The Spring Chickie - It's a Bright Spring Cocktail

The 'Spring Chickie' - it's a new and bright version of the classic Snowball Cocktail - just in time for Easter and springtime sipping. Fresh flavours of citrus brighten up the rich, creamy taste of egg liqueur, with a little hint of orange blossom - spring sunshine in a glass. (Skip to recipe.)

Okay, so yesterday morning our yard looked like this:

As I gazed out the window at the chicken coop, it did not feel like Easter was only a few days away. This winter feels longer than usual. I think it's because we've had more ups and downs in temperature than other years. It thaws, then blizzards, then thaws, then blizzards.

But today the sun is sparkling on the snow like diamonds, and the country roads are turning slushy. I have hope again.

I often wonder what it would be like to live in a climate where there isn't much differentiation between the seasons. We'd miss this miserable constant yo-yo weather change that can really affect our moods. But we'd also miss those exciting highs that come with the start of each new season. The season coming up next is always the best one.

Right now spring is definitely my favourite season (but you can ask me again in the fall). I just cannot wait for those first signs of green and growth and rebirth. I'm yearning to see the snow melt and the whole mud season to be over so I can dig my fingers into the soil. In town, the snow is going quite quickly, but our yard is on the north side of a forest, so we always have snow hanging around long after it's gone from everywhere else. I know I have a bit of a wait yet.

What would we do if we didn't have the weather to talk about? It's a great conversation starter when you're chatting with the cashier in the grocery store lineup. Can you believe this weather? (as if it's the first time it's done this). I wonder what we'd say if we lived in a beautiful hot country? Another great day again, huh? Great day yesterday, and it'll be great again tomorrow. We couldn't commiserate with strangers about our crappy weather, lamenting and bonding over how bad we have it up here in the north (but secretly so glad we live here and not anywhere else in the world). Our common complaining about our weather is the great equalizer. We're in this together. We get it.

But I'll stop my complaining (even though it's much more satisfying to keep on whining) and tell you about a fantastic spring cocktail we've been drinking to satisfy those spring yearnings. It's a remake of the classic winter cocktail called the 'Snowball'. I've served Snowballs at several Christmas parties we've hosted, but to tell you the truth, I think it's really much more of a spring or summer cocktail than a winter one. Because, really - egg liqueur? Eggs are an Easter thing, aren't they? And lemonade - well that's definitely a summer drink, or a spring one, because lemons are in season right now.

So, chuck the idea that a Snowball is a winter drink and move it into the realm of spring. I've added a splash of orange blossom water. That is a definite spring flavour - beautiful blossoms add the slight floral notes to this bright and delicate spring elixir (with a little jolt of extra vodka to wake us up). It's creamy and fruity at the same time - just what we need to feel like spring.

If you've still got some of that fluffy white stuff on the ground in your area, why not serve a tray of Spring Chickie cocktails nestled in a bed of it? Or you can call them 'Melting Snowballs'. I couldn't decide which name was better.

A few sips of that tangy lemon and creamy egg with the lilt of orange blossoms, and you'll forget all about those mounds of fluffy white stuff blanketing the yard outside. (I can imagine myself sipping these luscious drinks as I'm lolling in the shade on a hot summer day.)

Are you looking for a fun new cocktail to serve at your Easter gathering? I say it's time to rebel. Let's move that classic Snowball Cocktail to the season it deserves - I say it's a spring and summer drink, and that's when I'm going to drink it!

So Tell Me Which Name You Vote For

I couldn't decide which name to give this new spring cocktail (I picked Spring Chickie since it was the first one I thought of, but now I'm not sure). Let me know in the comments which name gets your vote:

The Spring Chickie

or

The Melting Snowball

* * * * *

Kitchen Frau Notes: Egg liqueur is available in specialty liquor stores and some regular liquor stores. You may have to look around for it. Here in Alberta we can get the Dutch brand called 'Bols Advocaat'. You may have other brands available in your area. It is a thick, creamy yellow liqueur made from egg yolks, sugar, and brandy, and it definitely has an Easter and springtime appeal.

Orange blossom water (also called orange flower water) is the essence of orange blossoms and adds a lovely floral flavour to foods. In small amounts it is heavenly, but if you add too much it can be overpowering, so be sure to use a light hand with it. Orange blossom water can be found in import shops or in the international section in large supermarkets.

I've included a recipe for simple homemade lemonade at the bottom of this post (as well as the recipe for a classic Snowball Cocktail). But if you haven't got the ingredients or inclination to whip up a batch of it, these Spring Chickie or Melting Snowball Cocktails taste pretty great made with lemonade from a frozen concentrate, or you can even substitute lemon lime soda (like Sprite) plus an extra splash of fresh lemon juice.

The Spring Chickie

• 3 or 4 ice cubes
• 1½ oz Advocaat egg liqueur (3 tablespoons/45ml)
• ½ oz  vodka (1 tablespoon/15ml)
• 4½ oz  lemonade (9 tablespoons/½ cup+1 tablespoon/135ml) - make from frozen concentrate or use the delicious and simple recipe below
• ¼ teaspoon orange blossom water (orange flower water)
• ¼ of a juicy lime, squeezed (optional)
• ¼ of an orange slice for garnish

Combine the ice cubes, egg liqueur, vodka, lemonade, and orange blossom water in a glass and stir. Add a squeeze of lime juice to taste. Stick an orange, lemon, or lime slice on the edge of the glass for garnish.

Makes 1 cocktail.

* * * * *

Homemade Lemonade

• 1 cup (240ml) fresh lemon juice (6 to 7 lemons)
• 1 cup (210gms) sugar (or to taste*)
• 6 cups (1440ml) water

Roll the lemons firmly on the counter to make them release their juice more easily. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice using a lemon reamer to get the most juice out. Remove the seeds. Leave the lemon pulp in or strain it out, depending on your preference.

Combine the lemon juice, sugar, and half of the water in a large pitcher. Stir vigourously until all the sugar is dissolved. Add remaining water and stir.

*Lemons have different degrees of acidity and intensity of flavour, so adjust the amount of sugar to your taste and the sourness of your lemons.

Makes a scant 2 quarts/litres lemonade.

* * * * *

Or if you just want to make:

The Classic Snowball Cocktail

• 1 part egg liqueur
• 3 parts lemonade
• a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Mix and serve over ice cubes.

Cheers!

 

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You might also like these other cocktails:

Moscow Mule

The Jam Smash Cocktail

Pimm's Cup Cocktail

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