Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Sip the flavors of the season with eggnog, mocha marshmallow and more holiday-inspired drinks

’Tis the season for delicious food and delectable drinks, and good news, Floridians — it does not have to be cold outside to enjoy a warm, seasonal beverage. For those who are in the mood for something festive, there are a few places around Greater Gainesville that are serving up some jolly cups of Joe, rich eggnog or a merry alcoholic beverage.

Opus Coffee

Coffee is great anytime, anywhere, but the holiday season brings out some of the warmest, rich flavors that only appear once every year. So, why not? Opus Coffee has several locations, but the 2nd Avenue location in the University of Florida’s innovation district is a fabulous place to stop by, sit outside and enjoy the weather. The winter menu sounds delicious. Try out Opus’ mistletoe mocha, which combines hazelnut and spiced brown sugar with whisked-by-hand matcha latte. For something that tastes like childhood holiday nostalgia, try the sugar spice. It is a warm blend of espresso with hints of gingerbread and caramel and a choice of milk. Opus also offers the first snow cocoa, and the snow is not required — thank goodness, this is Florida, for cryin’ out loud. The first snow cocoa is a white cocoa with a dash of cinnamon. Finally, try out by the fireside. It is a mocha marshmallow latte that tastes like s’mores in a mug. This one is sure to make anyone feel like a kid again.

Curia on the Drag

Better known as the 6th Street Oasis, Curia on the Drag has multiple options on its own 2.5-acre property. Along with a bar and a food truck, the Curia Coffee & Tea Shop has some tasty options to make coffee into a holiday treat. Curia offers a little bit of everything and anything, including hot chocolate, mocha, cold brew and drip coffee. For the holiday season, Curia can add gingerbread and vanilla-peppermint syrups to any drink on the menu.

The Dime

For those who are looking to imbibe a bit more than just caffeine, The Dime is located in the heart of downtown Gainesville and features specialty drinks almost every single day. Some of the adult beverages include the skillful marksman in honor of hunting season. It mixes Four Roses bourbon, St. George Apple brandy, Licor 43, Carpano Bianco vermouth and angostura bitters. The Dime also offers seasonal hot cocktails like the tutti fruity Alice, which includes Matusalem Clásico rum, blood orange liqueur, house cinnamon syrup, lemon juice and Peychaud’s bitters.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

Because everything tastes better when it is made into froyo, right? Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt on 42nd Street is whipping up something tasty for the holidays. They are offering a holiday eggnog frozen yogurt, complete with real eggs, ginger and nutmeg. Of course, this is in addition to the holiday-esque flavors Menchie’s carries year-round, such as low-carb peppermint and peppermint bark with Oreo cookies. Hungry yet? Check out the rest of their flavors.

Coquito Factory

It is all in the name. Coquito means “little coconut” in Spanish, and the coquito is basically Puerto Rican eggnog. It includes rum, eggs, coconut milk, condensed milk and vanilla to taste. This drink is very popular around the holidays, and not just among the Latinx community, either. Coquito Factory is located on Beach Haven Drive. Customers can order online and ship to friends and family. Or, just enjoy one solo.

Bananas Foster Eggnog Cocktail

This special number is a little 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

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. 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.
3. In a separate 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 Jen Clark