Meet the Snowball Fizz, my sparkling spin on the British Christmas favorite, the Classic Snowball, with creamy Warninks Advocaat, a little vanilla syrup, and Prosecco in a sugar-frosted coupe. It takes five minutes and three ingredients, and it looks gorgeous the moment you pour it.
Where was the Snowball Cocktail born
According to Difford’s Guide, the Snowball was thought to hail from Britain and been popular in the 1940’s and 50’s, reaching its apex of popularity in the 1970’s! Somehow that does not surprise me as it does seem a very 1970’s cocktail.
What Is a Snowball Fizz?
It is a Snowball with bubbles, and I adore it! Where the Classic Snowball pairs Advocaat with lemonade and lime, the Fizz pours Warninks Advocaat into a coupe, sweetens it gently with vanilla syrup, and tops it with Prosecco. The result is silky, golden, and lightly sparkling, with a custard richness that the bubbles keep bright.
What is Advocaat
Advocaat is a Dutch egg liqueur made from egg yolks, sugar, and brandy, and it is thick, golden, and wonderfully custardy, with a warm vanilla sweetness. It sits somewhere between eggnog and custard, only silkier, and in Britain it is practically a Christmas tradition.
Its origin story is delightfully hazy. One theory says Dutch colonists in Brazil missed a creamy avocado drink and swapped in egg yolks instead. Another points to the name itself, since advocaat is also the Dutch word for lawyer, and the drink was once known as advocatenborrel, or lawyer’s drink. I love that both stories are so charming.
I use Warninks Advocaat here, but other Dutch and Belgian makers, including Bols, DeKuyper, and Verpoorten, produce advocaat too, so use what you can find.
What You Need for the Snowball Fizz
Just three ingredients: Warninks Advocaat, vanilla syrup, and Prosecco. A brut Prosecco is a lovely choice, since its dryness balances the sweetness of the Advocaat and the vanilla. If you would like to know more about the bubbly, my guide to Asolo Prosecco is a great place to start.
You will also want a jigger, a barspoon, and a coupe for serving. If you are building your glassware collection, my guide to choosing glassware for your home bar will help. A rim of icing sugar and a twist of lemon add the snowy finishing touch.
Snowball Variations to Try
Once you fall for the Fizz, there is a whole family of Snowballs waiting for you:
- Classic Snowball: Advocaat, lime, and lemonade, the original crowd-pleaser
- Posh Snowball: fresh lemon and cloudy lemonade for a brighter sip
- Custard Dream Snowball: cream sherry and lemonade for extra richness
- Italian Snowball: hot coffee, cream soda, and vanilla ice cream
Looking for more festive drinks? Browse my Christmas cocktail favorites.
Snowball Fizz FAQ
Are Advocaat and eggnog the same?
Not quite, though they are close in spirit. Advocaat is a thick Dutch liqueur made from egg yolks, sugar, and brandy, while eggnog is usually a milk or cream based drink spiked with spirits and dusted with nutmeg. Advocaat is richer and more custard-like, which is exactly why it is so lovely with something sparkling.
Is the Snowball Fizz alcoholic?
Yes. Advocaat typically sits between 14 and 20 percent ABV and Prosecco is usually around 11 to 12 percent, so this is on the lighter side for a cocktail. A non-alcoholic sparkling wine would still leave the Advocaat in the glass, so it would not make the drink alcohol free.
Can I use something other than Prosecco?
Any dry sparkling wine should work, including Cava or Champagne. For a retro twist, some Snowball fans swap in Babycham.
Can I use a different brand of Advocaat?
Yes. I use Warninks, but Bols, DeKuyper, Verpoorten, and others are out there too. Each has its own texture and sweetness, so you may want to adjust the vanilla syrup to taste.
Does the Snowball Fizz need ice?
No. It is served up in a coupe, so chill your Prosecco and your glass beforehand and it will stay perfectly cold.
Why Lush Life Loves It
It is everything I love about a festive drink in one frosted coupe! The Advocaat brings velvety, vanilla-scented richness, and the Prosecco lifts it into something light and sparkling, so every sip is creamy and bright at the same time. It takes five minutes, needs no shaker, and looks like you spent all week planning it. Serve it to friends the moment they walk in the door, or pour one for yourself while you wrap presents, and you will be smiling by the first sip.
Here is the recipe!
Snowball Fizz
Equipment
Ingredients
- 50 ml Warninks Advocaat
- 20 ml Vanilla Syrup
- 80 ml Prosecco
Instructions
- Run a fresh lemon wedge around the side of a large cut coupe and dip glass in a plate of icing sugar to create a dusted, snowy effect.
- Pour Warninks into the glass and top with vanilla syrup and prosecco.
- Slice a piece of lemon rind, trim with scissors, twist and garnish.