Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Why Make This Recipe

The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. It combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream with the refreshing zing of lemon-lime soda. Topped with homemade peppermint syrup and whipped cream, this drink not only looks beautiful but also tastes amazing. It’s a great choice for holiday gatherings, family parties, or just celebrating the joy of Christmas with something special.

How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 quarts high-quality Vanilla Ice Cream
• 1.5 liters Lemon-Lime Soda (chilled)
• 6-8 Peppermint Candy Canes (for syrup infusion & garnish)
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
• ½ – 1 teaspoon Pure Peppermint Extract (for syrup)
• ¼ teaspoon Pure Peppermint Extract (for whipped cream)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for syrup)
• 1 cup Water (for syrup)
• Red Food Coloring (optional)
• 6 Fresh Mint Sprigs (for garnish)
• Optional garnishes: Mini candy canes, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries

Directions:

Prepare Homemade Peppermint Syrup (Optional but Recommended):
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves. (Optional: Add 2-3 crushed candy canes for extra flavor.) Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Stir in ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract, adjusting to taste. If you want some color, add 1-2 drops of red food coloring. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Crush Candy Canes for Garnish:
Place 3-4 peppermint candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag. Seal the bag and crush them using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer until you have small shards and fine dust for garnish.

Make Fresh Peppermint Whipped Cream:
Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Pour 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes). Gradually add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract. Continue until stiff peaks form. (Optional: Add 1 drop of red food coloring for a pink hue.) Transfer to a piping bag or prepare a spoon for dolloping.

Chill Serving Glasses:
Place your tall, clear serving glasses in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the ice cream frozen longer and gives a frosty experience.

Assemble the Float:
(Optional: Moisten the rim of a chilled glass with water or peppermint syrup, then dip into crushed candy canes.) Using an ice cream scoop dipped in hot water, place 2-3 generous scoops of ice cream in each chilled glass. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of your peppermint syrup over the ice cream. Hold the glass at a slight angle and slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda down the side, filling almost to the top.

Garnish and Serve:
Top each float with a swirl or dollop of the peppermint whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes on the whipped cream. Tuck a fresh mint sprig into the cream. For extra festive fun, add a mini candy cane, chocolate shavings, or a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a long spoon and festive straw.

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Serve your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float very chilled. This drink is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, allowing everyone to savor its creamy texture and refreshing flavor. It’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any holiday celebration.

How to Store Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

If you have leftover peppermint syrup, store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. However, it’s best to prepare the float fresh and consume it right away, as the ice cream will melt in the soda over time.

Tips to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

• Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for a richer flavor.
• Keep the soda chilled to avoid melting the ice cream too quickly.
• Experiment with the amount of peppermint extract in the syrup to find the perfect flavor for you.
• Don’t skip chilling the serving glasses; it enhances the floating experience!

Variation

For a chocolate twist, you can use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla. This creates a delightful chocolate-peppermint combination that’s also festive!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, store-bought whipped cream can be used in a pinch. However, making your whipped cream adds a fresh touch and allows you to control the peppermint flavor.

Is it possible to make this float without peppermint syrup?
Yes, you can make the float using just ice cream and lemon-lime soda, but the syrup adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the experience.

How can I make it non-dairy?
To make a non-dairy version, substitute the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based ice cream and use coconut or almond cream for the whipped topping.

Enjoy creating this delightful drink and spreading festive cheer!

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

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A delightful holiday drink that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with refreshing lemon-lime soda, topped with homemade peppermint syrup and whipped cream.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 – 2 quarts high-quality Vanilla Ice Cream
• 1.5 liters Lemon-Lime Soda (chilled)
• 6–8 Peppermint Candy Canes (for syrup infusion & garnish)
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
• ½ – 1 teaspoon Pure Peppermint Extract (for syrup)
• ¼ teaspoon Pure Peppermint Extract (for whipped cream)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for syrup)
• 1 cup Water (for syrup)
• Red Food Coloring (optional)
• 6 Fresh Mint Sprigs (for garnish)
• Optional garnishes: Mini candy canes, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries

Instructions

1. Prepare Homemade Peppermint Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. (Optional: Add 2-3 crushed candy canes for extra flavor.) Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. Add food coloring if desired.
2. Crush Candy Canes: Place 3-4 peppermint candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them.
3. Make Fresh Peppermint Whipped Cream: Chill mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer. Pour in 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream and whip until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Whip until stiff peaks form.
4. Chill Serving Glasses: Place glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Assemble the Float: Scoop 2-3 scoops of ice cream into each chilled glass. Drizzle peppermint syrup over the ice cream and slowly add chilled lemon-lime soda.
6. Garnish: Top with peppermint whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and add a mint sprig and optional garnishes.

Notes

Best enjoyed the same day it’s made to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.

• Author: mehdilmh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 float
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 50g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Christmas, holiday drink, peppermint, float, dessert