Perhaps you’ve been a bit naughty this year, or know someone who is. There’s nothing more fitting for your naughty friend or self than a drink. To celebrate, we’ve crafted A Lump of Coal to delight you and your guests.
Christmas Cocktails 2019 – A Lump of Coal
Deep, dark, and deceptively boozy, A Lump of Coal is a blast of sweet coconut and chocolate. The tropical notes of the various rums add a complex brown sugar note and the kahlua and coconut liqueurs function as flavor boosts for the stout. No need to stay off the naughty list with this delightfully delicious drink.
Drink Notes
- Rums: Gosling’s is the most important here – but don’t underestimate the complexity that Plantation and Kraken bring. If you only have two of the three – try to keep the Plantation / Gosling’s in the forefront (1.25 / 0.75).
- Kalani Coconut Liqueur – If you don’t have Kalani – try substituting Malibu.
- Rich Demerara Simple – Combine 8 oz of Demerara sugar with 4 oz of water in a sauce pan over medium heat. Heat until combined, but not boiling. Remove from heat, allow to cool. If desired, add 0.25 oz of everclear. Store in the refrigerator.
- Chocolate Coconut Milk Stout – For this – I used The Brew Kettle’s Kitka, however any chocolate coconut milk stout you happen to enjoy should work well here. Depending on sweetness, adjust the Demerara accordingly.
About The Name – A Lump of Coal
Everyone knows that if you’ve received coal for Christmas – you’ve been a bad boy or girl. We’ve ingrained it into popular culture to the point that we suggest it for people on Twitter with hashtags like #coalforChristmas. Perhaps the only person that would be truly grateful for it is frosty – who can finally see. Yet as I dug into an explanation of how coal got it’s reputation, it became apparent perhaps it wasn’t always a bad thing.
Way back when, before the 20th century (time period, not the cocktail), coal was actually a greatly appreciated gift. This was in part because it was cold, but also due to the scarcity in coal making it a valuable commodity. It wasn’t until coal became widely available that it was seen as something to punish bad children with.
With that said – this lump of coal should leave your guests with a delighted smile. To learn more about the history of coal, check out this in-depth dive from The Atlantic.