Ingredients
- 1 Part(s) Advocaat Liqueur
- 2 Part(s) Lemonade
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Take the glass and rub the edge on a lemon. then dip the rim in sugar. Drop the ice cubes into the glass. pour a 1/3 liqueur and fill it up with Sprite. Stir.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This festive, frothy drink became a staple in the United Kingdom, particularly popular from the 1960s onwards. Its peak popularity often coincided with the Christmas season, making it a nostalgic holiday treat for many.
At its core, the Snowball is a simple two-ingredient highball with a unique base. It stands apart from traditional spirit-and-soda drinks due to the creamy, eggy Advocaat, which provides both body and a distinctive flavor profile. It's a low ABV option, a bit like a gentle, creamy fizz.
You'd typically find a Snowball served at a casual holiday gathering or a relaxed pub. It's the kind of drink you make for friends who appreciate a bit of retro kitsch, or when you're after something sweet and bubbly that won't knock you off your feet too quickly.
What it tastes like
The Snowball offers a unique flavor experience, starting with the rich, custardy sweetness of Advocaat. This is immediately brightened by the sharp tang of fresh lime juice and the effervescent zest of lemonade. It's like a fizzy lemon meringue pie in a glass, with a distinct eggy warmth.
Given the primary ingredient, Advocaat, typically around 15-20% ABV, and the significant dilution with lemonade, a Snowball is a relatively low alcohol drink. Expect it to be lighter than a standard glass of wine, probably closer to a session beer in terms of alcohol content per serving.
The technique
Building a Snowball is straightforward. Start by chilling your highball or Collins glass. Pour in the Advocaat, then add the fresh lime juice. Top it up gently with cold lemonade. A quick, light stir is all it needs to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz.
The key technique here is to ensure all your ingredients, especially the lemonade, are well chilled. This keeps the drink colder longer and prevents excessive dilution from ice, preserving the creamy texture and effervescence.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Advocaat
- Use
- Bols Advocaat or De Kuyper Advocaat are solid choices. Look for a brand with a good balance of richness and sweetness.
- Skip
- Don't try to substitute with eggnog or a standard cream liqueur. Advocaat has a unique eggy, custardy profile that is essential to the Snowball.
- Why
- Advocaat is the load-bearing ingredient, providing the drink's signature creamy texture, eggy flavor, and the distinctive pale yellow hue. Without it, it's not a Snowball.
Lemonade
- Use
- A good quality sparkling lemonade like Fentimans Victorian Lemonade or San Pellegrino Limonata works wonders. Lemon-lime sodas like 7Up or Sprite are also acceptable and common.
- Skip
- Flat store-brand lemonade or plain soda water will disappoint. You need the fizz and the bright lemon flavor to balance the Advocaat.
- Why
- The lemonade provides the essential effervescence and a crucial part of the citrus balance, cutting through the richness of the Advocaat and making the drink refreshing.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Dirty Snowball
- A little extra kick
- Add 1 ounce of neutral vodka to the Advocaat before topping with lemonade for a slightly boozier version.
Ginger Snowball
- Spicy and warm
- Swap the lemonade for ginger ale or ginger beer for a warmer, spicier take on the classic. Adjust lime to taste.
Winter Snowball
- Holiday spice
- A dash of freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick garnish can enhance its festive appeal and add a subtle layer of spice.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can try a mix of eggnog and a neutral spirit like vodka, but it won't have the same distinct eggy character. It's hard to truly substitute.
Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, though the fresh stuff is always better for a brighter flavor.
Use a lemon-lime soda like 7Up or Sprite for similar fizz and citrus notes. Avoid plain club soda.
Any tall drinking glass will do the job just fine. A pint glass or even a large tumbler works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Snowball?
A Snowball typically contains Advocaat, fresh lime juice, and is topped with lemonade.
Is a Snowball a Christmas drink?
Yes, it gained significant popularity in the UK as a festive drink, especially around Christmas. It's a nostalgic holiday staple for many.
What does Advocaat taste like?
Advocaat is a rich, creamy, and sweet liqueur with a distinct eggy, custardy flavor, often compared to a boozy eggnog or a liquid crème brûlée.
Is a Snowball alcoholic?
Yes, Advocaat is an alcoholic liqueur, so the Snowball is an alcoholic cocktail. Its ABV is relatively low compared to spirit-forward drinks.
Can I make a Snowball without Advocaat?
Not really, Advocaat is the defining ingredient. Without it, the drink loses its unique creamy texture and eggy flavor profile, and it's no longer a Snowball.
What kind of lemonade should I use?
A good quality sparkling lemonade or a lemon-lime soda will give the best results. The fizz and tartness are important for balance.
Is it served hot or cold?
The Snowball is always served cold, over ice. The chilled ingredients and effervescence are key to its refreshing character.
Why is it called a Snowball?
The name likely refers to its pale, frothy appearance when mixed, reminiscent of a snowdrift or a packed snowball, especially with its creamy, white-ish head.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
