Introduction
Oh, the holidays! They always bring back such warm memories, don’t they? One of my absolute favorite things about this time of year is all the cozy traditions, and for me, that includes a special drink that just screams “Christmas!” This Peppermint Christmas Float recipe is so incredibly simple, you won’t believe how quickly you can whip up a festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your holiday gatherings or even just a quiet afternoon by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: Seriously, you can have this ready in under 5 minutes! Perfect for when unexpected guests pop in.
- Foolproof Easy: If you can blend and pour, you can make this float. No fancy techniques needed.
- The Ultimate Giftable Treat: Imagine bringing a pitcher of this to a holiday potluck – it’s a guaranteed hit and feels so thoughtful!
- Crowd-Pleasing Magic: This festive float is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a fun, bubbly twist on a classic.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze! You probably already have most of these on hand:
- 1 pound Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, dreamy base for our float. Use your favorite brand – the good stuff makes a difference!
- 1.5 Liters 7UP: This bubbly soda adds that delightful fizz and sweetness. Any lemon-lime soda will work, but 7UP has that classic touch.
- 3 tablespoons Milk: Just a little bit to help everything blend smoothly. Whole milk will give you the creamiest result.
- 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens! It gives our float that wonderful, Christmassy peppermint flavor. Make sure it’s pure peppermint extract for the best taste.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this Peppermint Christmas Float is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every year.
- Get Blending: Grab your blender. Add your scoop of vanilla ice cream (it’s okay if it’s a little softened!), the milk, and that crucial ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Smooth Operator: Blend everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. You want it to be thick but pourable – think milkshake consistency!
- Pitcher Perfect: Pour this luscious mixture into a nice, big pitcher. This is where all that festive goodness is going to live.
- The Fizz Factor: Now for the fun part! Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour the 1.5 liters of 7UP into the pitcher. Stir it gently with a spoon as you pour to combine everything. You don’t want to stir too vigorously, or you’ll lose all those delightful bubbles!
- Serve and Enjoy!: Ladle this festive concoction into glasses immediately. You can even add a fun garnish like a candy cane or a sprig of mint for an extra special touch!
Substitutions & Additions
While this recipe is perfect as is, here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Dairy-Free Dream: Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy work beautifully) and use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
- Minty Fresh Options: If you’re a big peppermint fan, you can add a tiny bit more peppermint extract, but start small – it’s potent!
- Berry Boost: A handful of fresh or frozen cranberries or raspberries blended with the ice cream can add a lovely tartness and color.
- Grown-Up Twist: For an adults-only version, a splash of peppermint schnapps or a festive liqueur can be added to individual glasses.
Tips for Success
A few little pointers to make sure your Peppermint Christmas Float is absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Over-Blend the Soda: The key to this float is the fizz! Add the 7UP at the very end and stir gently.
- Softer Ice Cream is Your Friend: Slightly softened ice cream will blend much more easily and create a smoother texture.
- Prep Ahead (Sort Of!): You can blend the ice cream, milk, and peppermint mixture a little while before you want to serve and keep it in the fridge. Just before serving, pour it into your pitcher and add the 7UP.
- Chill Your Glasses: For an extra refreshing treat, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before pouring.
How to Store It
This float is best enjoyed fresh because of the carbonation. If you have any leftovers, you can store the blended ice cream mixture (before adding the 7UP) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve again, let it soften slightly, pour it into a pitcher, and add fresh 7UP. The fizzy part really is a “make it when you’re ready to drink it” kind of deal!
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Q: Can I use a different soda?
- A: Absolutely! Ginger ale, Sprite, or even a lemon-lime sparkling water can work. Just be mindful of the sweetness level.
- Q: How do I make it more festive looking?
- A: Garnish is key! Think crushed candy canes around the rim of the glass, a fresh sprig of mint, a maraschino cherry, or even a little whipped cream. You can also add red and green sprinkles!
- Q: Can I make a big batch in advance?
- A: It’s best to assemble this right before serving to keep the fizz. You can prepare the ice cream mixture ahead of time and add the soda just before you pour for everyone.
- Q: Is this too sweet for some people?
- A: It can be quite sweet! If you prefer something less sweet, you can try using a diet 7UP or a sparkling water instead of soda. You can also adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking.
Peppermint Christmas Float
This incredibly simple Peppermint Christmas Float recipe is the perfect festive drink for the holidays, ready in under 5 minutes and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound Vanilla Ice Cream (Use your favorite brand, slightly softened is okay)
- 1.5 liters 7UP (Any lemon-lime soda will work, any lemon-lime sparkling water)
- 3 tablespoons Milk (Whole milk for creamiest result, non-dairy milk alternatives work)
- 0.25 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Pure peppermint extract for best taste, start small as it’s potent)
Instructions
- Grab your blender. Add your scoop of vanilla ice cream (it’s okay if it’s a little softened!), the milk, and that crucial ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Blend everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. You want it to be thick but pourable – think milkshake consistency!
- Pour this luscious mixture into a nice, big pitcher. This is where all that festive goodness is going to live.
- Now for the fun part! Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour the 1.5 liters of 7UP into the pitcher. Stir it gently with a spoon as you pour to combine everything. You don’t want to stir too vigorously, or you’ll lose all those delightful bubbles!
- Ladle this festive concoction into glasses immediately. You can even add a fun garnish like a candy cane or a sprig of mint for an extra special touch!
Notes
This float is best enjoyed fresh due to the carbonation. The ice cream mixture can be frozen ahead of time and blended with fresh 7UP before serving.