Santa’s peppermint snowflake punch is the creamy, snowy white punch that kids and adults both run to at Christmas parties. Scoops of vanilla ice cream float in cold milk and fizzy lemon-lime soda, and a touch of peppermint makes it taste like a candy cane milkshake.
It takes about 10 minutes, uses grocery store ingredients, and looks beautiful in a glass punch bowl with crushed candy cane rims on every cup.
For more party punches, try my sherbet punch, the cranberry orange Christmas punch, or Grinch punch.
JUMP TO
- Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
- What Is Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch?
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Equipment
- Ingredient Tips
- How to Make Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
- Expert Tips for Perfect Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
- Delicious Variations
- What to Serve with Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
- Storage Instructions
- Can You Make It Ahead?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Estimated Nutrition
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
This is the punch that empties first at every Christmas party.
Kid Favorite
It tastes like a peppermint milkshake.
10 Minutes
No cooking at all.
Snowy Look
Foamy white punch looks like fresh snow.
Easy to Spike
Add vanilla vodka or peppermint schnapps for adults.
What Is Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch?
Snowflake punch is a creamy party punch made with ice cream, milk, and soda. The soda reacts with the ice cream and creates a thick, frothy foam on top.
This version adds peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, so it tastes like Christmas and looks like Santa’s workshop.
Ingredients
Punch
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla ice cream | 1½ quarts | Creamy foam |
| Cold whole milk | 4 cups | Base |
| Cold half and half | 1 cup | Richness |
| Peppermint extract | ½ teaspoon | Mint flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Depth |
| Cold lemon-lime soda | 2 liters | Fizz |
Rims
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed candy canes | ½ cup | Rim |
| Corn syrup or melted white chocolate | 3 tablespoons | Glue for the rim |
| Mini candy canes | 16 | Garnish |
Kitchen Equipment
- Large punch bowl
- Ice cream scoop
- Whisk
- Shallow plates for rims
- Ladle
- Punch cups
Ingredient Tips
Everything Cold
Cold milk and soda keep the ice cream from melting too fast.
Peppermint Strength
Peppermint extract is strong. Start with ½ teaspoon.
Soda
Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale all work.
Ice Cream
Use a good full-fat vanilla for the best foam.
How to Make Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
Step 1: Rim the Cups
Dip cup rims in corn syrup, then in crushed candy canes. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Whisk the milk, half and half, peppermint extract, and vanilla in the punch bowl.
Step 3: Add Ice Cream
Scoop the ice cream into the bowl and let it soften for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in Soda
Slowly pour the soda over the ice cream. Stir gently once to create foam.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle into rimmed cups and hook a mini candy cane on each one.
Expert Tips for Perfect Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
Add Soda Last
Pour it in right before guests arrive so it stays fizzy.
Pour Slowly
Slow pouring builds more foam and less overflow.
Refill in Batches
Keep extra ice cream and soda cold and add more as the bowl empties.
Delicious Variations
Adult Punch
Add 1 cup vanilla vodka or peppermint schnapps.
Chocolate Mint
Use mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Lighter
Use 2% milk and slow churned ice cream.
Pink Peppermint
Add a few drops of red food coloring for a pink punch.
What to Serve with Santa’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch
Serve with peppermint brownies, sugar cookies, or a tray of Christmas fudge.
It is perfect for cookie exchanges, school parties, and Christmas morning brunch.
Storage Instructions
| Storage Method | How Long | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 1 day | Store milk base without soda or ice cream |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Foam does not survive freezing |
| Room Temperature | 1 hour | Serve cold |
Once the soda and ice cream are added, the punch is best within an hour.
Leftovers lose their fizz but can be blended into a milkshake.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Mix the milk base up to 1 day ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Rim the cups a few hours ahead and add the soda and ice cream right before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Warm Soda
It melts the ice cream and the foam disappears.
Too Much Peppermint
It can taste like toothpaste.
Stirring Too Much
It knocks out the fizz.
Estimated Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
Estimate for 1 cup of punch, rim not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is snowflake punch made of?
Vanilla ice cream, cold milk, a little half and half, lemon-lime soda, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
Can I make peppermint punch ahead?
Mix the milk base a day ahead, then add the ice cream and soda right before serving.
How do I make candy cane rims stick?
Dip the rims in corn syrup or melted white chocolate, then press into crushed candy canes.
Can I make it alcoholic?
Yes. Add vanilla vodka or peppermint schnapps to the bowl or to adult cups only.
How many people does this punch serve?
About 16 one-cup servings, perfect for a medium Christmas party.
Conclusion
Santa’s peppermint snowflake punch is creamy, fizzy, and pure Christmas fun.
Make it for your next holiday party and watch the bowl empty fast.
PrintSanta’s Peppermint Snowflake Punch: Creamy Christmas Punch
A frosty white Christmas punch made with vanilla ice cream, milk, a little peppermint, and fizzy lemon-lime soda, served with crushed candy cane rims.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Punch:
1½ quarts vanilla ice cream
4 cups cold whole milk
1 cup cold half and half
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 liters cold lemon-lime soda
Rims:
½ cup crushed candy canes
3 tablespoons corn syrup or melted white chocolate
16 mini candy canes
Instructions
Dip cup rims in corn syrup, then in crushed candy canes. Set aside.
Whisk the milk, half and half, peppermint extract, and vanilla in the punch bowl.
Scoop the ice cream into the bowl and let it soften for 3 minutes.
Slowly pour the soda over the ice cream. Stir gently once to create foam.
Ladle into rimmed cups and hook a mini candy cane on each one.
Notes
Keep all liquids very cold.
Add soda just before serving.
Spike individual cups for adults instead of the whole bowl.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
