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Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

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
  • 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