Ordinary Drink
Snowball
The Snowball is a refreshing and frothy cocktail that combines the creamy flavors of advocaat, a Dutch egg liqueur, with lemonade and a splash of lime juice. Often garnished with a maraschino cherry or a slice of lemon, this drink is perfect for festive occasions, evoking a sense of winter cheer with its light, sweet taste. Its pale yellow color and bubbly texture make it a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
- creamy
- citrusy
- sweet
- refreshing
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
The Snowball is a ordinary drink, celebrated for its creamy and citrusy character — a consistently top-searched holiday parties. Whether you're after a reliable holiday gatherings option or simply want to master a classic, this 5-minute recipe is straightforward enough for home bars yet refined enough to impress. Perfect if you've been searching for the best winter gatherings.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1 1/2 ozAdvocaat
- 8-10 oz coldLemonade
- 1 sliceLemon
- cubesIce
Method
Preparation
- 01
Place one ice cube in the glass and add 1 1/2 oz of Advocaat. Fill up the glass with lemonade and decorate with a slice of lemon. Serve at once.
Origin
History & Origins
The Snowball is a classic British aperitif and festive cocktail combining advocaat (Dutch egg liqueur) with lemonade or ginger ale, traditionally popular during Christmas season. This creamy, sweet drink represents nostalgic British holiday traditions and the celebration of indulgent, comfort-focused beverages. The Snowball exemplifies how regional liqueurs become symbolic of cultural celebrations and seasonal traditions.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Quality advocaat is essential—Dutch brands are preferred for authenticity
From Willow
use chilled lemonade or ginger ale for proper carbonation
pour carefully to avoid excessive foam
serve in a small glass or coupe
garnish with a maraschino cherry for traditional festive presentation
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Advocaat Fizz
Uses champagne instead of lemonade for elegant, celebratory variation
Tropical Snowball
incorporates tropical fruit juices and coconut cream for island interpretation
Spiced Snowball
adds warming spices and vanilla extract
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Snowball has a flavor profile that is creamy, citrusy, sweet, refreshing. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Snowball is ideal for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, festive brunches. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Snowball. If you cannot source Advocaat, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Snowball variations include Advocaat Fizz, Tropical Snowball, Spiced Snowball. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Snowball is traditionally served in a Highball glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Highball glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Snowball is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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