It has come to my attention that the people of Houston do not know about a magical thing called Nogsmas. It has also come to my attention that some of the people of Houston do not like eggnog. However, I am choosing to ignore the people who are a part of that second realization and wrote a poem for you for my favorite holiday: Nogsmas.

‘Twas the last week of Nogsmas, and all through the Heights ‘hood.
Bar patrons were stirring eggnog and all that was good.
Their punch cards were punched by bartenders with care.
In hopes that a prize soon would be theirs.

Seven Heights-area bars and eateries have teamed up on a scavenger hunt of sorts featuring eggnog-inspired drinks and a punch card. The mission: get your nog card punched after trying each drink, and then win a prize — in the past, it has always been more alcohol. Drinking alcohol to win more alcohol sounds just crazy enough to work!

You gotta try ’em all before the December 27th deadline!

I usually do 2-3 stops at a time — seven eggnogs would be A LOT for one day, however more power to you if you knock it all out this weekend or sooner!

These are the seven Nogsmas spots: (scroll down to read my ranking!)

1. Edison & Patton
2. Lei Low
3. Coltivare
4. Down House
5. D&T Drive Inn
6. Eight Row Flint
7. Johnny’s Gold Brick

Here are my thoughts on all the nogs!

Down House

Frozen nog? Oh, Down House went there. Not only did they opt for a frozen drink… in December (only in Houston), but the beverage is vegan and dairy free. What a world.

It was the fifth one I tried and I, being constantly pained by dairy on the regular — I’m pretty sure I’m allergic and it gives me hives and itchy throat — found it absolutely refreshing and had two. The main flavor, as described by the owner, Chris, is bourbon, and you know what, no one is going to dislike that.

Might be premature, but in terms of creativity and taste, Down House might be the winner for me for Nogsmas!

Johnny’s Gold Brick

Johnny’s wins for being the booziest. I loved this one. The tiny little glass comes full to the brim with ice and nog and topped with a pecan! But you also get a little bottle so you can give yourself a refill. It’s a little spicy, and I liked that! I drank this one really fast.

Eight Row Flint

Eight Row Flint is hands down my favorite bar and restaurant on this list. Easy. I love me a frozen G&T and a brussel sprout taco with a side of queso. However, this isn’t my favorite eggnog so far. It’s pretty uncreative, but definitely tasty. I appreciate the classic approach, but I wanted something creative, you know?? Also, this one has rum in it… which is weird since Eight Row is a Whiskey bar??? Like?? Why tho?

Lei Low

Lei Low’s been on my list of bars to visit for a WHILE. Tropical-themed dive bar with coconut drinks? Yes plz. I immediately fell in love with the bar! And then the drink!

Called the coquito, Lei Low’s eggnog cocktail is rum and coconut and teeny tiny. It was just $6 too! Would have gone for a second one, but those other fancy cocktails (one was served in a shark mug) were too tempting.

Edison and Patton

We love Edison and Patton for brunch, but I was super excited for a nog by the fire! Edison’s was my last nog to try so we celebrated with yummy fries (seasoned like Niko Nikos but with a yum sauce) and brussel sprouts (a little too much balsamic).

Edison’s eggnog definitely wins points for presentation, but I’m not sure the flavor really won me over. It, like Lei Low’s, was coconutty. However, a tiki bar’s coconut approach makes sense.

Coltivare

Coltivare’s eggnog cocktail has one big thing going for it: it’s size. The one downside: it’s pricey. Like $10-12ish pricey. (Sorry, my memory fails me here.) It’s a hearty portion of delicious nog, and for that I am grateful. It’s not the most creative recipe, but it’s somewhere in the middle with Eight Row Flint in being an excellent drink.

D&T Drive Inn

So historically, D&T has been my least favorite eggnog, and this year is no different. First of all, we ubered way way out to D&T in pursuit of Nogsmas, only to be turned away because of a private party on Lights in the Heights night. Fair, private party, I can respect that. However, it was clearly the end of said private party (the bar was empty). Also, literally all we wanted was nog. We offered to just drink it outside if they’d sell it to us and punch our cards, but no. They claimed they were out and shooed us away to wait outside in the cold (if you remember, it was REALLY cold that night) for another $20 uber to come. It was a waste of $40ish round trip and of our time, and they were really, really rude about it.

OK, rant over.

The nog: So D&T’s thing is beer, so this nog is a coffee stout with a sweet nog mix. It was very creamy and all of ours tasted differently (two different batches; one heavy on the beer). We also think two different beers were used. It’s not my thing — way too creamy and beery, but my friends really liked it! I actually ended up topping off all theirs with mine. Sharing is caring. In summary, D&T will, yet again, end up on the naughty side of my nog list — no need to check it twice.

Current standings:

1. Down House’s frozen, dairy-free masterpiece.
2. Johnny’s Gold Brick’s nutty concoction
3. Lei Low’s lil coquito
4. Eight Row Flint’s rum surprise
5. Coltivare’s pricey pour
6. Edison and Patten’s pretty libation
7. D&T’s dud