Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is the perfect refreshing treat for your holiday gatherings! This delightful drink combines creamy vanilla ice cream with a burst of peppermint flavor, topped off with fizzy 7 Up. It’s not just a festive beverage; it’s a fun and easy way to celebrate various occasions, bringing joy and cheer to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this float stands out with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this float in no time.
• Deliciously Refreshing: The combination of mint and fizzy soda creates a unique flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the mint flavor or add toppings like whipped cream or sprinkles to suit your taste.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The beautiful layers of ice cream and soda make this float a stunning centerpiece at any celebration.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ice cream scoop
• Large glass or float glasses
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Ice cream scoop: This tool helps you easily serve even portions of ice cream, making your floats look neat and appealing.
• Large glass or float glasses: Using oversized glasses enhances the presentation of your festive drink, allowing for plenty of room for all ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that each component is balanced, creating the perfect blend of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Float

• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 pound vanilla ice cream (15 oz)
• 1.5 liters 7 Up

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Step 1: Prepare Your Glasses

Start by gathering your large glasses. Ensure they are clean and ready for serving.

Step 2: Mix Milk and Peppermint Extract

In a small bowl:
1. Combine 3 tablespoons milk with 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Ice Cream

In each glass:
1. Place about 1 cup (approximately 5 oz) of vanilla ice cream.
2. Pour the peppermint milk mixture evenly over the ice cream.

Step 4: Top with Soda

Pour 7 Up slowly into each glass until it reaches the rim:
1. Watch as it fizzes up delightfully.
2. Allow some foam to settle before adding more if needed.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve your Festive Peppermint Christmas Floats right away:
1. Garnish with extra mint leaves or festive sprinkles if desired.
2. Enjoy while cold!

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Serving the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is all about presentation and creating a joyful atmosphere. This delightful drink is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be customized to suit your festive celebrations.

Fun Glassware

• Mason Jars: Serve in mason jars for a rustic look that adds charm to your table.
• Clear Plastic Cups: Use these for casual parties, making it easy to serve a crowd.

Garnish Ideas

• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra peppermint kick and a festive touch.
• Whipped Topping: Add a dollop of whipped topping on each float to enhance creaminess and visual appeal.

Colorful Straws

• Red or Green Straws: Use festive straws that match the holiday theme to make sipping more fun.
• Striped Straws: Opt for striped straws to add a playful element to your drink presentation.

Ice Cream Scoops

• Layered Scoops: For added flair, layer different flavors of ice cream in the float, creating a colorful effect.
• Mini Ice Cream Cones: Top each float with mini cones for an adorable finishing touch.

How to Perfect Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

To ensure your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float turns out wonderfully every time, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your serving experience and delight your guests.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping the 7 Up and ice cream chilled will maintain the float’s refreshing quality.
• Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, use a gentle hand to keep the carbonation intact for a frothy top.
• Taste Test First: Adjust peppermint extract according to your preference; start with less and add more if needed.
• Layer Creatively: Experiment with layering ice cream and soda for an attractive look that tempts everyone.

Best Side Dishes for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Pairing side dishes with your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float can enhance the overall holiday experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this refreshing drink.

1. Holiday Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples adds freshness.
2. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda with crackers for savory balance.
3. Veggie Tray with Dip: Crisp veggies served with hummus or ranch dip offer crunch alongside the sweet float.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty treats that are easy to grab while enjoying the festivities.
5. Mini Sandwiches: Assorted mini sandwiches made with turkey or chicken provide hearty options without overshadowing the float.
6. Gingerbread Cookies: Classic cookies filled with spices that pair well with peppermint flavors, adding warmth to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Festive Peppermint Christmas Float, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the peppermint extract: Forgetting this ingredient can lead to a float that lacks that classic festive flavor. Always measure carefully!
• Using non-dairy milk: If you opt for a non-dairy option without checking compatibility, it may not blend well with ice cream. Stick to regular milk for a creamy texture.
• Overmixing the ingredients: Too much mixing can cause the ice cream to melt too quickly. Stir gently to maintain a fluffy texture.
• Choosing the wrong soda: Using a less carbonated soda might make your float flat. Always choose a fizzy soda like 7UP for that bubbly fun!
• Neglecting presentation: A float should look as good as it tastes! Use festive glasses and consider garnishing with crushed peppermint or whipped cream for appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

• Freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture and flavor.
• If necessary, consume within 1 month if frozen.

Reheating Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

• Oven: Not applicable as this is a cold drink.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it will melt the ice cream too quickly.
• Stovetop: Not suitable for this recipe; enjoy cold!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float.

Can I make the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float ahead of time?

You can prepare individual components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble them just before serving to keep everything fresh and bubbly.

What other flavors can I use in my float?

Feel free to experiment with other extracts like vanilla or chocolate, or mix in different sodas such as ginger ale for a unique twist!

How do I make my float more festive?

Add toppings like crushed candy canes or whipped cream on top to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Can I replace the vanilla ice cream?

Yes! You can use any flavor of ice cream you prefer, such as peppermint or chocolate, for a fun variation on this classic drink.

Final Thoughts

The Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings to make it truly your own!