What’s in a Snowball? The Surprising Story Behind This Creamy Classic
If you’ve ever sipped a Snowball during the holidays—or seen it served with a kitschy cherry on top and felt mildly intrigued—you’re not alone. This retro British cocktail has been puzzling and delighting drinkers for decades. With its soft yellow hue, frothy head, and unexpected combination of creamy and citrus notes, the Snowball is a drink you don’t forget. Especially right after that first sip, when you realize—it’s actually kind of brilliant.
Let’s break it down: what makes a Snowball tick, where it came from, and how to avoid turning it into an overly sweet, eggy mess. Trust me, after years behind the bar, I’ve seen this drink done beautifully… and butchered. Let’s make sure yours hits all the right notes.
What You Need: The Classic Snowball Ingredients
At its core, the Snowball is incredibly simple. It all starts with one often-overlooked bottle lurking on the middle shelf of any decent liquor store: Advocaat.
Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional Snowball:
- 2 oz Advocaat
- 3 oz lemonade (carbonated – think British-style lemon soda, not still lemonade)
- Splash of fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Optional: Maraschino cherry or lime slice for garnish
That’s it. Just three basic components plus a garnish, but when they come together, the result is more than the sum of its parts. And if you’ve never had Advocaat before, let’s talk about it—because that’s the one ingredient that makes this drink what it is.
Getting to Know Advocaat: Europe’s Eggnog on Steroids
Advocaat is a Dutch liqueur made from eggs, sugar, and brandy. Yeah, it sounds dense—and it kind of is. It’s got the richness of eggnog but the kick of something stronger, wrapped in a silky texture that’s surprisingly easy to sip if mixed properly. The flavor is sweet, creamy, and custard-like, with subtle notes of vanilla and just a touch of booziness.
It dates back to the 17th century and was originally inspired by an indigenous Amazonian drink made from avocados—hence the name « Advocaat » (from “abacate,” the Portuguese word for avocado). When Dutch colonists couldn’t find avocados back home, they subbed in eggs and never looked back.
These days, Advocaat is a staple in some European homes, especially during the winter. In Britain, it took off in the ’60s and ’70s, especially during Christmas time, when vintage drink culture hit its peak. Enter: the Snowball.
Building the Perfect Snowball
Despite its creamy base, the Snowball isn’t heavy. The secret? Balance. That splash of tangy lime juice cuts through the richness of the Advocaat, while the fizz from the lemonade keeps things bright and refreshing.
Here’s my go-to method, bar-tested and Jack-approved:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in 2 oz of Advocaat.
- Add about half an ounce of fresh lime juice—just enough to brighten things up.
- Top with 3 oz of sparkling lemonade. Stir gently—don’t shake, this one’s best built in-glass to maintain that nice frothy top.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lime wheel if you’re feeling festive.
When done right, it looks a bit like a mini glass of lemon custard topped with foam. In other words: holiday cheer in liquid form.
Why the Snowball Fell Out of Favor—And Why It Deserves a Comeback
In the 1980s and ’90s, the Snowball went from trendy to tacky almost overnight. Blame changing tastes, or the rise of low-quality bottled mixers that turned a once-fun drink into sugary mush. Add to that a general fear of « eggy » liqueurs outside of winter cocktail nerd circles, and it’s no wonder the Snowball became the punchline of Christmas party jokes.
But here’s the thing: when prepared with care, the Snowball is a sleeper hit. The Advocaat lends creaminess without heaviness, and the carbonation makes it dance on the tongue. It’s nostalgic. It’s out of left field. And it’s totally unique in a world of same-old sours and highballs.
If you’re entertaining during the colder seasons and want to serve something that surprises people—in a good way—this is your play. It’s approachable for those who fear strong cocktails, yet interesting enough for seasoned palates.
Tips for Modernizing the Snowball
I’m all for tradition, but let’s not get stuck there. Want to give your Snowball a fresh spin? Here are some simple upgrades I’ve used to help this classic land with a 2020s crowd.
- Upgrade the mixer: Use a high-quality lemon soda like San Pellegrino Limonata or Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon rather than sugary supermarket brands.
- Zen it out with herbs: Add a sprig of rosemary or fresh thyme as garnish to give it a modern feel—and a nose-pleasing aromatic kick before that first sip.
- Add a float: Float half an ounce of dark rum or ginger liqueur on top for a bolder finish. It deepens the flavor without overpowering the base.
- Serve in something fancy: Try a coupe glass instead of a highball, especially if you’re doing a small-batch version before dinner.
A Few Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)
Let’s be real: this drink can go sideways fast if you’re not careful. Here’s what not to do:
- Using flat lemonade: Without bubbles, the drink loses its balance. That fizz lightens the texture and keeps it crisp. No sparkle? No joy.
- Skipping the lime: I know it seems optional, but don’t pass. That hint of citrus acid is crucial to cutting through the heaviness of Advocaat.
- Shaking it all together: Don’t even think about it. Shaking will mess with the texture and create an unappealing eggy foam. Build directly over ice and give it a gentle stir.
Trust me, I’ve made all those mistakes—and watched others do the same during countless rushed holiday services. Learn from those missteps, and your Snowball will shine every time.
When to Serve a Snowball (And What to Serve It With)
The Snowball practically screams “winter gathering.” It’s light enough to serve before dinner, but rich enough to feel indulgent. It plays well at holiday parties, family get-togethers, or even as a cheeky lunch cocktail during the colder months.
Food-wise, pair it with savory bites to contrast the sweetness. Think deviled eggs, smoked salmon toast, or savory cheesy shortbreads. Keep the flavors earthy or salty and the combo hits all the right notes.
A Toast to the Unexpected
The Snowball is the cocktail equivalent of finding your grandma’s vintage sweater and realizing… it actually looks incredible. It’s quirky, a little forgotten, and full of personality. But with the right approach, it becomes the center of attention—in the best way possible.
So next time you want to shake up (well, stir up) your seasonal drinks list, grab a bottle of Advocaat. Make yourself a Snowball. And appreciate it for what it is: a deliciously oddball relic that still knows how to party.
Cheers,
Jack