If you’re searching for a fun, indulgent holiday cocktail that’s equal parts festive and delicious, the Dirty Snowman Cocktail is exactly what you need. This cozy winter drink combines rich hot chocolate with vanilla ice cream and a generous splash of liquor, creating a creamy, boozy treat that tastes just like a grown-up dessert in a glass.

Perfect for Christmas parties, winter gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire, the Dirty Snowman is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

⭐ Why You’ll Love the Dirty Snowman Cocktail

Creamy, rich, and indulgent

Perfect for winter and holiday parties
Tastes like dessert in a glass
Quick and easy to make

Customizable with different liquors
Fun presentation for guests

This cocktail is the ultimate combination of comfort, sweetness, and a little festive mischief.

☕ What Is a Dirty Snowman Cocktail?

A Dirty Snowman Cocktail is essentially a boozy version of hot chocolate topped (or blended) with vanilla ice cream. The “snowman” part represents the ice cream “snowball,” while the “dirty” part comes from the added alcohol—usually vodka, Baileys, peppermint schnapps, or Kahlúa.

It’s often served hot with ice cream floating on top, creating a beautiful contrast of warm chocolate and cold creamy vanilla.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients:

1 cup hot chocolate (homemade or prepared)

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Alcohol Options (Choose One or Mix):

1 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz Baileys Irish Cream

1 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)

Optional Toppings:

Whipped cream

Chocolate syrup
Mini marshmallows
Crushed candy canes

Chocolate shavings
Cocoa powder

👩‍🍳 How to Make a Dirty Snowman Cocktail

1. Prepare the Hot Chocolate

Make your favorite hot chocolate according to package or homemade directions. Pour into a heat-safe mug or glass.

2. Add the Alcohol

Stir in your chosen liquor (or combination) while the chocolate is hot.

3. Add the “Snowman”

Carefully drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream into the center of the mug.

4. Garnish & Serve

Top with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, marshmallows, or crushed peppermint for a festive finish. Serve immediately while hot.

🍸 Delicious Dirty Snowman Variations

1. Peppermint Dirty Snowman

Use peppermint schnapps and garnish with crushed candy canes.

2. Mocha Dirty Snowman

Add Kahlúa for coffee-chocolate flavor.

3. Vanilla Cream Dirty Snowman

Use vanilla vodka and Baileys for extra smoothness.

4. Frozen Dirty Snowman

Blend hot chocolate, ice cream, and alcohol with ice for a milkshake-style cocktail.

5. S’mores Dirty Snowman

Use chocolate vodka and top with toasted marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

🍪 Best Snacks to Serve with a Dirty Snowman Cocktail

Chocolate chip cookies

Gingerbread
Peppermint bark
Shortbread cookies

Brownies
Biscotti

This drink pairs perfectly with holiday desserts and sweet treats.

✅ Pro Tips for the Perfect Dirty Snowman

Use high-quality cocoa for the richest flavor.
Warm your mug first to keep the drink hot longer.
Don’t overload the alcohol—balance is key.

Add ice cream last for the best “snowman” effect.
Serve immediately so the contrast of hot and cold stays perfect.

❄️ Make-It-a-Party Tip

Set up a Dirty Snowman Cocktail Bar with:

Different hot chocolate flavors
Multiple liquor choices
Various ice cream flavors

Fun toppings and stirrers

Let guests customize their own festive winter cocktail!

⚠️ Drink Responsibly

The Dirty Snowman is rich and goes down easily, so remind guests to sip slowly and enjoy responsibly—especially at holiday celebrations.

❤️ Final Thoughts

The Dirty Snowman Cocktail is the ultimate winter indulgence—warm, creamy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of boozy. Whether you serve it at a Christmas party, winter get-together, or a cozy night in, it always brings smiles, comfort, and a touch of holiday magic.

If you’re looking for a festive drink that’s easy, impressive, and downright delicious, this cocktail deserves a spot on your holiday menu.

Dirty Snowman Cocktail: A Boozy, Creamy Winter Dessert Drink

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (or peppermint schnapple for extra mint!)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps
• 2 oz half-and-half or heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• Ice
• Garnish:

Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos) — “dirt”
Mini marshmallows

Crushed candy canes
Optional: chocolate syrup drizzle

Instructions

Rim a chilled martini glass with chocolate syrup, then dip in crushed cookies.

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, cream, and ice.
Shake vigorously 15–20 secs—until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into prepared glass.

Top with a mini marshmallow “head,” a sprinkle of crushed candy cane “hat,” and extra cookie “dirt” around the base.
Serve immediately with a smile—and maybe a tiny scarf (optional, but encouraged 😉).

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 5 mins, Servings: 1
Calories: 380, Net Carbs: 28g, Fats: 12g, Protein: 2g
✅ Lower-sugar option: Use sugar-free crème de cacao, sugar-free peppermint syrup + vodka, and keto-friendly chocolate cookies — net carbs drop to ~5g.