A zesty mix of seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates cuts through the richness of the float, adding brightness to your plate.
Nutty Biscotti: The crunchy texture offers a satisfying dip into the creamy float, while the almond or hazelnut flavor harmonizes with the peppermint.
Festive Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses with dried fruits and nuts for a savory touch that balances the sweetness of the float. The variety of textures makes each bite interesting.
Hot Cocoa: An indulgent drink prepared with rich chocolate can be a cozy pairing, especially if topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of peppermint. This double-layer of warmth will keep spirits high.

Peppermint Christmas Float Variations

Get ready to personalize your Peppermint Christmas Float and create variations that excite your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Swap regular ice cream for a non-dairy alternative to satisfy vegan friends without sacrificing creaminess. Almond or coconut-based ice creams work beautifully!
Chocolate Mint Twist: Add a splash of chocolate syrup into your base for a delightful blend of mint and chocolate. This rich variation is perfect for chocolate lovers!
Flavor Extract Swap: Instead of peppermint extract, try vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Each version brings its own charm to the float.
Fruity Addition: Mix in a splash of raspberry or cherry juice to the drink base for a fruity burst that complements the mint beautifully. The tartness balances the sweetness!
Crunchy Toppings: For a fun textural twist, consider adding crushed Oreo cookies or nuts along with crushed peppermint candy. This creates a delightful surprise in every sip!
Minty Milkshake: Blend the peppermint mixture with ice cream for a thicker milkshake-style treat. Serve it in a tall glass with whipped cream dolloped on top for an extra treat.
Frozen Peppermint Cubes: Freeze some of your peppermint drink base into ice cubes and serve them in your float for a refreshing twist on a warm day.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the drink base before mixing! The spice adds an unexpected warmth that dances beautifully with the mint.

Feel free to explore these variations and make this festive drink uniquely yours. It’s all about spreading the holiday cheer with a touch of creativity! If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy ice cream, check out how to make a delicious homemade ice cream or try out some unique ice cream recipes for the perfect pairing!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Christmas Float

Fridge: Store any leftover drink base without ice cream in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just stir well before serving again!

Freezer: If you want to freeze the Peppermint Christmas Float, freeze only the drink base in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the ice cream, as it can change texture.

Reheating: As a note, there’s no need to reheat this drink; instead, mix fresh ice cream with the thawed base for a delightful revival.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the drink base ahead of time to ease your holiday prep, but always add ice cream and toppings just before serving for that creamy texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Christmas Floats are ideal for prepping in advance, saving you valuable time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the creamy base (milk and peppermint extract) up to 24 hours ahead of time by refrigerating it in a tightly sealed container. For optimal flavor, mix the ingredients well before serving. The crushed peppermint candy can also be prepared and stored in a separate container in advance for crunch and garnish. Just before serving, pour the prepared base into glasses, top with a scoop of ice cream, and sprinkle the peppermint candy for an effortlessly festive touch. This way, you’ll have a delightful Peppermint Christmas Float ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for the Best Peppermint Christmas Float

Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ice cream for a creamier texture and richer flavor in your Peppermint Christmas Float; it makes all the difference!
Crushing Candy: Ensure your peppermint candy is freshly crushed for a delightful crunch and vibrant presentation; storing it for too long can make it stale.
Mint Intensity: Start with a small amount of peppermint extract and taste as you mix; it’s easy to add more but hard to balance if it’s too strong!
Serve Immediately: Combine all ingredients just before serving to prevent the ice cream from melting too much, ensuring a refreshing experience for your guests.
Festive Garnish: For extra flair, consider adding whipped cream or chocolate shavings along with the crushed peppermint candy as a beautiful topping.

Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right peppermint candy?
Absolutely, I recommend selecting fresh peppermint candy without dark spots, as this indicates staleness. Look for bright, vibrant colors and a strong, minty aroma. Crushing your candy just before use enhances both flavor and texture, providing that delightful crunch in your drink!

How should I store leftover Peppermint Christmas Float?
To keep your Peppermint Christmas Float fresh, store any remaining drink base (without the ice cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, but remember that it’s best enjoyed fresh and creamy.

Can I freeze the Peppermint Christmas Float?
Certainly! If you’d like to freeze the beverage, only freeze the drink base in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the ice cream directly, as it can alter its texture when thawed. When ready to enjoy again, thaw the base and mix in new ice cream for a delightful revival!

What if my drink base turns out too minty?
Very common! If your Peppermint Christmas Float base becomes too minty, try mixing in a little more milk to balance the flavors. Another option is to add extra ice cream to soften the mint intensity while still keeping it deliciously creamy.

Can pets consume peppermint?
While small amounts of peppermint in treats might be okay for some pets, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Avoid sharing your Peppermint Christmas Float with pets since ingredients like ice cream and sweeteners aren’t healthy for them. Always check with your vet if unsure!

Are there any allergy considerations?
Absolutely! Your Peppermint Christmas Float includes dairy and sugar, so it’s important to check for any lactose intolerance or sugar allergies among your guests. You can easily make this drink vegan by using non-dairy ice cream and almond or oat milk instead of regular dairy.