Snowshoe Cocktail Recipe

Snowshoe Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Snowshoe cocktail is a classic winter drink that originated in the snowy regions of North America. It was first created by adventurous bartenders who wanted to create a warming and comforting drink to enjoy after a long day of snowshoeing. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among winter sports enthusiasts and has since become a staple in ski lodges and bars around the world.

  • The Snowshoe is often enjoyed by those who love winter sports and outdoor activities.
  • It is believed to have been created in the early 20th century.
  • The cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass, but can also be enjoyed in a mug or other glassware.

How Snowshoe Tastes?

The Snowshoe cocktail has a rich, warming, and slightly sweet taste. It is characterized by its strong whiskey base, which is balanced by the sweetness of the amaretto and the spiciness of the cinnamon. The overall flavor profile is complex, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and nuttiness.

Interesting facts about Snowshoe

  • The Snowshoe cocktail is named after the traditional snowshoe, which is a type of footwear used for walking on snow.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a cinnamon stick, which adds an extra layer of warmth and spice to the drink.
  • The Snowshoe is sometimes referred to as a 'winter warmer' due to its comforting and warming properties.

Ingredients

Whiskey

A 2oz shot of whiskey provides a robust base for the cocktail, lending its signature oaky and sometimes smoky flavors. If you skimp on the whiskey, you risk the drink being too sweet, but pour too much and it might overwhelm the subtler flavors.

Alex Green

Amaretto

Amaretto, at 1oz, adds a sweet, almond-like flavor that complements the whiskey beautifully. Too little, and its presence might be missed; too much could overpower the drink with sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

Hot Water

3oz of hot water not only dilutes the strength of the alcohol to make it a sippable pleasure but also helps to release the aromatic compounds from the cinnamon and orange, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Emma Rose

Cinnamon Stick

The cinnamon stick is a natural spice powerhouse, giving the cocktail a warm, holiday-like feel. Without it, you'd lose some depth. An alternative like a star anise could offer a licorice note if you're looking to mix things up.

Alex Green

Orange Twist

A garnish more than just for show, the essential oils expressed from an orange twist add a zesty aroma and a hint of citrus to the final sip. No twist, no problem; a lemon could also do the trick, adding a brighter note.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Snowshoe Drink

  1. In a heatproof rocks glass or mug, combine the whiskey and amaretto.
  2. Top with hot water and stir gently to combine.
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange twist.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality whiskey for a smoother, richer taste.
  • Heat the glass before adding the ingredients to keep the cocktail warm for longer.
  • Use fresh cinnamon sticks for the best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platter: A selection of hard cheeses like aged cheddar complements the whiskey's strong flavors.
  • Roasted Nuts: Almonds or cashews bring out the nutty notes of the amaretto.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Meats: The smoky flavors of grilled steak or pork would pair well with the warm, spiced notes of the cocktail.
  • Roast Chicken: A herbed roast chicken could be a perfect counterpart to the earthy cinnamon flavor.

Desserts

  • Apple Pie: The spiced and sweet notes of an apple pie would resonate with the cocktail's warm flavors.
  • Chocolate Orange Desserts: Complement the orange twist garnish with a rich chocolate orange cake or truffles.

Non-alcoholic Beverages

  • Coffee: Sip alongside a mug of black coffee for a complementary bitter note.

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What you could change in Snowshoe

  • Whiskey: Can be substituted with bourbon or rye.
  • Amaretto: Can be replaced with a different nut-flavored liqueur.
  • Hot water: Can be replaced with hot apple cider for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Maple Snowshoe

  • Substitute 0.5oz of amaretto with maple syrup for a Canadian twist. It adds a woodsy sweetness that pairs well with the whiskey.

Spiced Apple Snowshoe

  • Add 1oz of apple cider and a pinch of ground cloves in place of some hot water. This creates a cocktail reminiscent of apple pie, with a spiced and fruity profile.

Chilled Snowshoe

  • Prepare with cold water instead of hot, and serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink. The whiskey and amaretto flavors will be more pronounced without the warmth to mellow them.

In case you forgot basics how to make Snowshoe

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Snowshoe

What type of whiskey is best suited for the Snowshoe cocktail?

Choosing whiskey for the Snowshoe cocktail largely comes down to personal preference. A richer, full-bodied whiskey could add more depth to the cocktail, while a smoother, lighter whiskey might make it more refreshing.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Snowshoe cocktail?

Yes, you can replace the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and the amaretto with an almond syrup to create a non-alcoholic version of the Snowshoe.

What is the significance of the cinnamon stick in the Snowshoe cocktail?

The cinnamon stick not only adds spice and warmth to the cocktail but also acts as a stir stick to mix the drink.

What type of glass can I use if I don't have a rocks glass?

If you don't have a rocks glass, you can use a whisky glass or even a coffee mug for the Snowshoe cocktail.

Can the Snowshoe cocktail be served cold?

While traditionally served warm, a chilled version of the Snowshoe cocktail can be made. Just mix the ingredients with ice instead of hot water.

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