SPREAD LOVE

Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

As the holiday season rolls around, cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations fill the air with laughter and love. If you’re looking for a new way to elevate your festivities, the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is your answer. This delightful treat combines the creamy essence of vanilla ice cream with a refreshing twist of peppermint syrup, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. It’s not just a drink; it’s a jubilant experience that brings smiles to all around the table.

Why Make This Recipe

Delightful Flavor: The combination of vanilla ice cream and peppermint syrup is an iconic pairing that captures the essence of holiday flavors.
Customizable Garnishes: With a variety of garnishes at your disposal—like candy canes, chocolate shavings, and mint sprigs—you can add personal touches for an even more festive experience.
Easy to Prepare: This float is not only simple to make but also fun to assemble, making it a great activity for families and friends during the season.

Making Festive Peppermint Christmas Float at Home

Embarking on the journey of creating this festive treat is as rewarding as it is delicious. Here’s a clear and simple walkthrough to ensure your Peppermint Christmas Float dazzles at your holiday gatherings.

Step 1: Prepare Homemade Peppermint Syrup (Optional but Recommended)

The key to a great peppermint float lies in its syrup. Although you can opt for store-bought syrup, a homemade version enhances flavors significantly.

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, blend together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.
Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves. For an extra flavor punch, consider adding 2-3 crushed peppermint candy canes to the warm syrup.
Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. Taste the syrup and adjust the peppermint flavor to your liking in increments of ⅛ teaspoon.
Color it Festive: If you desire a splash of color, add 1-2 drops of red food coloring to your syrup. Finally, store your homemade syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 2-3 weeks.

Step 2: Crush Candy Canes for Garnish

Candy canes are the perfect garnish to complete your festive float.

Crush the Canes: Begin by placing 3-4 peppermint candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag. Seal it tightly and use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to crush them into small shards and fine dust. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Make Fresh Peppermint Whipped Cream

This luscious whipped cream will crown your float beautifully.

Chill Your Equipment: Start by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Whip the Cream: Once chilled, pour 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream into the bowl. Whip at medium-high speed until soft peaks form, which typically takes around 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar along with ¼ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract.
Achieve Stiff Peaks: Continue whipping until stiff peaks are achieved, taking care not to over-whip. For a festive touch, consider adding a drop of red food coloring for a delightful pink hue during the last minute of whipping. Transfer to a piping bag or prepare to dollop generously later.

Step 4: Chill Serving Glasses

To bring your float to the next level, it is essential to serve it cold.

Prepare Your Glasses: Place your tall, clear serving glasses in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes. This chill will ensure that your float remains frosty for as long as possible.

Step 5: Assemble the Float

Now comes the fun part—assembling your holiday float.

Moisten the Glass Rim: For an extra sparkly touch, moisten the rim of each chilled glass with a little water or leftover peppermint syrup. Dip the rim gently into the crushed candy canes to coat.
Add Ice Cream: Using an ice cream scoop (remember to dip it in hot water for perfectly formed spheres), place 2-3 generous scoops of premium vanilla ice cream into each chilled glass.
Drizzle Syrup: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade peppermint syrup (or use store-bought if you prefer) over the ice cream.
Pour the Soda: Holding the glass at a slight angle, gently pour the chilled lemon-lime soda down the side until the glass is almost full, being careful to control the fizz.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Your creation is nearly complete; now it’s time to add the final touches!

Add Whipped Cream: Crown each float with a generous swirl or dollop of the fresh peppermint whipped cream you made earlier.
Sprinkle and Decorate: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes generously over the whipped cream. As a finishing touch, tuck a fresh mint sprig into the cream, and for even more festive flair, add a mini candy cane, chocolate shavings, or a maraschino cherry on top.
Serve: Present immediately with long spoons and festive straws for a cheerful touch. Enjoy the delight on your guests’ faces as they sip this luscious holiday treat.

Best Way to Store Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

While this float is best enjoyed immediately, if you find yourself with leftovers, consider the following storage guidelines:

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. The homemade peppermint syrup can enhance various beverages and desserts, keeping it versatile.
Keep Whipped Cream Fresh: The peppermint whipped cream is best used immediately but can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
Do Not Store the Float: Ideally, the assembled peppermint float should be enjoyed right after preparation, as the ice cream will melt and the fizzy soda will lose its carbonation quickly. If you anticipate leftovers, keep the components separate until you’re ready to serve again.

Serving Suggestions for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

The beauty of the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is its versatility. Here are some creative ideas on how to present and enjoy this delightful treat:

Create a Station: Set up a DIY float station where guests can assemble their floats, allowing for customization with different syrup flavors and garnishes.
Pair with Holiday Treats: Serve the floats alongside holiday-themed cookies or gingerbread for a complete festive dessert experience.
Perfect for Gatherings: Serve your basic float recipe as a base and provide a selection of mix-ins and toppings like crushed Oreos, marshmallows, chocolate chips, or holiday sprinkles for a personalized touch.

Tips to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Here are some quick tips to ensure your float turns out perfectly:

Choose high-quality vanilla ice cream for a richer flavor profile, enhancing your drink’s overall taste experience.
Adjust the amount of peppermint extract in your prepared syrup to suit personal preferences — some love it strong, while others prefer a lighter hint.
Serve the float in clear glasses to showcase its vibrant colors and enticing layers.

Variations for Peppermint Christmas Float

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to different palates, consider these variations:

Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Substitute chocolate ice cream for vanilla and add a drizzle of chocolate syrup alongside your peppermint syrup for a more indulgent treat.
Candy Cane Delight: If you are fond of crunch, consider blending crushed candy canes directly into the ice cream for an added flavor dimension and texture that harmonizes beautifully with your float.

FAQs about Festive Peppermint Christmas Float

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the syrup and whipped cream in advance, it’s recommended to assemble the float right before serving to maintain the integrity of the ice cream and fizz from the soda.

Q: Can I use regular cream instead of heavy whipping cream for the whipped topping?
A: Yes, however, heavy whipping cream yields a firmer whipped topping. Regular cream might not hold its shape as well.

Q: What if I can’t find peppermint extract?

You can use mint extract as a substitute, but be cautious as it can be much more potent than peppermint extract. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.

Enjoy the magic of creating and sharing the Festive Peppermint Christmas Float this holiday season! Whether hosting friends and family or indulging in a luxurious treat after dinner, this float captures the joy of the season. Here’s to festive cheer and homemade memories!