Description of this recipe
The Peppermint Christmas Float is a delightful and festive beverage perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Combining the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the refreshing fizz of lemon-lime soda and a hint of peppermint, this float is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with various toppings to create a truly unique and visually appealing treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a special drink to enjoy with your family, the Peppermint Christmas Float is sure to add a touch of magic to your festivities.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare. You don’t need any special culinary skills or fancy equipment – just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of your time. This makes it ideal for busy holiday schedules or last-minute gatherings. Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal preferences by using different flavors of ice cream (peppermint ice cream amps up the peppermint flavor even more!), various types of soda, and an array of festive toppings. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious! The combination of creamy ice cream, fizzy soda, and refreshing peppermint creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. It’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles to faces and add a touch of festive cheer to any occasion. Who can resist a peppermint Christmas float? Not us.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 scoops vanilla ice cream (or peppermint ice cream)
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda or cream soda (chilled)
- 1–2 drops peppermint extract (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Optional: maraschino cherries, holiday sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle
Preparation:
Step 1: Crush Candy: Place candy canes or peppermint candies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet until you have a coarse crumble. Set aside. This step can be done ahead of time to save time later. The crushed candy adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the peppermint flavor.
Step 2: Add Ice Cream: Scoop 2–3 scoops of ice cream into a tall glass or festive holiday mug. Use a glass that is large enough to accommodate the ice cream, soda, and toppings without overflowing. Gently press the ice cream down slightly to create a stable base for the soda.
Step 3: Pour Soda: Slowly pour chilled lemon-lime soda or cream soda over the ice cream. Pouring slowly prevents excessive fizzing and overflow. The soda should fill the glass about ¾ full, leaving room for the whipped cream and toppings. If you’re using peppermint extract, add it to the soda before pouring for even distribution.
Step 4: Top: Generously add whipped cream on top of the float. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for a richer, more decadent flavor. For an extra touch of elegance, pipe the whipped cream using a decorating bag and nozzle.
Step 5: Garnish: Sprinkle the whipped cream with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Add optional toppings such as maraschino cherries, holiday sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. The garnishes not only enhance the flavor of the float but also add a festive and visually appealing touch.
COOKING Rating:
Easy (No cooking required!)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately after preparation for the best flavor and texture.
- Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their own floats.
- Pair with other holiday treats such as cookies, brownies, or fudge.
- Serve in festive holiday mugs or glasses.
- Make it a party activity and let everyone create their own unique float creations.
- Consider using a clear glass to showcase the layers of ice cream, soda, and toppings.
Tips:
- Chill the soda and glasses beforehand for a colder and more refreshing float.
- Use high-quality ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overfill the glass with soda, as it may overflow when the ice cream is added.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- If you don’t have peppermint candies or candy canes, you can use peppermint-flavored chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ice cream and soda.
- If you want to make the floats ahead of time, prepare the crushed candy and have all the ingredients chilled and ready to go. Assemble the floats just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving Protein: 3-5 grams Sodium: 50-100mg
Conclusion
The Peppermint Christmas Float is a fun, festive, and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Its combination of creamy ice cream, fizzy soda, and refreshing peppermint flavor is sure to delight everyone. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to enjoy with your family or a crowd-pleasing beverage for a holiday party, this float is a guaranteed success. So gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to create some holiday magic with this delightful Peppermint Christmas Float! Enjoy the holidays, and happy floating!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
A: Absolutely! While vanilla ice cream provides a classic base, you can definitely experiment with other flavors. Peppermint ice cream will intensify the peppermint flavor, while chocolate or cookies and cream ice cream can add a richer, more decadent twist. Consider using eggnog ice cream for an extra dose of holiday cheer!
Q2: Can I make this float dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this float dairy-free by using dairy-free ice cream and soda. There are many delicious dairy-free ice cream options available, made from ingredients like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Just be sure to check the ingredients of your soda to ensure it is also dairy-free.
Q3: Can I make this float ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble the Peppermint Christmas Float just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare the crushed candy ahead of time and have all the ingredients chilled and ready to go. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the floats.
Q4: Can I use a different type of soda?
A: Yes! While lemon-lime soda or cream soda are commonly used, you can experiment with other types of soda. Ginger ale can add a spicy kick, while cranberry soda can enhance the festive flavors. Consider using a clear soda to showcase the layers of the float.
Q5: What are some other topping ideas?
A: The possibilities are endless! Besides the suggested whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, maraschino cherries, holiday sprinkles, and chocolate drizzle, you can also try: mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, shaved chocolate, or even small gingerbread cookies perched on top of the whipped cream. Get creative and have fun with it!
