The Snowball is a short, sweet classic for cold days: Advocaat and white Rum combine with sparkling lemonade to create a foamy, almost dessert-like texture. Originally a British pub drink, it also works as a quick after-dinner cocktail. The mix of vanilla, egg, and citrus makes it unusually smooth – without needing to be shaken. Simple to build, but with finesse.
Here’s what you need for the Snowball cocktail
45 ml Advocaat
15 ml white Rum
120 ml lemonade (cold, sparkling)
Ice cubes (large, clear frozen)
Garnish: Lemon slice (thin, with peel)
What matters
The trick lies in the ice: use *large* cubes (at least 3 cm edge length), which you rinse under cold water for 10 seconds beforehand. This washes out air bubbles from the surface and prevents the ice from melting too quickly. This keeps the drink creamier for longer and prevents it from becoming watery. If you can’t find Advocaat with vanilla notes, add a pinch of vanilla sugar directly into the glass – this enhances the sweetness without adding extra alcohol.
Variations
- Snowball Flip — For a silkier version: shake 45 ml Advocaat, 15 ml white Rum, and 30 ml orange juice in a shaker with ice, then pour in 60 ml lemonade. The egg in the Advocaat binds the liquids into an almost mousse-like consistency. Garnish: grated nutmeg.
- Spiced Snowball — Replace the 15 ml white Rum with 15 ml *spiced Rum* (e.g., flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or cloves). Enrich the lemonade with 1 cl cinnamon sugar syrup. Garnish: briefly flame a cinnamon stick over the drink until it releases its aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the Advocaat with something else?
Theoretically yes, but the drink relies on the creamy texture of Advocaat. If necessary, use 30 ml vanilla syrup + 15 ml cream – this comes close in flavor, but the consistency will be thinner. Alternatively: 45 ml advocaat (Dutch Advocaat) for a higher alcohol content.
Why does my Snowball taste flat?
Two reasons: Either the lemonade wasn’t ice-cold (room temperature kills the carbonation) or you stirred too early. The lemonade *must* be added as the last ingredient slowly into the glass so that the bubbles remain. Also try different lemonade brands – some have more fizz than others.
Can the drink be made without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the Rum with 15 ml alcohol-free rum-flavored syrup (available in stores) and the Advocaat with 45 ml *alcohol-free Advocaat* (e.g., based on egg yolk and vanilla). The lemonade remains the same. The flavor will be milder, but the texture remains creamy.
