Snowball cocktail recipe

If you’re clutching anything while wearing your ugly Christmas jumper these holidays, let it be a Snowball. We’re not talking about the frosty ball of ice (we’re in Australia, after all), but this festive flute. It’s creamy, zesty and involves the celebratory pop of bubbles that gets everybody cheering.

Just like the aforementioned Bridget Jones-esque jumper, this cocktail is another British classic. Said to be invented in the 1940s, an era splashed with brandy, early versions had a dash. Traditionally a shaken combination of advocaat, lime juice and lemonade, the brandy not only brought ‘Christmas pud’ flair but also evened out any excess sweetness. But as the drink shimmied into the 1970s, the balancing brandy was left behind in favour of a touch more sweetness, almost becoming a pudding (that’s British for ‘dessert’) of its own.

If you cocked your head at the word ‘advocaat’, that’s understandable. This creamy liqueur is not the most commonplace drink, but at Christmas, it shines. Also known as ‘Dutch eggnog’, the velvety and custard-like liqueur is made from eggs, sugar and a neutral spirit (traditionally brandy).

For the final festive touch, we’re trading the lemonade here for Champagne (or sparkling – both work) and adding dry fino sherry for a smooth and indulgent glass of Christmas class. Ceremoniously pop the bubbles and toast to the summer season, ugly jumper (or silly swimsuit) and all.

If you can use advocaat, do – the subtle lick of brandy in the Dutch liqueur makes all the difference. But if you’re after a substitute, try Irish cream liqueur (it’s runnier, but holds the same creamy quality) or even, quite simply, eggnog with a splash of brandy itself.

Named for the white frothy cloud that sits on top of the drink, you’ll find the best way to achieve this ‘snowball’ is to shake well – like really well. Further fluffed with the effervescence of Champagne, you can also use your preferred sparkling. Just make sure it’s on the drier side to avoid any unbalancing sweetness.

The grating of nutmeg to garnish will add a nutty and toasty finish, classic to many eggnog-flavoured drinks. But don’t let this stop you from layering on more traditional Christmas touches. Try a shake of cinnamon, a maraschino cherry or even a twirl of lime rind to capture all those classic Christmas colours.

Keen to carry on the festive spirit? Try the Eggnog cocktail, Pavlova Spritz and Christmas Whiskey Flip.