Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 egg white (optional, for a frothy texture)
Crushed ice
Garnishes:
1 maraschino cherry (for the snowman’s head)
2 mini marshmallows (for snowman’s body)
1 thin slice of lemon (for the base)
A small carrot sliver or orange peel twist (for the snowman’s nose)

Each ingredient in this cocktail has been carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The whiskey serves as the backbone, providing depth and warmth. Lemon juice cuts through the richness, offering a bright, tangy note, while the simple syrup balances the tartness, adding just enough sweetness to tie the drink together. If you choose to include an egg white, it elevates the drink by creating a smooth, velvety froth on top, adding to its luxurious feel. The garnishes are not just decorative but are also edible, making the drink interactive and fun.

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Begin by preparing your cocktail shaker. If you’re using egg white, perform a dry shake first. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to the shaker without ice. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This technique emulsifies the egg white, creating a silky froth.
Step 2: Once the dry shake is complete, add a handful of crushed ice to the shaker. Shake again for another 15-20 seconds to chill the drink thoroughly and achieve a smooth consistency. The vigorous shaking ensures all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice. The crushed ice keeps the drink cold while slightly diluting it over time, ensuring a consistent flavor profile as you sip.
Step 4: Assemble the snowman garnish. Place the lemon slice on top of the ice as the base of the snowman. Stack two mini marshmallows on top of the lemon slice to form the snowman’s body. Top with the maraschino cherry as the snowman’s head.
Step 5: Add the finishing touches to your snowman. Insert a small sliver of carrot or an orange peel twist into the cherry to serve as the snowman’s nose. If you like, you can use tiny edible markers to draw eyes and a smile on the marshmallows for an extra touch of personality.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy! The presentation is sure to delight your guests, making it a highlight of any gathering.

Notes

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this cocktail. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled lemon juice often has preservatives that can introduce off flavors. If you’re preparing this drink for a group, consider batching the liquid ingredients in advance, but shake each serving individually to maintain the proper texture. When working with egg whites, ensure that they’re pasteurized if serving to those with dietary restrictions or concerns. For the garnish, prep the snowman components ahead of time to streamline the assembly process during your event.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
Sodium: 5mg
Protein: 3g (with egg white)