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No Holiday Party In 2023 Is Complete Without A Shrimp Tree

Author Phil Harris
Properly cooked shrimp is the main ingredient in a festive holiday shrimp tree. (Photo by rez-art/iStock via Getty Images)

I had you at “shrimp tree,” didn’t I? Okay, here’s the deal: I stumbled upon a story on Eater about a vintage 1970s-style holiday party food. Apparently, along with fondue, Quaaludes, and key parties, shrimp trees were also a thing back in the swinging ’70s.

While it may have been popular fifty years ago, this retro appetizer appears to be making a bit of a comeback this holiday season. A shrimp tree is an edible Christmas tree-shaped display made of cooked shrimp, greenery, toothpicks, and Styrofoam. Oh, and a little cocktail sauce on the side. Think of it as a vertical party platter or minimalist seafood tower. As a buffet table centerpiece, it’s quite the showstopper. Mostly because it’s so weird.

Are you intrigued enough to learn more and try making a shrimp tree of your own? A recent how-to video by private chef and content creator Meredith Hayden, in partnership with the fashion brand Tory Burch, has over 10.4 million views on TikTok. You can see it below.

It seems like this is something that could be done with a lot of foods. Why not a charcuterie tree with cheese, olives, cured meats, and those little pickles? That would definitely be a hit with your guests. What kind of food tree would you like to see at your next holiday party?

@wishbonekitchen

Replying to @Gwyneth • グウェネス shrimp tree tutorial 🦐🎄🎁

♬ original sound - wishbonekitchen

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

Study Says This Is North Carolina's Favorite Holiday Cocktail, I've Personally Never Tried It

I was just discussing a trip to a holiday pop-up bar when this study from our friends at Tasting Table, came through my email about each state’s favorite holiday cocktail. With social media playing such an integral role in our society these days holiday-themed bars (and the content they can produce) are ever growing in popularity. I tried to go to one a few weeks ago but there was a two-hour wait on a Friday night. But did hop to one we were able to get in. There I enjoyed two different cocktails including a tropical version of an aperol spritz, as well as a holiday mezcal-based margarita.

With these types of places dominating the scene, there are certainly numerous creative holiday cocktails to try. And as much as I’d like I can’t try them all. At home, my go-to favorite holiday cocktail is your basic egg nog, though I also love some spiked hot cider. Or a cranberry mule. But no drink I’ve referenced yet took the title of North Carolina’s favorite holiday cocktail. And actually, it was one I had never heard of!

Nationwide the top choice was a Poinsettia Cocktail, another drink I’m not familiar with. But North Carolina chose a different holiday cocktail for its holiday spirit. NC’s libation of choice? A Coquito. This sounds like something I am not familiar with, but should be. According to Tasting Table, the coquito is a “creamy, coconut-y rum concoction topped with cinnamon and nutmeg.” Umm yes please I’d like to try now!

I’m letting all of these serve as inspiration for my holidays (though on Christmas my family tends to stick with wine). Keep reading to see NC’s top 6 most popular holiday cocktails. Including those that I am more familiar with. Thanks to our friends at Tasting Table for sharing their research with us. You can read their full study here.

 

  • 1. Coquito

    @jessicaviviano

    Easy Coquito Recipe: Bring to a boil: 2 cups water 2 cinnamon sticks A tiny handful of star anise and cloves - once boiling, strain and set to the side. In a large pot: 2 cans coconut milk 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 2 cans evaporated milk 2 tsp vanilla extract whisk til thin - add in cinnamon water Let cool ….add 2 cups white or spiced rum. Bottle with cinnamon stick garnish and gift to friends and fam. Store in fridge. Shake well before serving. #coquito #drinkrecipe #cocktails #holidaycocktail #wintercocktails2022 #bartendersoftiktok #puertorico #puertorican Add two

    ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco

    Want to make NC’s favorite holiday cocktail at home? Try this recipe!

  • 2. Poinsettia Cocktial

    Boozy Holiday Cranberry Champagne Poinsettia Cocktail with Rosemary

    Requiring just three ingredients the poinsettia cocktail is both easy and cost effective to make. You’ll need just champagne, triple sec, and cranberry juice. Want to feel even more festive? Splurge on the garnish. I’ve tried my fair share of cranberry mimosas, but will definitely be trying this one as well.

  • 3. Eggnog

    Homemade vanilla Christmas drink Eggnog in glass with grated nutmeg and cinnamon sticks on gray stone background.

    Nothing says the holidays like eggnog in moose mugs watching Christmas Vacation. You don’t even need a recipe just grab some eggnog at the store and spike it with a bourbon of your choice! (Perhaps my plans for tonight?)

  • 4. Christmas Punch

    HOLIDAY PUNCH BOWL

    I feel like the term Christmas punch can encompass a number of holiday beverages. Possibly why it topped 8 states’ list nationwide. And in this list Tasting Table refers to a punch that can be anything your heart desires.

  • 5. Hot Butted Rum

    Hot Buttered Rum cocktail with whipped egg whites and a cinnamon stick.

    Definitely one of my favorite Christmas cocktails is hot buttered rum. This time of year what is better than a warm festive drink? While it can be made several ways the cocktail typically consists of rum, butter, cider, as well as a sweetener and spices.

  • 6. Mulled Cider

    Homemade Wassail Mulled Apple Cider with Lemon and Cinnamon

    Another cocktail served hot and another favorite, is mulled cider. It typically features apple cider, rum or bourbon, and a variety of spices.

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