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Top Egg Nog Cocktails In Philadelphia

Eggnog sounds gross by its name, but for many who have taken the leap of faith to try this holiday drink, they would find the opposite. Eggnog is made with a base of sweetened milk (of course it can be done non-dairy with any milk alternatives), spices, whipped eggs, sugar and bourbon, rum or brandy. It is just part of many winter holiday traditions. It can also be enjoyed as a cocktail at a few bars in the Philly area, here are the top five places to get eggnog.
1 Tippling Place
2006 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA  19103
(215) 665-0456
www.1tpl.com

Tippling Place is known as a "speakeasy" atmosphere, there are comfortable couches for lounging and discussing the topics of today, and the drinks are serious and strong. They will offer up creamy versions of eggnog for the holiday season that are sure to ease your holiday stresses; consider the Pumpkin Flip, which is actually a creamy beer-based cocktail, but is reminiscent of eggnog. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet laid back, and besides seasonal cocktails, they always have classic cocktails, an appetizer menu and both beer and wine. The prices are more on the high-end but many find it worth it.

Charlie Was A Sinner
131 S 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 1910
(267) 758-5372
www.charliewasasinner.com

Charlie Was a Sinner serves a vegetarian menu, so this may be the place to go if you are looking for a non-dairy and/or vegan eggnog. Or, just because you want vegetarian food. Some popular dishes include the potato croquettes and the chick pea fries. Charlie was a Sinner's overall experience can be surmised as "small plates, strong drinks." The cocktails made here are high-end with top-shelf liquor and not too much syrup, so you enjoy the true taste of the cocktail. The interior is as swanky as the drinks, so this is a nice option for a the holidays.

Nectar
1091 Lancaster Ave.
Berwyn, PA 19312
(610) 725-9000
www.tastenectar.com

Nectar serves up fancy Asian fusion food in a beautiful trendy environment.  If you want to enjoy a fine, but still fun, meal and have some holiday cheer in the form of an eggnog cocktail this season, Nectar is a great option. Nectar also makes an apple cider martini made with bourbon, sparkling apple cider, caramel and cinnamon for an alternative. Too much nog can weigh you down after all. Nectar also has a gluten -free menu available for those with the sensitivity or intolerance. 

Related: Top Bars with Holiday Drinks

Nelson's Ice Cream
627 Main St.
Royersford, PA 19468
(610) 948-3000
www.nelsonsicecream.net

If you prefer no alcohol in your eggnog, or perhaps you also want to stop somewhere for the kids, you can consider getting a festive and delicious eggnog milkshake at Nelson's Ice Cream. Nelson's makes their own ice cream from scratch and has over 30 flavors, but this time of year you can enjoy eggnog and pumpkin. If after drinking up a milkshake, you still want a dessert (or you are holding out for that egg nog drink) Nelson's also bakes brownies and cookies.

Zesty's
4382 Main St.
Manayunk, PA 19127
(215) 483-6226
www.zestys.com

Zesty's on the Mainline has been recently renovated, making the atmosphere fresh and new. The specialty here is Greek and Italian (Mediterranean food), but they also mix up a variety of holiday drinks. They specialize in Bourbon punches for holidays, and eggnog mixed with bourbon is not as sweet as that mixed with rum, but still sweeter than whisky. Zesty's also serves a warm apple cider, peppermint chocolate martini and a decadent drink called the  Black Forest which mixes up patron café, raspberry vodka, chambord and cream. You may wish to drop in while doing your holiday shopping since they are  part of the many boutiques in Manyaunk, a namesake  inspired from a Lenape word meaning "where we go to drink."

Related: Top Holiday Drinks From Philadelphia Mixologist 

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
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