When the holiday season arrives, nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like the refreshing blend of peppermint, ice cream, and fizzy soda. The Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float is more than just a drink—it’s a sparkling dessert in a glass. With its creamy texture, minty sweetness, and festive flair, this Christmas float can instantly brighten gatherings, kids’ parties, or cozy evenings by the fireplace.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the origins of holiday floats, explore why peppermint remains the flavor of the season, and guide you step by step through creating the perfect Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly treat, a fun drink to serve at a holiday party, or a dessert that doubles as décor, this recipe will become a holiday tradition.
Why Choose a Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float?
Peppermint: The Flavor of the Season
From candy canes hanging on Christmas trees to peppermint bark in holiday baskets, peppermint has always been associated with winter celebrations. Its cooling, slightly sweet taste pairs beautifully with creamy vanilla or chocolate, making it the ideal flavor base for a Christmas float.
Floats as Festive Treats
Classic root beer floats may be a staple in summer, but during the holidays, floats transform into magical dessert drinks. A Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float is both visually stunning and indulgent, offering layers of creamy vanilla ice cream, peppermint syrup, candy cane sprinkles, and bubbly soda or ginger ale.
A Showstopper for Parties
Presentation matters during the holidays. The red-and-white swirls of peppermint candy, topped with whipped cream and crushed candy cane, instantly make this float Instagram-worthy. Guests of all ages will be drawn to its festive look before they even take the first sip.
Ingredients for the Perfect Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float
To make 2 servings:
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Vanilla ice cream – 4 scoops (the creamy base of the float)
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Peppermint syrup – 2–3 tablespoons (for that holiday minty punch)
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Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda – about 2 cups (for fizz and sparkle)
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Whipped cream – freshly whipped or from a can, for topping
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Crushed candy canes – 2–3 tablespoons, as garnish
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Mini candy canes – 2, for stirring and decoration
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Red food coloring (optional) – for a candy-cane swirl effect
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glasses
Chill your tall glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes. This helps the float stay colder for longer, enhancing the creaminess of the ice cream.
Step 2: Add Peppermint Syrup
Pour 1–1.5 tablespoons of peppermint syrup into each glass. If you love strong mint flavor, go a little heavier here.
Step 3: Scoop in the Ice Cream
Gently add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass. The ice cream will mix with the peppermint syrup at the bottom, creating a rich base.
Step 4: Add the Fizz
Slowly pour ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice cream. Pour at an angle to reduce foam overflow. Watch as the bubbles rise and the creamy mixture swirls—it’s part of the magic!
Step 5: Garnish to Impress
Top with a swirl of whipped cream, sprinkle crushed candy cane on top, and finish with a mini candy cane hooked on the rim of the glass. For extra drama, drizzle a bit of peppermint syrup over the whipped cream.
Tips for Making the Best Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float
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Use quality vanilla ice cream – Creamier ice cream melts slowly and blends better with soda.
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Balance the sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet drink, use soda water with peppermint syrup instead of ginger ale.
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Go alcohol-friendly for adults – Add a splash of peppermint schnapps, Bailey’s, or vanilla vodka for a holiday cocktail version.
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Make it dairy-free – Swap vanilla ice cream for coconut-based or almond-milk ice cream, and use dairy-free whipped cream.
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Add color – A drop of red food coloring gives your float a vibrant holiday swirl.
Variations of the Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float
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Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Float – Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla and drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
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Strawberry Peppermint Twist – Add a scoop of strawberry ice cream alongside vanilla for a fruity note.
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Peppermint Mocha Float – Combine iced coffee, peppermint syrup, and chocolate ice cream for a coffeehouse holiday treat.
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Kid-Friendly Candy Cane Float – Replace peppermint syrup with crushed candy cane pieces dissolved in warm water, then cooled before use.
Pairing Your Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float
This float is so versatile that it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Christmas desserts. Here are a few festive pairings:
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Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing.
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Gingerbread men for a spiced contrast.
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Chocolate yule log for an indulgent pairing.
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Festive popcorn mix with white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles.
Serving Ideas for Holiday Gatherings
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Christmas Eve Party: Serve in tall glasses with candy cane stirrers.
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Christmas Morning Brunch: Offer mini versions in mason jars for kids.
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New Year’s Eve Countdown: Add sparkling water or even champagne for an adult twist.
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Gift Idea: Prepare a DIY Peppermint Float Kit with small bottles of peppermint syrup, mini sodas, candy canes, and recipe cards.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 54 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Sugar: 48 g
(Note: Values vary depending on brands and portion sizes.)
The Story Behind the Christmas Float
The idea of ice cream floats dates back to the late 19th century in the United States, when soda fountains were popular gathering spots. Root beer floats became iconic, but creative variations followed, especially for holidays. The peppermint version likely evolved from the tradition of candy canes at Christmas, blending peppermint with the beloved soda-and-ice-cream base. Today, the Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float is celebrated worldwide as a cheerful, kid-approved holiday treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare the Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float in advance?
A: It’s best made fresh, as the soda loses fizz and the ice cream melts quickly.
Q: What if I don’t have peppermint syrup?
A: Crush candy canes and dissolve them in hot water, then cool before using.
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: Yes! Use sugar-free soda, sugar-free peppermint syrup, and low-calorie ice cream.
Q: Is this suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely. Just skip any alcohol additions and keep it family-friendly.
Conclusion: Make the Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float a Tradition
The Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. It combines classic holiday flavors with a nostalgic float tradition, making it perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or quiet nights by the fire. Its festive presentation and refreshing taste guarantee smiles, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Recipe Card – Tasty Peppermint Christmas Float
Ingredients
Method
- Instructions
- Chill glasses: Place tall glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep the float cold.
- Add syrup: Pour 1–1.5 tbsp of peppermint syrup into each glass.
- Scoop ice cream: Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Pour soda: Slowly pour ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice cream. Pour at an angle to avoid overflowing foam.
- Top & garnish: Add whipped cream, sprinkle crushed candy cane, and hook a mini candy cane on the rim. Optionally, drizzle extra peppermint syrup or add a drop of red food coloring for a festive look.
Notes
