2 months ago
5
Is there a drink less suited to a sweltering Australian Christmas than eggnog? Unlikely. This rich, creamy “egg milk punch” was designed for fireside sipping, not the humidity of a Southern Hemisphere summer. For a smarter alternative, we turned to Michael Chiem, co-owner of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Bar of the Year, Silver’s Motel. His suggestion? The Cameron’s Kick, which replaces the eggs with orgeat, a sweet liquid based on almonds. Currently served at Silver’s, “minus the spice garnish”, it’s a refreshing take on a traditional favourite.
This isn’t eggnog, but it’s an excellent alternative. It is a similar rich, festive drink that is perhaps a bit more palatable than the traditional eggnog you see in cold Christmas countries.
Ingredients
Cameron’s Kick
25ml Jameson Whiskey
25ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
30ml orgeat (see below)
4 ice cubes
20ml lemon juice
grated nutmeg or cinnamon
grapefruit peel
For the orgeat (MAKES ABOUT 1 LITRE)
250g raw almonds
2 pitted medjool dates (or similar)
caster sugar (see step 4 for amount)
2.5ml orange blossom water
Method
TO Make the orgeat
Step 1
Soak the almonds in water for 2 hours, then strain and rinse until the water runs clear.
Step 2
Put the soaked almonds and pitted dates in a blender with 500ml of water and blend on high for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Strain the mixture through a nut-milk bag (you can buy these in some grocery stores) or cheesecloth. Keep the liquid and discard the almond and date pulp.
Step 4
Weigh the liquid and add an equal amount of caster sugar. Add the orange blossom water and stir to dissolve the sugar. The orgeat will keep in the fridge for 4 days.
make the cocktail
Step 1
Combine the alcohol, orgeat and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with the ice. Shake it hard and then strain into a chilled coupette glass.
Step 2
Garnish with grated nutmeg or cinnamon. Squeeze or pinch the grapefruit peel over the top of the drink, skin-side down, to extract its fragrant essential oils. Discard the peel. Serve immediately.
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