For those who have been lucky enough to go, New Orleans is a food mecca. Iconic creations such as jambalaya, fried catfish and po’ boys are abundant amongst the multitude of restaurants, bars and corner cafes. There is one item that is synonymous to this region, that embodies both the French influence of the New Orleans culture and sheer indulgence: the beignet. Sweet, crunchy, yet fluffy, the beignet in some regards is one of the simpler varieties of fried pastries. Usually caked with enough powdered sugar to create a white dust cloud with every bite, they are messy yet simply delightful.

In honor of Mardi Gras, I recently attempted to create my own beignets, but with my own twist. How do you make a sweet pastry even tastier? One word: Glaze. I did not want to do just any glaze, however. In true Mardi Gras tradition, I wanted to indulge in sheer gluttony. So, I made beer glazes.

My two beer choices are very different styles, yet they brought the same level of flavor and contrast to the sweet, buttery flavor of a traditional glaze.

Style #1

Atlantic Brewing Company | Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale

ABV: 5.2%

 

Ingredients

1/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

3-4 Tbsp. Atlantic Brewing Company’s Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl until well blended.
2. Set aside for 10 minutes to let the glaze thicken before applying to the beignet (or doughnut)

*Note: I suggest adding an additional Tbsp. of blueberry ale if you desire a stronger blueberry flavor.

I found that with Atlantic’s blueberry ale, the glaze was thin and was perfect for dipping the beignet completely into the mixture until it was well-coated. Full of Maine’s delicious blueberries, the ale gives the glaze the perfect amount of berry punch without adding too much additional sweetness.

---

Style #2

Victory Brewing Company | Golden Monkey Belgian-Style Tripel

ABV: 9.5%

Ingredients

1/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

4 Tbsp. Victory Brewing Company’s Golden Monkey

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl until well blended.
2. Set aside for 10 minutes to let the glaze thicken before applying to the beignet (or doughnut)

Victory’s Golden Monkey created a thicker result, which I recommend applying to just the top of the pastry. With its hints of banana and clove, this tripel created a fuller, spicier flavor that was amplified by the melted butter’s creaminess.

Both styles of beer glazes were equally indulgent and tasty, so be sure to try each one. Enjoy!

---

Can't visit the site everyday like us? Bummer! No worries, we've got you covered. Submit your email below to receive our monthlyish newsletter on reviews, tours, events and more!

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human: