GET A TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH THESE 4 EGGNOG DRINKS
With a special recipe by Chef Christy down below
A somewhat less-than-appetizing moniker belies one of the coming season’s most satisfying beverages: eggnog.
It is traditionally a love-it-or-hate-it kind of drink, and as readers have probably deduced, this list is dedicated mainly to the lovers. Yet to simply come out with the truth of it, what is there about eggnog not to love? An unbiased assessment can only conclude that it is unique and delectable.
With that said, here follows a list of three excellent eggnogs for Greater Tampa Bay locals to try, plus a special entry…
EGGNOG JUBILEE — Jamba Juice
Few are the destinations without a Jamba Juice in walking distance, but egg-noggit, this joint’s eggnog smoothie makes it onto the list anyhow. Jamba Juice acknowledges the holidays with its eggnog jubilee special. Even for those in the anti-smoothie camp, this one makes it appetizing.
The eggnog base mixes smoothly with frozen yogurt and soy milk. Though the result is something that will enthuse chai lovers, its flavor is a tad light on the ‘nogg. The silver (and gold) lining: It is a perfect entry point for the eggnog-hesitant with the smoothie’s mild, yet creamy finish.
Best of all, no one can stop the especially merry from sneaking a bit of rum into the cup — once safely home, of course.
EGGNOG LAGER — Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Tampa Bay Brewing Company would not miss the chance to infuse an adult beverage with golden holiday luster, and so, its eggnog lager was born.
This is a strong, straightforward brew that lives up to its name. In fact, patrons feel a little like Ebenezer Scrooge: This ‘nogg lager will indeed barrage the tongue with the spirit of Christmas. Defying expectation, this is not a creamy beer. Mild hops and honey malts combine to make this drink delightfully sweet.
CLASSIC EGGNOG- Ocean Prime
A tired but true aphorism has it that sometimes, the classics just cannot be beat. So it is with Ocean Prime’s eggnog, a heavy, spiced-up libation best imbibed alongside warm gingerbread and cozy view of drifting snowflakes.
Snowflakes are a bit scarce around here, but Ocean Prime’s eggnog recipe, on the other hand, is readily available. Among ingredients are cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and vanilla. If that fails to trigger salivation, then someone is either deficient in the Christmas spirit or they profoundly full of eggnog already.
BANANA FOSTERS EGGNOG COCKTAIL
This special number is a little GTB secret that readers can make on their own. Roasted bananas, black spiced rum and scratch-made eggnog comprise just a few ingredients of this devilish cocktail from Chef Christy.
Smooth? Check. Caramelized banana skewer? Check out the picture. The cocktail does not run as thick as pre-made eggnog from the grocery store, but this is one creamy Christmas treat that is worth just a little extra DIY effort for the eggnog epicures out there.
Fair warning: If left out for Santa, he may have to crash on the couch.
RECIPE BY CHEF CHRISTY
INGREDIENTS
- 9 eggs, separated
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 4 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup black spiced rum
- 1/4 cup banana liquor
- 1 1/2 cups cream
- freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish
- caramel drizzle for garnish
ROASTED BANANAS
- 4 bananas
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Put egg yolks, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large heatproof bowl. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water, and whisk constantly until mixture is pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Whisk in milk, banana liqueur, rum and vanilla until combined; remove from heat.
- In a sperate bowl, beat egg whites and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form; whisk into milk mixture. In a clean bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form; whisk into milk mixture.
- Cut bananas into thirds. toss in canola oil, brown sugar and cinnamon. on a baking mat lined cookie sheet, place coated bananas into the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. They may be a little soft but thats ok. Stick skewers through each piece of banana and let completely cool.
- Refrigerate eggnog until ready to serve, up to 1 day; whisk before serving. Over each serving, sprinkle nutmeg, cinnamon, place banana skewer on top and drizzle warm caramel over each serving. Feel free to add more alcohol per your liking.
For more recipes from Chef Christy, visit eatlocaltogether.com.
By Drew Mortier
