This Christmas snow globe cocktail has gone a bit viral, and for good reason! It’s such a fun and festive drink for the holiday season! I also love how completely customizable it is, since the base drink works with a ton of different cocktail options to suit every preference!
What is a Snow Globe Cocktail?
A snow globe cocktail is a visually stunning holiday drink designed to resemble a decorative snow globe.
A frozen ice block containing cranberries and rosemary forms the backdrop of the drink. Once it’s frozen solid, you simply add your favorite clearly bubbly drink to the top – gin and tonic or vodka soda are the two most common choices.
The result is a festive drink that’s sure to impress your guests at this year’s holiday party. You can even customize it with glitter or other fun finishes to take it to the next level!
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Ingredients Needed
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (about 8 per glass)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary per glass
- Water (amount depends on glass size)
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 3 ½ ounces cranberry sparkling water (adjust based on glass size)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use any clear spirit such as vodka, tequila or white rum instead of gin
- Any bubbly clear mixer works instead of sparkling water (or you can use different flavors too), like tonic water, club soda, Sprite, or even champagne or prosecco. You can add a little simple syrup or honey for sweetness, if desired
- Just omit the alcohol for a kid-friendly mocktail version!
- For a sparkly, festive twist, add ⅛ tsp of edible glitter (white, silver, or gold are good choices) either to the ice or to the cocktail itself
Glassware For Snow Globe Cocktails
You’ll have to freeze the base in the glasses, so make sure you choose a freezer-safe glass. If not, you risk cracking the glasses!
Usually, this means tempered glass, or a glass-like plastic substitute is going to be the way to go, but make sure to check manufacturer recommendations to be certain.
I like the Tritan stemless wine glasses since they look like glass, but you can use anything similar! The rounded base helps sell the “snow globe” feel, but any type of lowball glass you like is fine.
How to Make a Snow Globe Cocktail
- To the bottom of the glass, add a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries. Fill the glass with water until it’s about ½” to ¾” deep
- Add a rosemary sprig standing upright to the center of the glass, top side down (trim the stem so it fits in the glass). Try to push it down a little so it spreads the needles into a more tree-like look. It may sit on its own, but you can use a string to secure it if needed
- Place the glasses into the freezer and allow to freeze until solid. This depends on your freezer and the size of your glasses, but usually an hour is sufficient
- Add your liquor (if using), then top with the sparkling water (or similar)
- Enjoy immediately!
What to Serve With a Snow Globe Cocktail
The snow globe cocktail pairs well with foods that complement its festive look and bubbly finish. I love holiday finger foods and desserts in particular, but here are some of my favorite pairing options!
Appetizers
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Include creamy cheeses (like brie or goat), dried fruits, and candied nuts. My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect bite-sized option!
- Smoked Salmon Canapés: Light and savory bites with dill or cream cheese echo the cocktail’s elegance
- Mini Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast!
Main Dishes
- Honey-Glazed Turkey or Ham: The sweetness in the glaze pairs beautifully with the bubbly, fruity cocktail
- Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken: Subtle flavors that won’t overpower the drink
- Seafood Risotto: Creamy textures with a hint of lemon or herbs complement the cocktail’s rosemary notes!
Desserts
- Sugar Cookies or Gingerbread: Decorated with glittering or snowy looking icing to mirror the cocktail’s look!
- Lemon Bars: Tart and zesty, they pair perfectly with the bubbly drink (especially if you use champagne or a lemon-flavored sparkling water)
- Snowflake Cupcakes: Light, frosted cupcakes add a thematic touch to the presentation!
Recipe FAQs
If I Don’t Like Gin, Can I Make a Vodka Soda Instead?
Absolutely! You can easily swap gin for vodka to make a vodka-based snow globe cocktail. Combine vodka with soda water or tonic, and adjust the flavors with a splash of white cranberry juice, lime, or other mixers to match the festive theme.
The vodka offers a neutral base, letting the drink’s decorative elements shine without the distinct herbal notes of gin.
Does the Snow Globe Cocktail Taste Like Rosemary?
The cocktail will have a subtle rosemary flavor from its infusion in the drink. However, the herb is primarily there for decoration and aroma, so its influence on the overall taste is minimal.
If you’re not a fan of rosemary, you could use a food-safe plastic alternative (just make sure not to drink it, and remove it from the glass as soon as it frees from the ice).
Does the Glass Break in the Freezer?
Glassware designed for freezing, such as thick or tempered glasses, is unlikely to break in the freezer. However, thin or delicate glasses might crack due to sudden temperature changes.
To avoid this, use sturdy, freezer-safe glassware and ensure the glass cools gradually when removed from the freezer.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Drink?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic snow globe drink, just omit the alcohol and use a little extra sparkling water or soda.
You can also add cranberry juice or a splash of grenadine for festive color, and use the same garnishes to keep the visual appeal intact. This mocktail version is perfect for kids or guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
Tips For the Best Snow Globe Cocktail
- Chill your sparkling water (or whatever you’re using) in advance so that the drink warms more slowly (and you risk shocking your glass less temperature wise)
- I find that it takes about 20 minutes for the ice to start detaching cranberries and floating, so make sure to enjoy your drink quickly!
Serving Tips
- Any lowball glass works well for this. I use stemless wine glasses, and I think anything with a “bowl” shape is perfect for a snow globe!
- I used cooking twine to tie down my rosemary in place. Sometimes it sits on its own, sometimes it doesn’t, so I personally find this easier (but do what works for you)!
- Since there is carbonation in the drink you cannot really make it in advance. However, feel free to freeze your glasses in advance, and when ready to serve, adding the bubbly and liquor takes less than a minute!
- Mistletoe Mimosa
Final Thoughts
This snow globe cocktail is such a fun and festive cocktail for the holidays! With cranberries and a sprig of rosemary made to look like a Christmas tree, it will impress your guests for all your holiday entertaining.
Plus, the actual drink is highly customizable – try a vodka soda, classic gin and tonic, or just a sparkling water or soda like Sprite or ginger ale for the kids!
The bubbles from the carbonated seltzer really add to the fun snow globe effect! It’s like a winter wonderland in your glass, and the perfect sip for your next Christmas party.
Snow Globe Cocktail (With Gin)
Equipment
- Stemless wine glass (or similar)
- Cooking twine (optional; for tying rosemary)
Ingredients
- 8 cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or more as desired)
- Water (amount depends on glass size)
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 3 ½ ounces cranberry sparkling water (adjust based on glass size)
Instructions
- To the bottom of the glass, add a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries. Fill the glass with water until it’s about ½” to ¾” deep8 cranberries, Water
- Add a rosemary sprig standing upright to the center of the glass, top side down (trim the stem so it fits in the glass). Try to push it down a little so it spreads the needles into a more tree-like look. It may sit on its own, but you can use a string to secure it if needed1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Place the glasses into the freezer and allow to freeze until solid. This depends on your freezer and the size of your glasses, but usually an hour is sufficient
- Add your liquor (if using), then top with the sparkling water (or similar)1 ½ ounces gin, 3 ½ ounces cranberry sparkling water
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- You can use any clear spirit such as vodka, tequila or white rum instead of gin
- Any bubbly clear mixer works instead of sparkling water (or you can use different flavors too). Try tonic water, club soda, Sprite, or even champagne or prosecco! You can add a little simple syrup or honey for sweetness, if desired
- Just omit the alcohol for a kid-friendly mocktail version!
- For a sparkly, festive twist, add ⅛ tsp of edible glitter (white, silver, or gold are good choices) either to the ice or to the cocktail itself
- Chill your sparkling water (or whatever you’re using) in advance so that the drink warms more slowly (and you risk shocking your glass less temperature wise)
- I find that it takes about 20 minutes for the ice to start detaching cranberries and floating, so make sure to enjoy your drink quickly!
- Exact nutritional values will vary widely based on brand, flavor, and variety of ingredients, any extra decorations added, size of glasses, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
