How Not to Mess up Snow Globe Cocktails, According to a Recipe Developer
This TikTok trend is undeniably eye-catching, but it’s important to keep food safety and practicality at top of mind.
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The holidays are the perfect occasion (or excuse) to mix up a few festive drinks. Hot toddies, coquito, mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate are classics, but there’s a relative newcomer that deserves a try this year. An adorable snow globe-inspired drink has become popular on TikTok, and it’s easy to put your own spin on it.
This trend, which first appeared in 2022, is more of a presentation than a specific recipe. It’s meant to turn your glass into a snow globe with a mini pine tree inside.
To make it, start by propping up a sprig of rosemary in a clear glass with kitchen twine, then freeze it in a little bit of water so it stands up straight. Then, add fresh cranberries and your clear, fizzy drink of choice for a picture-perfect cocktail or mocktail.
There are lots of variations on this trend online, but no matter which one you prefer, we have four tips for success.
Choose a Sturdy Glass
A popular take on the recipe uses a glass ornament for serving. While this makes for a dramatic presentation, it’s risky.
“Glass ornaments are typically made of thin glass and can be broken easily, and the last thing you would want is glass shards in your beverage!” says Amanda Neal, lead recipe developer of the Food Network test kitchen.
This warning also applies to the glass you’re serving the drink in, since the first step is to freeze ice in the bottom. Make sure to use a freezer-safe glass that won’t crack as the ice expands.
Have Fun With Fruit
The cranberries at the bottom of the glass add to the holiday mood, and they also help anchor the rosemary. But if you want a different flavor profile, swapping out the cranberries for another fruit is an easy way to make the drink your own. Amanda suggests using Luxardo maraschino cherries as an alternative, or lime wedges to pair with a margarita or mojito.
Skip the Glitter
Sorry, folks. Glitter is undeniably fun, but it’s not the best idea to drink it.
“While most edible glitters are labeled as safe to eat, they’re not great to consume in bulk and should be avoided,” Amanda says.
But don’t worry — a bubbly beverage will still give you plenty of snowy sparkle.
Clarity Is Key
To maximize the snow globe effect, opt for a short glass and a clear beverage.
“I would suggest a short glass, such as a rocks glass or stemless wine glass,” Amanda says. “A shorter glass will make the snow globe features more prominent and visible.”
She recommends vodka soda or gin and tonic as easy cocktails that will help your frozen scene shine. Sparkling wine is fitting for a holiday celebration, but its golden color will make the rosemary harder to see. Non-alcoholic seltzers are also popular choices on TikTok if you prefer a mocktail.
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