There’s something magical about a Festive Peppermint Christmas Float—creamy vanilla ice cream meeting bright peppermint schnapps, crowned by dancing ginger ale bubbles and crushed candy canes. I’ve made this over a dozen times, and in my kitchen experiments I found that chilling the punch bowl for 15 minutes before assembling keeps those fizzy edges alive longer. Every pour releases fragrant steam and a soft crackling as it cools.
Why You’ll Love Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Effortless to assemble in under 10 minutes—ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Inviting aroma of peppermint that weaves through every creamy sip.
- Visual appeal with glossy ice cream, bubbling ginger ale, and glittering candy cane shards.
- Rooted in classic seasonal flavors that evoke cozy traditions.
A Little Background
My very first attempt at a peppermint float fizzed out within seconds—literally. After tweaking the ratio of schnapps to simple syrup and testing with both creamy and slightly softened scoops, I nailed that long-lasting effervescent bubble. Historically, ice cream floats date back to the soda fountain era of the late 19th century, but this holiday twist brings yuletide cheer with every crackling sip.
Key Ingredients for Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Peppermint Schnapps (12 ounces): Delivers the signature minty kick; swap for crème de menthe for a greener hue.
- Simple Syrup (¼ cup): Balances the spirit’s sharp edge; homemade or store-bought both work.
- Peppermint Extract (1 tsp): Amplifies mint flavor—use a high-quality pure extract for a clean finish.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (1 quart): Provides a silky backdrop; choose full-fat for the creamiest texture.
- Ginger Ale (2 liters, chilled): Brings gentle sparkle; a spicy ginger beer can be used for more warmth.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Optional garnish that adds festive color and cracking crunch.
How to Make Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
- Combine peppermint schnapps, simple syrup, and peppermint extract in a large punch bowl or pitcher. Stir until well combined.
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the bowl so it floats on top of the liquid.
- Slowly pour the chilled ginger ale over the ice cream, allowing the mixture to fizz and bubble around the sides.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes immediately before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Chill your punch bowl or individual glasses ahead of time to keep the float frosty and the bubbles lively.
- If your float deflates too fast, try pouring the ginger ale over the back of a spoon—this slows the carbonation release.
- For a winter spice twist, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or swap ginger ale for cream soda with a dash of nutmeg.
- To scale up: double the schnapps to two 12-ounce bottles, use two quarts of ice cream and four liters of ginger ale; halve everything for a smaller batch.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
The peppermint mixture (schnapps, syrup, extract) can be made up to 1 day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the float just before serving, as ice cream will melt and ginger ale will go flat within 30–45 minutes at room temperature. Always use sanitized utensils and keep the bowl cold for optimal fizz.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in tall clear glasses to showcase the bubbling layers. Add a candy cane stirrer on the rim, or nestle a fresh mint sprig for a pop of green. Pair with gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a festive spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the peppermint syrup mixture ahead of time? Yes. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours and stir before using.
- What if I don’t have peppermint schnapps? Substitute with crème de menthe or omit it entirely—add an extra teaspoon of peppermint extract for flavor.
- How do I keep the float bubbly longer? Chill all components, pour the ginger ale slowly over a spoon, and serve immediately.
- Is there a non-alcoholic version? Replace schnapps with mint-flavored soda or mint tea concentrate and skip the extract if it’s too strong.
- How should I store leftovers? There really aren’t great leftovers—ice cream melts and soda goes flat. Best enjoyed fresh.
- Can I use other ice cream flavors? Vanilla offers the best contrast, but peppermint or chocolate ice cream can add a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
My favorite way to sip this Festive Peppermint Christmas Float is by the twinkling lights of the tree, candy cane in hand, sharing laughs with friends. It’s simple, refreshing, and brings out the childlike wonder of the season. If you try it, please let me know how the bubbles held up and what tweaks you made—I can’t wait to hear your version!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies – a sweet, buttery bite that balances the minty fizz
- Eggnog – a classic creamy holiday beverage with warming spices
- Christmas Appetizer Recipes – festive starters to round out your holiday spread
Festive Peppermint Christmas Float
Ingredients
Float Base
- 12 ounces peppermint schnapps
- 0.25 cup simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
To Assemble
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream
- 2 liters ginger ale chilled
- crushed candy canes to garnish
Instructions
Float Base
- Combine peppermint schnapps, simple syrup, and peppermint extract in a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir until well combined.12 ounces peppermint schnapps, 0.25 cup simple syrup, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
To Assemble
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the bowl so it floats on top of the liquid.
- Slowly pour the chilled ginger ale over the ice cream, allowing the mixture to fizz and bubble around the sides.1 quart vanilla ice cream
- Garnish with crushed candy canes immediately before serving.2 liters ginger ale