This festive peppermint Christmas float has been my go-to holiday refresher ever since a cousin brought a giant punch bowl to a winter family gathering years ago. It is the kind of treat that makes a room feel instantly celebratory: bright, fizzy soda mellowed by dreamy vanilla ice cream with a whisper of peppermint that smells just like a candy cane. I first assembled this combination on a frosty afternoon when I wanted something cheerful that required almost no hands-on time; the result was so well-loved that it became a standing invitation for holiday open houses and relaxed evenings by the tree.

The texture is part of the charm: effervescent 7 Up tickles the back of the throat, melting into velvety ice cream so that each sip is simultaneously light and indulgent. The small amount of milk softens the ice cream slightly so scoops swirl more easily into the soda and create creamy foam on top—perfect for children and adults alike. I often remember my niece’s surprised face the first time she watched the soda meet ice cream and bubble up into clouds of festive white; those tiny gasps make this one of my favorite recipes to bring out when friends stop by unannounced.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream (1 pound / about 16 oz): Choose a high-quality, full-fat vanilla for a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Premium brands with real vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract will yield flecks of flavor and a better balance with the soda. If you prefer lighter results, choose a reduced-fat vanilla, but expect a slightly less lush foam.
• 7 Up (1.5 liters / about 50.7 fl oz): Use regular lemon-lime soda for the classic bright effervescence. Diet versions will change sweetness and texture; if you use diet, consider reducing peppermint slightly since artificial sweeteners can accentuate flavors differently.
• Milk (3 tablespoons): Whole milk is recommended because the fat helps smooth the ice cream and produces a creamier foam. You can substitute 2% if necessary, though the finish will be a touch lighter.
• Peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon): Pure peppermint extract delivers an authentic candy-cane aroma. Start small — peppermint can dominate quickly — and adjust in future batches to taste. If you have peppermint syrup or peppermint schnapps (for adults), those can be used in small amounts as alternatives.
• Crushed peppermint candy for garnish (optional): A handful, crushed fine, adds color, crunch and an extra peppermint pop that looks festive on top of each scoop.

Instructions

Prepare the serving vessel: Choose a large, clean punch bowl or a big beverage jar that will allow the soda and ice cream to mingle without spilling. Rinse and dry it thoroughly before use to avoid any residual soap taste. Warm hands dry faster; ensure there’s room to stir comfortably and enough space for foam to rise as you add ice cream. Combine liquids: Pour the 1.5-liter bottle of 7 Up into the bowl slowly to preserve carbonation. Add 3 tablespoons of whole milk and the 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Gently stir once or twice with a long-handled spoon — avoid vigorous stirring that deflates the soda. The milk encourages a creamier integration with the ice cream and helps the foam cling to the glass rims later on. Add ice cream and build the float: Using a standard scoop, place a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream into each serving glass. Alternatively, add scoops directly into the punch bowl and allow guests to serve themselves. Pour the soda mixture slowly over the scoops so the soda bubbles up and creates a cloud-like foam. Expect a satisfying fizz; if foam threatens to overflow, pause and let it settle before continuing. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over each float and place a straw and a spoon in every glass to make it easy to enjoy both the fizzy drink and melting ice cream. Serve immediately — the contrast between cold ice cream and fizzy soda is best when fresh.

Storage Tips

Because this is a carbonated beverage combined with ice cream, store components separately. Keep opened soda chilled and sealed and return ice cream to the coldest part of the freezer in its original container or an airtight tub. If you need to prepare in advance for a party, measure the peppermint into a small container and keep milk measured in a pitcher in the refrigerator; combine the liquids shortly before guests arrive. Any leftover assembled floats lose their fizz and become watery; if you must save a glass, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 6 hours, but expect texture changes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re avoiding dairy, use a non-dairy vanilla ice cream such as coconut or oat milk–based varieties and swap whole milk for almond or oat milk. Note that non-dairy options will alter mouthfeel and foam consistency. For a caffeine-free alternative with a slightly different profile, substitute lemon-lime soda with ginger ale or a citrus seltzer and add a tablespoon of simple syrup if you want more sweetness. If peppermint extract is too strong, substitute crushed peppermint candies steeped briefly in warm milk and strained.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in clear glasses to showcase the creamy white foam topping. Pair the float with light holiday cookies — shortbread or ginger snaps contrast nicely. For an adult brunch, offer small shot glasses of peppermint schnapps or coffee liqueur at the side. Garnish ideas include a mini candy cane hanging on the rim, a dusting of cocoa, or chocolate shavings for a chocolate-peppermint twist. This drink also makes a playful dessert course after a heavy holiday meal.

Cultural Background

The concept of pairing ice cream with soda goes back to the early 20th century soda fountain tradition, where carbonated water and flavored syrups met scoops of ice creams and custards to create floats and sodas. The peppermint variation is a seasonal evolution that draws on the candy cane’s association with Christmas in North America and parts of Europe. Combining familiar childhood flavors with adult presentation keeps this beverage rooted in nostalgia while being adaptable to modern palettes and party needs.

Meal Prep Tips

Plan to assemble just before serving for optimal texture. Portion scoops into an ice cream tray or lined small bowl and keep covered in the freezer so they are ready to drop into each glass without melting between scoops. If serving a crowd, pre-chill glasses in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes so the foam holds better and the ice cream clocks more slowly. Keep a dedicated long-handled spoon and straw available for each guest to maximize convenience and minimize spills.

Enjoy this festive peppermint float as a nostalgic centerpiece at any holiday gathering — it requires minimal fuss but delivers big on smiles. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family treat or a cheerful party beverage, the combination of fizz, cream, and peppermint always feels like a small celebration.