Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe (Easy Holiday Drink)

This peppermint Christmas float is the ultimate festive holiday drink! Made with just four simple ingredients—vanilla ice cream, 7UP, peppermint extract, and a splash of milk—this creamy, fizzy treat tastes like Christmas in a glass. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a fun Christmas Eve tradition, this Christmas float recipe takes only 5 minutes to make and is loved by both kids and adults.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10 floats
Difficulty: Easy

Why This Peppermint Float Recipe Works

This peppermint ice cream float combines the nostalgic appeal of a classic ice cream soda with festive peppermint flavor that screams Christmas. The vanilla ice cream creates a creamy base that mellows the bright mint while the 7UP adds fizzy refreshment. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works equally well as a party punch or individual servings.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity—no complicated steps, no special equipment, and ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Float Base:

• 1 pound (15 oz) vanilla ice cream
• 1.5 liters (about 50 oz) 7UP or Sprite, chilled
• 3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Whipped cream
• Mini candy canes for stirrers
• Red and white striped straws
• Maraschino cherries

Equipment Needed

• Large punch bowl or beverage pitcher
• Ice cream scoop
• Serving glasses (tall glasses or mason jars work great)
• Spoons and straws
• Measuring spoons

How to Make a Peppermint Christmas Float

Method 1: Punch Bowl Style (For Parties)

Step 1: Prepare Your Bowl
Select a large punch bowl or beverage jar. Make sure it’s clean and dry.

Step 2: Combine the Base
Add the milk and peppermint extract to the punch bowl and stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Ice Cream
Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the punch bowl in small scoops, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 4: Pour the Soda
Slowly pour the chilled 7UP over the ice cream, pouring down the side of the bowl to minimize fizzing and overflow.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Ladle the float mixture into individual glasses, making sure each serving gets ice cream and fizzy soda. Garnish with crushed candy canes, whipped cream, or mini candy canes as stirrers.

Method 2: Individual Servings (For Smaller Groups)

Step 1: Prepare Glasses
Place 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in each tall glass.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Flavor
In a small bowl, mix the milk and peppermint extract. Drizzle a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) over the ice cream in each glass.

Step 3: Pour Soda
Slowly pour chilled 7UP over the ice cream, filling the glass about ¾ full. Pour slowly to prevent overflow.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and a mini candy cane stirrer. Serve immediately with a spoon and straw.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Float

Chill Your Soda: Using cold 7UP prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and creates the best texture.

Pour Slowly: Add soda gradually to prevent excessive foaming and overflow. Pour down the side of the glass rather than directly on the ice cream.

Use Real Peppermint Extract: Pure peppermint extract provides the best flavor. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste—a little goes a long way!

Soften Ice Cream Slightly: Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before scooping for easier serving.

Serve Immediately: Floats are best enjoyed right away while the soda is still fizzy and the ice cream is perfectly creamy.

Adjust Sweetness: If the float is too sweet, reduce the milk or add a splash of club soda instead of all 7UP.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Float: Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a richer, more decadent treat reminiscent of chocolate mint candies.

Adult Version: Add 1-2 ounces of peppermint schnapps, crème de menthe, or vanilla vodka per serving.

Red Velvet Float: Add a few drops of red food coloring to the milk mixture for a festive red and white swirl effect.

Candy Cane Float: Blend crushed candy canes directly into the ice cream before assembling for extra peppermint crunch.

Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream, plant-based milk, and peppermint extract for a vegan-friendly option.

Hot Chocolate Float: For a warm twist, use hot chocolate instead of 7UP and top with peppermint ice cream.

Striped Presentation: Layer crushed candy canes at the bottom of glasses before adding ice cream for a festive look.

Green Christmas Float: Add a drop of green food coloring for Christmas-colored drinks.

Sparkling Cider Float: Replace 7UP with sparkling apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Root Beer Peppermint Float: Use root beer instead of 7UP for a unique flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Party Presentation:

• Set up a float bar with ice cream, soda, and various toppings
• Let guests customize their own floats with different garnishes
• Use clear glasses to showcase the pretty layers
• Provide both spoons and straws for easy enjoyment

Special Occasions:

• Christmas morning breakfast treat
• Christmas Eve dessert drink
• Holiday movie night refreshment
• Kids’ Christmas party centerpiece
• New Year’s Eve mocktail option

Garnish Ideas:

• Rim glasses with crushed candy canes (wet rim with water first)
• Add festive paper straws in red and white
• Top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce
• Add a maraschino cherry on top

Make-Ahead Tips

While floats are best made fresh, you can prepare components ahead:

Ice Cream: Pre-scoop ice cream onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Store in a freezer bag for easy party serving.

Peppermint Mixture: Combine milk and peppermint extract up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.

Garnishes: Crush candy canes and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Serving Station: Set up a self-serve station with all ingredients and let guests make their own floats.

Storage Tips

Leftovers: Floats don’t store well once assembled, as the soda loses carbonation. If you have leftover components, store ice cream in the freezer and sealed soda in the refrigerator.

Ice Cream: Keep tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Opened Soda: Seal tightly and refrigerate. Use within 2-3 days for best carbonation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Floats are best made fresh and served immediately. However, you can pre-scoop ice cream and have all ingredients ready for quick assembly.

What can I use instead of 7UP?
Sprite, Sierra Mist, ginger ale, or any lemon-lime soda works perfectly. For a less sweet option, use club soda or sparkling water.

How do I prevent the float from overflowing?
Pour the soda very slowly down the side of the glass. Start with less soda and add more gradually as the foam settles.

Can I make this without milk?
Yes! The milk helps distribute the peppermint flavor, but you can omit it and mix the peppermint extract directly with the ice cream or soda.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s a fun, festive treat that kids love. Just be mindful of the sugar content and serve as an occasional treat.

Can I use peppermint ice cream instead of vanilla?
Yes! Using peppermint ice cream intensifies the mint flavor. You may want to reduce or omit the peppermint extract in this case.

How do I make it less sweet?
Use vanilla ice cream with lower sugar content, replace half the 7UP with club soda, or reduce the amount of ice cream per serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk. The result is just as creamy and delicious.

What’s the difference between a float and a shake?
A float has distinct ice cream and soda layers with a fizzy texture, while a shake is blended smooth and creamy without carbonation.

How many servings does this make?
This recipe makes 8-10 servings depending on glass size and how much ice cream you use per serving.

This peppermint Christmas float recipe is guaranteed to become a holiday tradition! It’s the perfect combination of nostalgic, festive, and delicious—plus it takes just minutes to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun family activity, these festive Christmas drinks deliver smiles with every sip!