Looking for a fun, festive treat to get into the holiday spirit? Look no further than this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float! This creamy, sweet, and refreshing drink combines the nostalgic flavors of peppermint and vanilla with a bubbly twist. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a special way to celebrate the season, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
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Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Christmas Float
The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is the ultimate holiday drink. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a fun and festive beverage that will bring joy to any holiday occasion. The best part? It requires little time and effort, making it the perfect drink for busy holiday hosts.
This float combines the refreshing fizziness of 7 Up with creamy vanilla ice cream and a touch of peppermint extract. Topped with crushed peppermint candy for that perfect holiday crunch, it’s an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients for the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float:
- Milk: Adds a creamy texture that balances out the carbonation from the soda.
- Peppermint Extract: Provides that fresh, minty flavor that makes this float festive and delicious.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creates a rich and creamy base that gives the float its delightful texture.
- 7 Up: The perfect soda for this float. Its light, lemon-lime flavor adds just the right amount of sweetness and fizziness.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: Adds a crunchy, minty topping that’s perfect for the holidays.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make this recipe even more customizable, here are a few substitutions:
- Non-Dairy Milk: Swap out regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar-Free Ice Cream: For a lighter option, use sugar-free vanilla ice cream to keep the float low on sugar.
- Other Sodas: If you don’t have 7 Up, you can also use Sprite or any lemon-lime soda for a similar effect.
- Candy Cane Pieces: Instead of crushed peppermint, try using small pieces of crushed candy canes for a more festive touch.
How to Make the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Follow these simple steps to make your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float:
- Prepare the Bowl: Start by selecting a large punch bowl or beverage jar. Make sure it’s clean and ready to use.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the milk, peppermint extract, vanilla ice cream, and 7 Up into the bowl. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, ensuring the ice cream melts slightly into the mixture, creating a creamy base.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into serving glasses. Top each glass with a generous scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy for added texture and holiday flair.
- Add the Final Touches: Serve each glass with a spoon and a straw for easy sipping and eating. Your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is now ready to enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Peppermint Float
To ensure your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: While mixing the ingredients, avoid over-stirring the float. You want to keep the bubbles from the soda intact for that fizzy texture.
- Ice Cream Texture: For the creamiest float, use slightly softened vanilla ice cream. This makes it easier to stir into the soda without it clumping together.
- Customize the Minty Flavor: If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, feel free to add a little extra peppermint extract. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors.
- Serve Immediately: This float is best served right after it’s made. The ice cream can melt quickly, so enjoy it while it’s still cold and creamy.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Festive Peppermint Christmas Float pairs perfectly with a variety of holiday treats. Here are a few ideas:
- Gingerbread Cookies: The warm, spiced flavor of gingerbread complements the cool, minty taste of the float.
- Chocolate Fudge: The rich sweetness of chocolate pairs wonderfully with the peppermint flavor.
- Holiday Pies: Serve this float alongside your favorite holiday pies, like pumpkin or pecan, for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to serve this drink at a holiday party, you can prep some of the components ahead of time. Mix the milk, peppermint extract, and ice cream in the punch bowl and refrigerate it. Just before serving, add the 7 Up and crushed peppermint candy to finish the float.
A Perfect Holiday Treat
The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. This creamy, bubbly treat captures the essence of the holiday season in every sip. Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this float will bring a festive cheer to your celebrations.
Incorporating both refreshing flavors and creamy textures, this float is a must-have for any holiday gathering. Easy to make, delicious to taste, and absolutely festive, it’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones this holiday season!
Conclusion
The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is the ultimate holiday drink that blends refreshing soda with creamy ice cream and the perfect touch of peppermint. It’s quick, easy, and filled with seasonal flavors, making it ideal for holiday parties or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or enjoying it as a special treat, this float will bring joy and festive cheer to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful drink, and celebrate the holidays in style!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the mixture of milk, peppermint extract, and ice cream ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the 7 Up and crushed peppermint candy right before serving to maintain the float’s fizzy and creamy texture.
Can I substitute the vanilla ice cream in the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute vanilla ice cream with coconut or almond milk-based ice cream. You can also use a low-fat or sugar-free version to adjust for dietary preferences.
How can I make the Peppermint Christmas Float less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can use less 7 Up or opt for a diet soda instead. Additionally, you could skip the peppermint candy topping or use a sugar-free version to control the sweetness level.
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Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing holiday drink that combines peppermint extract, vanilla ice cream, and bubbly 7 Up. Perfect for any festive occasion, this float is a quick and easy treat that brings joy to the season.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 pound vanilla ice cream (15 oz)
- 1.5 liters 7 Up
- Crushed peppermint candy for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a large punch bowl or beverage jar.
- Add the milk, peppermint extract, vanilla ice cream, and 7 Up into the bowl. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into serving glasses.
- Top each glass with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy.
- Serve with a spoon and straw for easy enjoyment.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the vanilla ice cream with non-dairy ice cream.
- If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add a bit more peppermint extract.
- To make the float less sweet, reduce the amount of 7 Up or use a diet soda alternative.
- Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the fizziness and creaminess of the float.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink, Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
