Golden Bite Latte
Almond Bite offers a way to get creative with seasonal cocktails.
EAT
A Toast to Animal Lovers
Indiana’s first vegan liqueur adds nuttiness to winter eats
When Eric Stam’s family farm received a Hoosier Homestead Award at the 2015 Indiana State Fair, it recognized that they have tended the same agricultural land for over 150 years. His family has owned its Brownstown farm since the Civil War. But the award signaled more than a milestone—it also marked a turning point in the life of the farm.
“The idea was, ‘What’s going to be the next generation of the farm? It’s up to me to take ownership of that.’ So, we started thinking about starting a distillery,” Stam says.
That’s when he created Almond Bite Liqueur, one of the very first dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan cream liqueurs on the market. As co-founder and CEO, Stam leads a team of fellow born-and-raised Hoosiers dedicated to serving their community and producing an almond-milk-based liqueur in their home state. This holiday season, he’s sharing how to blend this local liqueur into your family food traditions.
SUGAR COOKIE SIPS
Almond Bite starts with a corn-based vodka, which makes the liqueur gluten-free and easily mixable. Blended with almond milk and vanilla, the liqueur has a light texture and a smooth mouthfeel. The light almond and vanilla flavors meld with a hint of sweetness for a warming sip that tastes like a sugar cookie.
As well as being vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free, Almond Bite represents a more healthful alternative to traditional cream liqueurs. Lab-tested nutritional information indicates that Almond Bite has less than half the calories, sugar and carbs of whole-milk cream liqueurs—with just as much alcohol.
MIX IT UP
As a versatile dairy-free liqueur, Almond Bite can add a new twist to mixed drinks and recipes. Just substitute in any recipe that calls for milk or cream liqueur.
The sweet vanilla and almond milk liqueur pairs well with the warming flavors of the winter season, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin spice. It swirls easily into coffee, homemade eggnog (see recipe on page 13 for vegan substitute), tea and hot chocolate.
“For simple family recipes like these, you can use Almond Bite instead and create a new tradition,” Stam says. He and his team know that Almond Bite is untraditional, but that’s exactly what they want.
“There are only several other companies in the world doing something like this,” he says. “We’re pretty proud of that, but we’re very different.”
From seasonal cocktails to home-baked goods, Almond Bite offers a way to get creative with classic family favorites. Pick it up at your local liquor store or try it in a mixed drink at your favorite restaurant or bar. “If you don’t see it at your local liquor store or restaurant, simply ask for it,” Stam says. Head to AlmondBite.com to find additional recipes and locations to purchase.
Madeline Crozier is a freelance writer and student based in Chicago. An Indianapolis native, she attends DePaul University as a graduate student in the Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse program.
RECIPES (see sidebar or below)
Almond Bite and Edible Indy teamed up with Sous Chefs Eli Laidlaw and Erica Oakley of Plat 99 located in The Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis to bring together the winter flavors in both cocktail and pastry form. Impress guests by making these recipes or treat yourself with a trip to Plat 99, where these are on the winter menu.
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As a versatile dairy-free liqueur, Almond Bite can add a new twist to holiday recipes. Just substitute in any recipe that calls for milk or cream liqueur.