Snow Globe Cocktail

The viral snow globe cocktail trend is back just in time for the holidays. This fun presentation features a pine-tree-like rosemary sprig and whole cranberries frozen in water inside a cocktail glass. Once frozen, you simply top with Prosecco or sparkling wine, and voilà—you’ve made an easy and festive cocktail!

Snow Globe Cocktail Ingredients

• Whole cranberries: Whole cranberries add a pop of color to the ice. Pomegranate arils would be another colorful option.
• Fresh rosemary: A sprig of fresh rosemary looks like a pine tree when frozen into the center of the ice at the bottom of the glass.
• Sparkling wine: Prosecco or another sparkling wine tops off this snow globe cocktail recipe with a little fizz. For a nonalcoholic alternative, you can use sparkling water.

Directions

Step 1: Add the cranberries

Add whole cranberries to the bottom of a freezer-safe cocktail glass or stemless wine glass.

Step 2: Add the rosemary sprig

Trim the rosemary sprig to fit inside the glass (make sure it’s not taller than the top of the glass), and place the sprig standing upright in the middle.

Step 3: Add the water

Pour water into the glass, filling it about 1/4 to 1/3 full.

Editor’s Tip: For extra-clear ice cubes, use distilled or filtered water and boil it twice, allowing it to cool between boils.

Step 4: Put it in the freezer

Set the glass on a flat plate and place it in the freezer for at least 45 minutes, until the water is frozen.

Editor’s Tip: It may take longer than 45 minutes to freeze the water, depending on your appliance!

Step 5: Top with the sparkling wine

Remove the glass from the freezer, and top with sparkling wine or water. Serve immediately.

Snow Globe Cocktail Variations

• Make it a true cocktail: A snow globe cocktail glass makes a stunning presentation for any beverage that features clear liquids, but if you want a true cocktail instead of sparkling wine or hard seltzer, a gin and tonic, vodka soda, Tom Collins or your favorite riff on a Moscow mule would all be tasty options.
• Try a spritz: For a little extra flavor, combine the Prosecco with an aperitivo (which is a drink consumed before dinner to stimulate the appetite) to make a spritz. The citrus and floral flavors of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto are a perfect combination with the rosemary in these snow globes. To make an Italicus spritz, simply combine two parts Prosecco with one part Italicus.
• Add a mocktail: A snow globe cocktail glass is also just as fun without alcohol. To keep it simple, top it with club soda or flavored sparkling water. Or, try it with a refreshing mocktail recipe or one of our top picks for nonalcoholic spirits.
• Use an ice mold: If you don’t have freezer-safe glasses, you could easily make snow globe ice cubes using a large-cube silicone ice mold.

How to Store a Snow Globe Cocktail

You can prep the snow globe cocktail glasses up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the freezer until ready to use.

Snow Globe Cocktail Tips

What’s the best type of glass to use for a snow globe cocktail recipe?

Be sure to use something made of tempered glass or something that is specifically labeled freezer-safe. This will prevent the glass from cracking in the freezer as the water freezes. Stemless wine glasses have a shape ideal for making a snow globe cocktail recipe.

What if the rosemary sprig doesn’t stay in place?

If you’re having trouble getting the rosemary to stay in place in the center of the glass, simply tie a string around the top of the rosemary, pull the string taut in both directions and secure both ends of the string to the outside of the glass with a little tape. Once the sprig is frozen, remove the string and tape.

What can you serve with snow globe cocktails?

Snow globe cocktails are perfect to serve alongside your favorite holiday party food. Think a Christmas tree charcuterie board, a snowman cheese board or some mingle-friendly holiday appetizers.