When winter rolls in with its chilly winds and frosty landscapes, a Snowball Martini is the perfect cocktail to warm your spirit while keeping the festive mood alive!
This tropical, creamy drink is a winter-friendly twist on the classic piña colada, blending the sweet and tangy flavors of Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream into a cocktail that feels indulgent and refreshing all at once.
With its snowy coconut rim and playful garnish, the Snowball Martini is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a standout addition to any holiday gathering.
In this post, you'll find...
What is a Snowball Martini?
The Snowball Martini is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and winter charm.
At its heart, this cocktail combines the creamy richness of coconut with the vibrant sweetness of pineapple and the smooth kick of coconut-flavored rum.
Its presentation, complete with a shredded coconut rim, creates a frosty, festive look that’s perfect for winter celebrations.
This drink offers the best of both worlds: the comforting richness of a creamy cocktail and the escapist pleasure of tropical flavors that transport you to a sunny beach—an ideal escape from the winter chill.
Ingredients for a Snowball Martini
To create this delectable cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz Malibu rum (or any coconut-flavored rum): This adds a sweet, tropical base with hints of coconut.
- 2 oz pineapple juice: Brings a tangy, fruity balance to the creaminess of the drink.
- 1 oz coconut cream: The star ingredient that delivers a luscious, silky texture and rich coconut flavor. Brands like Coco Lopez work well, or you can make your own.
- Shredded coconut: Used for rimming the glass, it enhances the snowy, winter aesthetic.
- Ice: For chilling the drink.
- Optional garnishes: A pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry adds a festive, tropical touch.
How to Make a Snowball Martini
1. Prepare the Glass
Creating the perfect Snowball Martini starts with a beautifully rimmed glass:
- Spread shredded coconut on a small plate.
- Lightly dip the rim of a martini glass into water or coconut cream.
- Press the rim into the shredded coconut, ensuring an even coating. The result is a snowy effect that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.
2. Mix the Ingredients
Combine the Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream in a cocktail shaker. Add a generous handful of ice to chill the drink and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Shake It Up
Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 15–20 seconds. This step not only chills the drink but also integrates the ingredients thoroughly, creating a light, frothy texture.
4. Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass. The drink’s smooth, rich texture should flow beautifully into the glass, with a slight frothy layer on top.
5. Garnish and Enjoy
For an extra tropical flourish, garnish the drink with a pineapple wedge or a bright maraschino cherry on the rim. Serve immediately and savor the blend of creamy and fruity flavors.
Creative Variations to Try
The Snowball Martini is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and presentations.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Add a Splash of Color
- For a frosty, wintry hue, add a splash of blue curaçao to the shaker. The vibrant blue tint evokes icy landscapes, adding a whimsical touch to your cocktail.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the coconut cream or add a splash of simple syrup.
- For a lighter version, swap out the coconut cream for coconut milk, which provides a less indulgent but still delicious alternative.
3. Make It Frozen
- Blend all the ingredients with a handful of ice to create a frozen version of the Snowball Martini. This slushy take is perfect for those who love piña coladas or want a playful twist on the original recipe.
4. Experiment with Flavored Rums
- Try vanilla rum for a creamy, dessert-like twist, or banana-flavored rum for a tropical boost. Each variation adds a new layer of flavor, keeping the drink exciting and fresh.
DIY Coconut Cream Recipe
If you don’t have store-bought coconut cream on hand, making your own is quick and easy:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fully combined.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week. This homemade coconut cream is rich, sweet, and perfect for cocktails like the Snowball Martini.
Pin this post for later!
Snowball Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz Malibu rum or any coconut-flavored rum
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz coconut cream e.g., Coco Lopez or homemade
- Shredded coconut for the rim
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge optional garnish
- Maraschino cherry optional garnish
Instructions
- Spread shredded coconut on a small plate.
- Dip the rim of a martini glass into water or coconut cream, then press it into the shredded coconut to coat the rim for a snowy effect.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of Malibu rum, 2 oz of pineapple juice, and 1 oz of coconut cream.
- Add a generous handful of ice.
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-mixed and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency with a slightly frothy top.
- Add a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry to the rim for an extra festive touch (optional).
Notes
- Add a splash of blue curaçao for a wintry blue hue.
- Use coconut milk for a lighter version or experiment with flavored rums for unique variations.
- For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice.
Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!