The Best Cocktail Snow Globes

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5th December 2024

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Have you seen the yearly craze that goes around at this time of year - the Cocktail Snow globe phenomenon. People around the world jump on the trend and try and make the best mini winter Christmas theme in a glass, ready to pour in your favourite drinks in a beautiful winter wonderland scene.

It's especially prevalent on tiktok with the hash tag #Snowglobecocktail, with over 3.1M views alone.

It's a simple concept at it's heart. Upside down sprig of rosemary (usually), freeze in water and you've got yourself a miniature Christmas tree in a frosty landscape. Serve with some transparent fizz and you've got yourself a little moving scene. Gin and tonic works especially well here.

As your experimentations evolve you add some berries, maybe even a mini snowman, and the scenes start to expand and become miniature pieces of art in a glass.

We've gone out and found our favourite examples from the internet for you to see, along with some of our own attempts. It's not as easy as it looks!

Our very own attempt

After about 6 or 7 tries we might add!

Cocktail snow globe
Our beautiful cocktail snow globe

Step-by-Step Tips for Creating the Cocktail Snow Globe

1. Prepare the Glass

  1. Choose the Glass: Select a clear glass (like a tumbler, brandy snifter, or a globe-shaped jar).
  2. Add Decorative Elements:

    • Place fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or small edible flowers at the bottom of the glass. These will look festive once frozen.

    • Sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter for a shimmering effect.

2. Prepare the Rosemary Garnish

  1. Position the Rosemary:

    • Take a fresh rosemary sprig and place it upside down in the center of the glass. Ensure the "bushy" end faces downward to mimic the shape of a tree.

  2. Secure the Rosemary:

    • Use kitchen string or twine to tie the thin end of the rosemary sprig to the rim of the glass.

    • Anchor the string to the edges of the glass by taping it down with clear tape or securing it in a taut knot around the glass.

3. Fill and Freeze

  1. Add Water:

    • Gently pour water into the glass, leaving a small gap from the rim to allow for expansion during freezing. For clarity, use distilled water if available.

  2. Optional Enhancements:

    • Add a few cranberries, edible glitter, or sugar sprinkles into the water for extra flair.

  3. Freeze:

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    • Place the prepared glass in the freezer and leave it until fully frozen (4–6 hours or overnight).


4. Finishing Touches

  1. Remove Supports:

    • Carefully cut and remove the string or tape used to secure the rosemary sprig.

    • If necessary, run warm water over the outside of the glass for a few seconds to loosen the frozen block, making it easier to reposition or serve.

5. Add Gin and Tonic

Our favourite cocktail of choice for a cocktail snow globe.

Optional: Melting Effect

  • Let the snow globe sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the ice to start melting. This creates a dynamic "snowing" effect if glitter or sugar was used.

From around the internet

snow globe
snow globe by makeitmads

https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitmads/video/7291006186525068586?q=%23Snowglobecocktail&t=1733392567811


snow globe
Snow globe by BasicWithBalls

https://www.tiktok.com/@basicswithbails/video/7436979413578796344?q=%23Snowglobecocktail&t=1733392567811


Swow globe
Snow globe by Diana Cabrices

https://x.com/dianacabrices/status/1735812118073528782/photo/1


Snow globe
Snow globe by RetirementUnity

https://x.com/RetirementUnity/status/1739451681937453095


Snow globe
Snow globe by DrRobinJames

https://x.com/djrobinjames/status/1722300683032936711


Snow globe
Snow globe by SplashOfGoodness

https://www.tiktok.com/@splashofgoodness/video/7312523369100971270?q=%23Snowglobecocktail&t=1733392567811

FAQ's

faq icon

What are the key ingredients needed for a cocktail snow globe?

The essential ingredients for creating a cocktail snow globe include a clear glass (like a tumbler or a globe-shaped jar), fresh rosemary sprigs, cranberries or pomegranate seeds, edible glitter, water, and optionally, mini decorative elements such as small edible flowers or a mini snowman. These ingredients come together to create a beautiful, festive scene once the water is frozen around them, mimicking a wintry landscape.

faq icon

How can I prevent the rosemary sprig from floating during the freezing process?

To keep the rosemary sprig in place during freezing, you can use kitchen twine or string to tie the sprig to the rim of the glass. Secure the thin end of the rosemary with the string and anchor the string to the sides of the glass by using clear tape or securing with a knot. This method ensures that the rosemary remains centered and submerged, creating the perfect miniature Christmas tree effect once frozen.

faq icon

What types of drinks work best with a cocktail snow globe?

Transparent and light-colored drinks work best with cocktail snow globes, such as gin and tonic, vodka soda, or sparkling water. The clarity of these beverages allows the artistic elements of the snow globe to be visually prominent while providing a refreshing drink. The effervescence of tonic or soda can enhance the snowing effect if edible glitter or sugar sprinkles have been used in the ice.

faq icon

Are there any alternatives to rosemary for creating the tree effect in a cocktail snow globe?

Yes, you can use other herbs or elements to create the tree-like effect if rosemary isn't available. Fresh thyme sprigs or dill fronds can be good substitutes, as they also have a bushy appearance similar to a tree. Additionally, small edible evergreens, like certain microgreens or small leafy lettuces, can be creatively used to mimic the look of a snow-covered tree within the snow globe.

faq icon

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a cocktail snow globe?

Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version, simply use sparkling water, tonic, or lemon-lime soda as the base of your cocktail snow globe. You can add a splash of fruit juice, such as cranberry or pomegranate, to enhance the flavor while keeping it alcohol-free. This allows everyone, including those who do not consume alcohol, to enjoy the festive aesthetics and refreshing taste of a cocktail snow globe.

Christmas Cocktail Recipe Hub

This post is part of our amazing, Christmas-tastic Christmas Cocktail Hub. Play by play for cocktails on the big day, recipes for all your festivities and more, all in one jubbly Christmas Cocktail Recipe Hub.

Christmas Cocktail Hub

Filed with tags

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Christmas
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Winter
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Cocktail Party
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Date Nights
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Aesthetics
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Snow globe

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Bartender's top tip

Experiment with cocktails for the season. Try ice-cold, citrussy or sparkling cocktails in warmer seasons and spicy, warm or creamy cocktails for the colder months.

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