The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Snowball Cocktail

As the temperature drops and the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like a classic cocktail to add warmth and nostalgia to your festive gatherings. One of the most beloved winter cocktails is the Snowball. Its creamy, effervescent nature makes it a comforting and enjoyable drink for any occasion. In this post, we’ll explore the history of the Snowball cocktail and show you how to make this delightful mix at home.

A Brief History of the Snowball Cocktail

The Snowball cocktail dates back to the mid-20th century and has since become a staple in British holiday celebrations. While its exact origins are somewhat hazy, it gained widespread popularity in the UK during the 1970s. This frothy, yellow drink is primarily made with advocaat—a traditional Dutch liqueur made from eggs, sugar, and brandy—blended with lemonade and topped off with a hint of lime. The combination creates a creamy yet refreshing beverage that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients
To create the perfect Snowball cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 50 ml advocaat
• 25 ml fresh lime juice
• 150 ml lemonade (carbonated)

Optional garnish: A maraschino cherry or a twist of lime peel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glass: Chill your chosen glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail. A highball or a Collins glass works well for this drink.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

• Start by pouring 50 ml of advocaat into your chilled glass.
• Add 25 ml of fresh lime juice to the glass. This citrusy addition will cut through the richness of the advocaat, balancing the flavours perfectly.

3. Add Lemonade: Slowly pour 150 ml of carbonated lemonade into the glass. The fizz from the lemonade elevates the smooth texture of the advocaat, creating that classic Snowball effervescence.

4. Stir Gently:  Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture. Avoid being too vigorous as you don’t want to lose the fizz from the lemonade.

5. Garnish: For a festive touch, garnish your Snowball cocktail with a maraschino cherry or a twist of lime peel.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Your classic Snowball cocktail is ready to drink! Savour the creamy, zesty flavours with each delightful sip.

Tips for the Perfect Snowball Cocktail

• Chill Your Ingredients:  To keep your Snowball perfectly refreshing, ensure your lemonade is well chilled before mixing.
• Experiment with Flavours: For a twist, try adding a splash of cream soda or using flavoured lemonades to create unique variations.
• Advocaat Alternatives:  If you have trouble finding advocaat, you can try making your own or look for eggnog liqueurs as a substitute.

The Snowball cocktail is an evergreen favourite that brings together the richness of advocaat with the invigorating fizz of lemonade and a dash of tangy lime. It’s simple to make, yet delightfully complex in flavour—making it an ideal addition to your holiday drink repertoire. Cheers to joyous gatherings and a cozy holiday season!