The Frosty Snowman Cocktail

The Frosty Snowman Cocktail always reminds me of December’s first icy night, when shimmering lights dot rooftops and the world turns instantly more cheerful. Its electric blue hue, crisp peppermint burst, and whimsical candy cane rim invite smiles before the first sip. If you want a holiday cocktail that’s effortless, festive, and made for winter gatherings, this one delivers.

I reach for this mix whenever someone wants a crisp, light drink during the holidays. Coconut rum brings mellow sweetness, peppermint schnapps gives a brisk finish, and pineapple juice adds vivid brightness. A splash of Sprite rounds and lifts the flavors. It tastes playful, never heavy. The candy cane rim offers a festive flair and always earns compliments. I enjoy serving it on quiet weekends because it’s effortless yet always feels special.

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Why You’ll Love This

There’s something delightful about serving a drink that sparkles like a winter party centerpiece. The Frosty Snowman Cocktail features striking icy-blue color, crisp mint flavor, and a silky-sweet finish. It’s perfect for those who appreciate holiday cocktails that look vibrant yet are easy to enjoy. I reach for this recipe when I want something simple but still thoughtful.

Here are a few perks.

• Quick to mix, even if you’re new to cocktails
• Works well for holiday parties and small gatherings
• Sweet and refreshing with a minty touch
• Pretty rim that adds flavor and style
• Affordable ingredients you can find in most stores
• Good for casual sipping while cooking, wrapping gifts, or playing games

It’s the kind of drink you can mix without stress and brings a cheerful look to your table.

Ingredients

This drink combines crisp sweetness, cool mint, and lively fruit. Just a handful of ingredients balance the flavors. The Frosty Snowman Cocktail is silky, as coconut rum and pineapple juice mellow the brisk zing of peppermint schnapps. Blue curaçao infuses vivid color and a citrus lift.

• 2 oz coconut rum
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• Sprite to top
• crushed candy canes for rimming
• simple syrup for rimming

The coconut rum adds a mellow sweetness to the drink. The peppermint schnapps brings a cool finish. The pineapple juice rounds everything out with a little tang. Blue curaçao adds citrus notes and the bright blue color that makes this holiday cocktail stand out. The Sprite lightens the mixture and adds a gentle fizz. The candy cane rim adds both flavor and a festive look.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You can use many brands, but some give the best balance. Coconut rum ranges from very sweet to mild, so a middle-ground one keeps the flavor pleasant. Blue curaçao and peppermint schnapps come in many prices, so pick what fits. If an ingredient is hard to find, simple substitutes keep your Frosty Snowman Cocktail close to the original.

Here are some helpful picks

• Malibu Coconut Rum, sweet and smooth with a familiar flavor that mixes well
• DeKuyper Blue Curaçao, affordable and bright
• Rumhaven Coconut Rum, cleaner flavor if you want something lighter
• DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps, easy to find with a classic mint profile
• Curacao substitute, triple sec if needed, though the color will change
• Sprite substitutes, any clear lemon lime soda
• Candy cane rim swap, crushed peppermint candies if you’re out of canes

Most of these swaps keep the drink close to the intended taste. The only big change comes from replacing blue curaçao since the color shifts, but the drink still tastes sweet and refreshing.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need much to make this cocktail at home. A shaker helps mix the flavors. Any tall glass works, but I like a highball because the color shows well. Use a small plate for the candy cane rim to keep things neat.

You can use this simple setup.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Rocks Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Small plate
• Bar Glass Rimmer (optional)

Keep a spoon nearby if you want to give the drink a gentle stir after topping it with Sprite.

How to Make It

Mixing the Frosty Snowman Cocktail feels pretty simple. The rim takes a minute, but it adds charm, so I always keep it in. Once your glass is ready, the rest comes together fast and looks great as you pour.

1. Pour a small amount of simple syrup onto a plate, and crush candy canes onto another plate.
2. Roll the rim of the glass in the syrup, then dip it into the candy canes. Set the glass aside.
3. Fill the prepared glass with ice.
4. Add the coconut rum, blue curaçao, peppermint schnapps, and pineapple juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into your glass until it’s about two-thirds full.
6. Top with Sprite and stir gently if needed.
7. Serve cold and enjoy. Some people like to add extra peppermint schnapps for a stronger mint flavor. The original recipe stays balanced and smooth.

Pro Tips

A few small steps can make your Frosty Snowman Cocktail taste even better. These tricks help with flavor, texture, and presentation. I learned some of them while mixing drinks for friends. They like holiday cocktails that look cute and taste refreshing.

Chill your glass before rimming it

• Shake the base hard so the coconut rum and schnapps blend evenly
• Add Sprite slowly so the fizz stays light
• Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter flavor
• Keep extra crushed candy canes in a small jar for holiday drinks
• Test different coconut rums to find your preferred sweetness
• Add a tiny splash of lime juice if you want more tartness
• If serving for a party, prep the candy cane rims ahead of time

You can adjust the flavor to your taste. Have fun trying a few versions until you find the balance you like most.

Variations

You can make this cocktail suit a wide range of tastes. Some people like more mint. Others prefer a fruitier version. Keeping the same base allows you to play with different touches while still keeping it a Frosty Snowman-style drink.

Here are a few ideas.

• Add more pineapple juice for a sweeter and softer finish
• Make a zero alcohol version with coconut water, mint syrup, and blue sports drink
• Replace Sprite with sparkling water for a lighter sip
• Add whipped cream on top for a dessert-style version
• Mix in a touch of coconut milk for a creamier feel.

This version keeps the winter look but shifts the flavor. Adjust it to fit your mood.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail works for many winter occasions. I bring it out during holiday movie nights, small family dinners, and even as a fun starter for New Year’s Eve gatherings. It fits social moments when you want something refreshing rather than something rich. The color looks great on a drink table, and people usually ask what it is.

Some good pairings

• Soft pretzels with cheese dip
• Light charcuterie boards
• Fruit salads with berries and citrus
• Simple holiday cookies
• Spiced nuts or popcorn

Anything salty or sweet works well because the drink stays refreshing.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best mixed fresh, since the Sprite fizz fades over time. If you want to make it for a group, you can shake the main ingredients ahead of time and keep the mixture chilled in a sealed container. Then you can pour and top with Sprite as people arrive. The candy cane rims can be prepared hours ahead as long as you keep the glasses upright.

If you like lighter drinks, add more Sprite. If you want a stronger mix, add a bit more coconut rum. Small changes make a noticeable difference.

FAQs

People often have a few questions when trying a holiday cocktail like this Frosty Snowman version. Here are clear answers to help you mix with confidence.

Can I make this in a pitcher?
You can mix the base in a pitcher, but wait to add Sprite until serving so it stays fizzy.

Does it taste very sweet?
It has sweetness from the rum and pineapple juice, but the mint keeps it from feeling too sugary.

Can I skip the candy cane rim?
Yes, but it adds a fun touch and a little extra mint.

Is there a way to make it stronger?
Add a half ounce more coconut rum or a splash of vodka.

Can kids have a zero alcohol version?
Yes, use blue sports drink, coconut water, and mint syrup.

More Cocktails to Try

• Holiday Mai Tai
• Tiramisu White Russian
• Cinnamon Pear and Rum Cocktail
• Green Paradise
• Rainbow Paradise