Almond Snowball Cocktail Recipe

I really enjoy whipping up holiday cocktails that are fun, tasty, and honestly, not a pain to mix at home. The Almond Snowball Cocktail is just the right kind of creamy and sweet, with a gentle almond vibe—perfect for sharing at parties or, hey, just treating yourself after a long day.

It’s easily one of my go-to winter recipes because it looks festive and, let’s be real, it just fits the mood of the season.

If you’re bored of the usual drinks at gatherings, this one’s a breeze to make and doesn’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. That smooth combo of almond liqueur and a creamy base? It just makes every sip feel a little special.

Let me walk you through how I put this drink together, so you can give it a try too.

Almond Snowball Cocktail Recipe

What I like about the Almond Snowball Cocktail is how it blends sweet, creamy, and a bit of tang. Every part matters—from the tools to the main players like amaretto, cream, vanilla ice cream, and just a splash of lime juice.

If you skip something, you’ll probably notice.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: This is what I use to get everything mixed and chilled.
• Jigger or shot glass: Helps me not overdo the booze (or underdo it, honestly).
• Strainer: Keeps ice and little bits out of my glass when I pour.
• Ice cream scoop: Makes adding ice cream way less messy.
• Tall glass or coupe: I like serving it in something that looks nice—presentation counts.
• Bar spoon: Handy for stirring if I’m feeling precise.

Ingredients

• 50 ml amaretto liqueur (that rich almond thing going on)
• 25 ml advocaat (gives it body and a bit of extra flavor)
• 25 ml single cream (for the creamy part)
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (sweetness and smooth texture—can’t skip this)
• 10 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (adds a pop of tang)
• Ice cubes (because nobody wants a lukewarm cocktail)
• Optional: Whipped cream and grated nutmeg (for a bit of flair, if you’re feeling it)

I always reach for fresh stuff, especially the lime juice and ice cream. The amaretto gives that nutty kick, and the vanilla from the ice cream just ties it all together.

Instructions

• Scoop the vanilla ice cream into your shaker.
• Pour in the amaretto, advocaat, and single cream.
• Add the fresh lime juice.
• Toss in some ice cubes.
• Close up the shaker and give it a good shake—about 30 seconds does the trick.
• Strain everything into a chilled glass.
• If I’m in the mood, I’ll top it with whipped cream and a little grated nutmeg. Looks cute, tastes great.

I always shake it well so it’s blended and super smooth. It’s best to drink this one right away, while it’s still cold and creamy.

Notes

This cocktail turns out rich, creamy, and there’s a bit of tartness from the lime juice. If I’m craving something sweeter, I’ll just add a touch more vanilla ice cream or cream.

When I want it thicker, I’ll swap in crushed ice instead of cubes. No advocaat on hand? Sometimes I use a creamy egg liqueur instead—it’s not the same, but it works in a pinch.

Honestly, it’s at its best if you drink it as soon as you make it. The flavor and texture just hit differently when it’s fresh.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Almond Snowball Cocktail, the first thing that hits me is the smooth, creamy texture. The almond flavor is there, but it’s not overpowering—just kind of weaving through the richness of the milk and liqueur.

There’s a touch of sweetness, but honestly, it’s not cloying at all. Even with all that creaminess, the drink somehow feels pretty light on my tongue.

That subtle nuttiness from the almond liqueur really pops. Sometimes I’ll toss a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top, and it just brings this cozy warmth and a lovely aroma.

The ice chills everything down, making it super refreshing. It’s the kind of drink I want to sip slowly, letting each mouthful hang around for a moment.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main flavors and sensations I pick up:

• Smooth creaminess
• Gentle sweetness
• Soft almond nuttiness
• Chilled and refreshing