This Christmas Snowball Float is a bubbly, festive drink made with cranberry ginger ale, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. The ice cream foams as the soda is poured over it, creating a rosy pink float that looks like a little holiday snow globe in a glass. A maraschino cherry and red-and-green sprinkles add the finishing touch.
It’s easy to make one glass at a time or set out the ingredients so guests can build their own. Serve these floats as a fun Christmas dessert, a holiday party drink, or a special treat for a cozy night in.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 floats
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: Each float takes only a few minutes to assemble.
- Festive and colorful: Cranberry ginger ale, whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles make each glass holiday-ready.
- A drink and dessert together: Vanilla ice cream turns fizzy soda into a creamy, spoonable treat.
- Easy to serve individually: Make a float for each guest, or let everyone assemble their own.
- Simple ingredients: You only need soda, ice cream, and a few easy toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle cranberry ginger ale, chilled, about 2 liters
- 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream, for topping
- 4 maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Christmas sprinkles, for garnish
How to Make Christmas Snowball Floats
1. Chill the ingredients
Refrigerate the cranberry ginger ale until very cold. Keep the vanilla ice cream in the freezer until you’re ready to assemble the floats. Cold ingredients help keep the drink refreshing and slow the ice cream from melting too quickly.
2. Add the ice cream
Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into each tall glass. Use glasses with enough room for the soda foam and whipped cream.
3. Pour in the cranberry ginger ale
Slowly pour the chilled cranberry ginger ale over the ice cream. It will fizz and foam as it meets the ice cream, so pour in stages and pause if the foam rises too high.
4. Add the holiday toppings
Top each glass with whipped cream, Christmas sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry. Serve right away with a straw and a long spoon.
Tips for the Best Floats
- Pour slowly: Soda foams quickly when it touches ice cream. Add it gradually and wait for the bubbles to settle between pours.
- Use tall glasses: A tall glass leaves room for the soda, foam, whipped cream, and cherry.
- Keep the soda cold: Chilled soda stays crisp and helps control the foam.
- Assemble just before serving: The floats are best while the soda is bubbly and the ice cream is still firm.
- Add toppings at the end: Whipped cream and sprinkles look their best when added right before serving.
Easy Variations
Use another holiday soda
Cranberry ginger ale gives the floats their rosy color and tangy flavor. Cranberry soda, cherry soda, or another red seasonal soda can also work.
Try a different ice cream
Vanilla is classic, but peppermint or cherry ice cream can add another festive flavor.
Add a candy cane garnish
Place a small candy cane on the rim of each glass for a peppermint accent.
Make a lighter float
Use one scoop of ice cream per glass and add more chilled soda. You can also use a reduced-sugar cranberry soda if available.
Serve a small dessert-size portion
Use one scoop of ice cream and pour in just enough soda to fill a smaller glass. This makes a fun, lighter treat after a holiday meal.
Make-Ahead and Serving
Keep the soda chilled and the ice cream frozen until serving time. You can set out the cherries, sprinkles, glasses, and whipped cream ahead, but wait to pour the floats until guests are ready to enjoy them. Once assembled, the soda gradually loses its fizz and the ice cream melts into the drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these floats in a punch bowl?
Yes. Add scoops of vanilla ice cream to a punch bowl and slowly pour the cranberry ginger ale over them. The mixture will foam, so use a large bowl with room at the top. Add whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles to individual servings.
Can I use regular ginger ale?
Yes. Regular ginger ale works, though the float will be lighter in color and less cranberry-forward. You can add a splash of cranberry juice for color and flavor.
Why does the float foam so much?
The carbonation in the soda reacts with the ice cream, creating bubbles and foam. Pour slowly and leave extra room at the top of each glass.
Can I prepare the floats ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble them just before serving. You can chill the glasses and soda ahead, then add the ice cream, soda, and toppings when you’re ready.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
You can skip it, or use a spoonful of whipped topping. The float is still festive with just the ice cream, cherry, and sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Snowball Floats turn cranberry ginger ale and vanilla ice cream into a frothy, cheerful holiday treat. Add whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry for a festive finish, then serve immediately while the soda is still sparkling. They’re simple to assemble and make a fun dessert for Christmas gatherings.
