Snowball Cocktail Recipe

Snowball Nutrition Facts

Calories:215

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:19g

Alcohol:8%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Snowball cocktail is a classic holiday drink that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1940s. It became especially popular during the 1970s, and it is still enjoyed today by those who appreciate its creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. The cocktail is typically made with Advocaat, a Dutch liqueur made from eggs, sugar, and brandy, and lemon-lime soda. The Snowball is often garnished with a maraschino cherry and a sprig of mint.

  • The Snowball was a favorite of the British royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The cocktail is often associated with Christmas and winter holidays, making it a festive choice for holiday parties and gatherings.
  • The Snowball is a versatile drink that can be easily customized with different garnishes and mixers to suit individual tastes.

How Snowball Tastes?

The Snowball cocktail has a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The Advocaat provides a rich, velvety texture, while the lemon-lime soda adds a refreshing, fizzy element. The maraschino cherry and mint garnish contribute a touch of sweetness and a hint of cool, herbal flavor.

Interesting facts about Snowball

  • The Snowball cocktail was featured in a 1970s UK television advertisement, which helped to increase its popularity.
  • Advocaat, the primary ingredient in a Snowball, is a traditional Dutch liqueur that dates back to the 17th century.
  • The name 'Snowball' is thought to have been inspired by the cocktail's pale, frothy appearance, which resembles a freshly fallen snowball.

Ingredients

Advocaat

Advocaat is the heart of a Snowball cocktail. Its rich, eggy flavor is akin to custard, which makes it decadently creamy. If we skimp on the 50ml, we lose that luscious backbone of the drink. Too much, and we might as well call it an Advocaat slushy. No Advocaat? Try eggnog! It's not the same, but it will give a similar creamy kick.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon-lime soda

The zesty 100ml of lemon-lime soda adds sparkle and cuts through the richness of the Advocaat with its crisp acidity. Less would leave your Snowball feeling a tad flat, more, and you'd be sipping a soda with a hint of Advocaat. Swap it out for ginger ale, and you'll add a spicy twist to your cocktail.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice is our cool secret agent here. It chills the drink, making it more refreshing, without compromising the flavor. Skip the ice, and it's lukewarm party punch. No ice? Serve it in a chilled glass to keep things cool.

Emma Rose

Maraschino cherry

The maraschino cherry is the red jewel on top. It's not just for looks; it adds a touch of fruity sweetness. Leave it out, and you'll deny your drink the full Snowball experience. No cherries? A twist of orange peel could work wonders, too.

Mary Mitkina

Mint sprig

Finally, the mint sprig is a fragrant garnish that whispers of freshness with each sip. No mint? It's not the end of the world, but your Snowball might feel less 'dressed up.' Try a basil leaf for a surprising herbal note.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Snowball Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 50ml of Advocaat over the ice.
  3. Top up the glass with 100ml of lemon-lime soda.
  4. Gently stir the drink to combine the ingredients.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a sprig of mint.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before serving to keep your Snowball cocktail cold for longer.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon-lime soda for a more natural and refreshing taste.
  • Stir gently after adding the soda to keep the fizz.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers & Snacks

  • Savory pastries: A classic feuilleteé or light puff pastry with a mild filling to complement the creamy advocaat.
  • Salted nuts: The saltiness will contrast nicely with the sweet and creamy texture of the cocktail.
  • Light cheese platter: Opt for cheeses that aren't too pungent, like brie or gouda, to pair with the drink's sweetness.

Desserts

  • Lemon tart or lemon meringue pie: These desserts will echo the citrus notes from the lemon-lime soda.
  • Vanilla ice cream: Its creaminess would go well with the advocaat and could even be served as a float atop the cocktail.
  • Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad with a dollop of whipped cream could be a refreshing counterpart to the Snowball's richness.

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What you could change in Snowball

  • Advocaat: If you can't find this, you can use Eggnog as a substitute.
  • Lemon-lime soda: You can replace this with Ginger Ale or Club Soda.
  • Maraschino cherry and Mint sprig: These are mostly for garnish, you can use lemon or lime wedges instead.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Cinnamon Snowball

  • Advocaat: 50ml
  • Apple cider: 100ml
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Ice as needed

Give the classic a warming winter twist by replacing the lemon-lime soda with apple cider. Add a cinnamon stick for a bit of spice and a cozy aroma. This version will taste like festive joy in a glass, perfect for the holiday season.

Tropical Snowball

  • Advocaat: 50ml
  • Coconut water: 100ml
  • Pineapple wedge for garnish
  • Ice as needed

Take your Snowball cocktail on a tropical vacation by swapping the soda for coconut water. Garnish with a pineapple wedge to enhance the exotic vibe. The result is a lighter, more refreshing take with a subtle tropical twist.

Berry Snowball

  • Advocaat: 50ml
  • Raspberry soda: 100ml
  • Fresh berries for garnish
  • Ice as needed

Stir things up by using a raspberry-flavored soda instead of lemon-lime. Add fresh berries as a garnish to intertwine the drink with berry goodness. It's like attending a berry merry party with a creamy, fizzy punch.

In case you forgot basics how to make Snowball

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Snowball

What types of alcohol could be mixed with lemon-lime soda if I don't like Advocaat?

Lemon-lime soda is a versatile mixer that works well with many types of alcohol. You could try it with vodka, rum, or tequila for different flavor profiles.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Snowball cocktail?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic Snowball cocktail, you could substitute the Advocaat for a dairy-based creamer or coconut cream, and retain the other ingredients.

Are there any famous actors or personalities known to love the Snowball cocktail?

While not specifically about the Snowball cocktail, various actors and celebrities are known for their love of cocktails, though unfortunately there aren't specifically known admirers of the Snowball cocktail.

What kind of food pairs well with the Snowball cocktail?

Light appetizers or finger foods, such as cheese and crackers, are a great option to pair with the Snowball cocktail. The creaminess and sweetness of the cocktail would also pair nicely with desserts.

What are similar cocktails to the Snowball that I might enjoy?

If you like the Snowball, there are several other creamy cocktails you might enjoy, such as the White Russian or Eggnog cocktail.

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