Easy Peppermint Christmas Float Recipe | 5-Minute Festive Drink

Introduction

Oh, the holidays! Does anything say “cozy Christmas vibes” quite like a homemade treat that instantly transports you back to childhood? This Peppermint Christmas Float is exactly that. It’s so incredibly simple to whip up, and it tastes like a hug from Santa himself! Forget complicated dessert recipes; this is the one you’ll be reaching for again and again when you need a little festive magic, stat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s ridiculously fast: Seriously, you can have this ready in under 5 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute get-togethers or when a craving strikes.
• Super easy: If you can operate a blender, you can make this. No fancy techniques needed here!
• Perfect for gifting: Imagine gifting a cute jar of the dry ingredients with a tag suggesting this recipe for a special holiday treat. So thoughtful!
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: From kids to grandparents, everyone adores this creamy, dreamy, festive drink. It’s like a grown-up (but still kid-friendly!) soda shop treat.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, my friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create this little bit of Christmas cheer:

• 1 pound vanilla ice cream: The creamy base of our magic! Make sure it’s softened just a touch so it blends beautifully.
• 1.5 liters 7UP: This gives us that delightful fizz and a hint of sweetness. Any lemon-lime soda will work if you don’t have 7UP on hand!
• 3 tablespoons milk: Just a splash to help things along and make it extra smooth. You can use any kind of milk you like – whole, skim, or even a dairy-free alternative.
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is where the holiday spirit really kicks in! A little goes a long way to give you that classic peppermint flavor. Be sure to use extract, not candy cane flavoring unless you’re feeling extra adventurous!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get blending! This is so simple, you might want to enlist the kids to help.

1. Step 1: Ice Cream Base. Grab your blender. Scoop the softened vanilla ice cream into the blender carafe. Add the milk and that crucial 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
2. Step 2: Blend it Up. Secure the lid and blend until everything is wonderfully smooth and creamy. You want it to be thick but pourable.
3. Step 3: Transfer to Pitcher. Pour your creamy peppermint mixture into a festive pitcher. I love using one with a nice spout for easy pouring.
4. Step 4: Add the Fizz! Now for the fun part! Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour the 7UP into the pitcher. Stir gently with a spoon. You don’t want to overmix and lose all those lovely bubbles! Just a gentle swirl to combine.
5. Step 5: Serve Immediately! Pour this delightful concoction into glasses right away. Garnish with a candy cane or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy!

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling creative? This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own personal touch! Here are a few ideas:

• For a richer flavor: Swap out the milk for a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream.
• Fruity twist: Add a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries to the blender with the ice cream for a festive berry burst.
• Chocolate lovers rejoice: Drizzle some chocolate syrup into the glasses before pouring the float, or add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the blender for a peppermint-mocha vibe.
• Spice it up: A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg in the blender can add another layer of cozy holiday warmth.
• Non-alcoholic alternative: If you’re looking for an alcohol-free treat for the adults too, this is perfect as is! If you wanted something a little more “adult,” a splash of peppermint schnapps (for those over 21, of course!) would certainly jazz it up.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make your Peppermint Christmas Float even more delightful:

• Soften the ice cream: Don’t let your ice cream get rock hard. Letting it sit out for about 5-10 minutes before blending makes it much easier to get a smooth texture.
• Don’t over-blend the soda: When you add the 7UP, stir gently. Vigorous stirring will make it go flat faster. We want those festive bubbles!
• Chill your glasses: For an extra special touch, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand. It keeps your float colder for longer!
• Prep ahead: You can blend the ice cream mixture (steps 1-3) and store it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for a few hours. When you’re ready to serve, just let it soften slightly and then stir in the 7UP.

How to Store It

This float is truly best enjoyed immediately, like a freshly baked cookie! The carbonation from the soda is key to its delightful texture and will fade over time. If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store the blended ice cream base (without the soda) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Just thaw slightly and stir in fresh soda when you’re ready to serve again.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?

Absolutely! While vanilla is classic and lets the peppermint shine, you could try chocolate ice cream for a decadent peppermint-chocolate float, or even strawberry for a fun, festive color!

My float is too thick. What should I do?

No worries! You can thin it out by stirring in a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Or, add a splash more 7UP.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You might need a tiny bit more peppermint extract to get the flavor just right, but it’s totally doable and still delicious!

How many servings does this make?

This recipe typically makes about 4-6 servings, depending on the size of your glasses and how much you pour! It’s easily scalable if you need to make a bigger batch for a party.

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