Summertime in the Crescent City calls for two essentials: craft cocktails and sweet sno-balls. Why settle for one or the other? And while sno-ball stands don’t typically offer alcohol on their premises, you can BYO to indulge in a childhood treat with a 21+ twist perfect for beating the New Orleans heat. Explore our suggestions for boozy sno-ball pairings that are sure to spice up your next visit.
Hansen’s - Frozen Irish Coffee
A 2014 American Classic James Beard Award winner, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is well-known and respected in the sno-ball community and beyond. Since 1939, they’ve been serving stellar sno-balls to people from all over.
Keep cool and caffeinated with a snow-made Frozen Irish Coffee using Hansen’s Cream of Coffee paired with your favorite Irish whiskey and topped with whipped cream. This iconic sno-ball and cocktail combo is the perfect way to start off a day of exploring the nearby Irish Channel.
SNO-LA - Pina Colada
Home of the cheesecake-stuffed sno-ball, SNO-LA serves gourmet ice creations in the Riverbend. Their menu is filled with classics like green apple and strawberry, as well as unique flavors like Bananas Foster, Chantilly Cake, and more.
Get creative and boozy with a Pina Colada sno-ball made with SNO-LA’s pineapple and coconut cream syrups, your favorite rum and condensed milk drizzle for an ultra-rich and creamy colada. Head over to The Fly for a waterfront view fit for your tropical treat.
Pandora’s Snowballs - Margarita
Within just a short walking distance from some of the city’s most beloved attractions, local hangouts and off-the-beaten-path eateries you'll find Pandora’s Snowballs. Their expansive selection of flavors and softly shaved ice makes them a fan-favorite.
How does a Margarita while discovering Mid-City sound? Take the streetcar down Carrollton Avenue and hope off for Pandora's margarita-flavored sno-ball mixed with your desired tequila. Mix it up and add mango, strawberry or watermelon for a flavored margarita. Grab your boozy snowballs and some BBQ from Blue Oak and have a picnic in City Park.
Plum Street Snowballs - Mint Julep
Plum Street Snowballs is an Uptown sno-ball stand known for its wide variety of flavors and toppings. Opt for something light and refreshing like a Mint Julep sno-ball using Plum Street’s frozen mint and the bourbon of your choosing. This bourbon-based cocktail is a beloved Southern refresher and an ideal sip on your way to any race at the fairgrounds.
Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls – Frozen Banana Daiquiri
Treat yourself to a tropical concoction with a New Orleans twist. Imperial Woodpecker has sno-balls ranging from pineapple-cilantro to cereal cream, but it’s the cream of Bananas Foster that we’ll be using in this recipe. Spike your sno-ball with a little white rum and bam!—you’ve got yourself a frozen banana daiquiri sno-ball.
Take a strong along six mile-long Magazine Street before visiting Imperial Woodpecker for shopping, restaurants and more.
These are just a few of our favorite sno-ball stands in the city and only a small list of the possibilities that come with a New Orleans sno-ball. Create creative and boozy and have fun! For more must-try sno-ball stands in NOLA, visit our round-up. Or find out your ideal sno-ball flavor with this fun quiz from GoNOLA.com.