What says Christmas to you? #NowItsXmas

We all have Christmas traditions don’t we?  The ones which are guaranteed to get us in the festive mood. Whether it be Christmas carols as you decorate the tree, wrapping the presents on Christmas eve in a panic, or toasting chestnuts on an open fire – which happens to be one of our family favourites.

One such tradition in our home, is to have some friends around to share some good food, and a few drinks together. What is the Christmas cocktail that no Christmas party would be complete without? The retro and absolutely delicious Snowball made with Warnicks Advocaat! Certain to bring a smile to everyone, and screams Christmas like no other cocktail I know!

There are many variations of this absolute classic, and I wanted to share a couple with you today, along with my top tips for a the perfect holiday drinks party.

First up, the classic Winter Snowball :

Take 50ml of Warninks Advocaat.  This brass little measure always reminds me of Christmas as it’s what we always use to measure cocktails out for parties.

Transfer the Advocaat to a glass jar, and add a little ice.  You could use a cocktail shaker for this, but I use a small jam jar, as I find there is less waste.

Add 25 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice.

Mix together, or put the lid on the jar and give it a shake.  Add to a martini glass and top up with ice-cold lemonade.

How you decorate the snowball is up to you, and can really change the way it looks and feels with the garnish you go for. Here’s how the Winter Snowball looks.

Cinnamon bark and/or star anise.

Try making the drink longer with more lemonade and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  If you have a really sweet tooth, how about garnishing with a gingersnap and some toasted mini marshallow. We are having friends around this weekend, and we plan on testing out all three, to see which comes up tops!

I think a snowball, though is creamy, is refreshing and has a little sharpness too.

My top tips for the perfect Christmas cocktail party.

1. Add a little of the festive spirit to the home, with a few decorations. Do you have enough seating glasses and plates?
2. Make sure you have lots of ice.  If you are wanting to serve Snowballs, you also freeze wedges of lime in the ice, perfect and a simple but effective garnish.
3. Keep it intimate.  Don’t be tempted to keep inviting people who you see.
4. A week before the party, see what you have and make a list of all the things you need.
5. If you want to keep it really simple with the food, one option would be a really, REALLY good cheese board. Go to you local cheese shop and ask for advice based on how many people are attending.  Making sure you have grapes, crackers, chutney, quince jelly and bread.
6. Lighting and music – one of the most important parts of a party id the atmosphere and ambience. I would delegate these tasks, as my husband is way better and both of these aspects of party prep.
7. As well as the cocktails make sure you have soft drinks and good coffee available too.

Christmas really wouldn’t be the same without a Snowball!

Warninks Advocaat can be purchased at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, any good convenience stores.

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