Peppermint Holiday Punch: A Festive Treat to Enjoy! Recipe
Introduction
This Peppermint Holiday Punch is a festive and refreshing treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy vanilla ice cream and fruity sherbet combine with a fizzy soda base to create a delightful, frothy drink with a peppermint twist. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests during the season.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1L) vanilla ice cream
- 4 cups (1L) strawberry or raspberry sherbet (or pink peppermint sherbet)
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold milk or half & half
- 3 cups (720 ml) Sprite, 7UP, or sparkling lemonade
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (adjust for taste)
- Red food coloring (optional, for a deeper pink)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Mini candy canes around the rim (optional but iconic)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the bowl by gently dipping the rim into melted white chocolate or frosting. Press mini candy canes around the edge so they stick and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large punch bowl, add scoops of vanilla ice cream and strawberry or raspberry sherbet. Pour the cold milk or half & half over the ice cream and sherbet.
- Step 3: Stir in the peppermint extract and add a few drops of red food coloring if you want a deeper pink color.
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the Sprite, 7UP, or sparkling lemonade to maintain a frothy, fluffy texture. Stir gently to create creamy swirls without deflating the bubbles.
- Step 5: Top with extra scoops of ice cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the surface. Serve immediately with a ladle.
Tips & Variations
- For a boozy version, add a splash of peppermint schnapps or white rum just before stirring in the soda.
- Swap the milk for coconut milk for a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- Use pink peppermint sherbet instead of strawberry or raspberry for a stronger peppermint flavor.
- Chill the punch bowl in advance to keep the punch colder longer.
Storage
This punch is best served fresh due to the ice cream and soda fizz. If you have leftovers, transfer them to a covered container and store in the freezer for up to 2 days. Stir gently when thawing and add fresh soda to revive fizz before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this punch without soda?
Yes, you can replace the soda with sparkling water or omit it entirely, but the punch will be less fizzy and a bit creamier.
How can I make the mini candy canes stick better to the bowl rim?
Use a thin layer of melted white chocolate or thick frosting on the rim to act as an adhesive. Press the mini candy canes gently and let it set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before adding the punch.
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Peppermint Holiday Punch: A Festive Treat to Enjoy! Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint Holiday Punch is a festive and creamy beverage perfect for holiday celebrations. This refreshing drink combines vanilla ice cream, fruity sherbet, cold milk, and sparkling soda with a hint of peppermint extract, creating a frothy and delightful treat garnished with crushed candy canes and festive mini candy canes on the rim.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups (1L) vanilla ice cream
- 4 cups (1L) strawberry or raspberry sherbet (or pink peppermint sherbet)
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold milk or half & half
- 3 cups (720 ml) Sprite, 7UP, or sparkling lemonade
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (adjust for taste)
- Red food coloring (optional, for a deeper pink)
Garnish
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Mini candy canes (for decorating bowl rim, optional)
- Melted white chocolate or frosting (for dipping bowl rim, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bowl: Lightly dip the rim of a large punch bowl into melted white chocolate or frosting. Immediately press mini candy canes around the rim so they stick and create a festive look. Allow the rim to set before adding punch.
- Make the Punch: In the prepared punch bowl, add scoops of vanilla ice cream and strawberry or raspberry sherbet. Pour cold milk or half & half over the ice cream and sherbet base. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, adjusting to taste. Optionally add a few drops of red food coloring to deepen the color. Slowly pour in Sprite, 7UP, or sparkling lemonade to create a frothy, fluffy texture. Gently stir the mixture to combine and preserve creamy swirls.
- Top & Serve: Add additional scoops of ice cream on top of the punch. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the surface for texture and flavor. Serve immediately using a ladle to scoop into glasses, enjoying the festive and creamy beverage at your holiday gathering.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract according to your taste preference for a more or less minty punch.
- You can substitute half & half with whole milk for a lighter version.
- The red food coloring is optional and used only to enhance the drink’s visual appeal.
- For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk ice cream and a sparkling water-based soda.
- Prepare the punch bowl rim decoration ahead of time to allow the melted chocolate or frosting to set properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: holiday punch, peppermint punch, festive drink, creamy punch, Christmas punch, ice cream punch, peppermint extract, candy cane garnish
