Sick of king cake? 9 new ways to experience it in Pensacola, from cocktails to cannoli
With Mardi Gras now in full swing, it’s likely you’ve already gotten your hands on a coveted king cake. But if you’re burnt out on the bakery delicacy and are looking for a new way to experience the warm, comforting king cake flavors of cinnamon and sugar, Pensacola is getting creative with new ways to experience them, ranging from coffee and cocktails to cheesecake and cannoli.
King Cake inspired cocktails
King Cake Bushwacker
Where to go: McGuire’s Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St.
What to try: King Cake Bushwacker, King Cake Cold Brew Martini
Here's why: There are few things that are more iconic in Pensacola than McGuire’s and bushwackers. With this special limited-edition King Cake Bushwacker, you get to experience the best of both. If you’re looking for something with a little bit of a caffeine kick and a lot of class, opt for McGuire's signature King Cake Cold Brew Martini instead.
King Cake Cocktail
Where to go: Flora-Bama Yacht Club, 17350 Perdido Key Drive
What to try: King Cake Cocktail
Here's why: While the Flora-Bama Lounge is known as the place to party, the Flora-Bama Yacht Club across the street is the place to go for waterfront dining. This rum-based creamy cocktail comes on the rocks and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and festive Mardi Gras sprinkles. On a warm day, it's a slice of paradise!
King Cake Freeze
Where to go: Calvert’s in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway
What to try: King Cake Freeze
Here's why: If you’re looking for a cool, sweet treat, Calvert’s has a Mardi Gras special flowing from their frozen drink machines. The signature King Cake Freeze comes creamy and chilled with whipped cream and festive Mardi Gras sprinkles.
King cake inspired coffees
Mardi Gras Macchiato
Where to go: Bagelheads, 916 E. Gregory St.
What to try: Mardi Gras Macchiato
Here's why: Not only does Bagelheads bring homemade bagels and handcrafted sandwiches, but also a line of specialty coffee beverages. The multi-colored Mardi Gras Macchiato is a seasonal stand-out and is layered with vanilla syrup, milk, espresso, and green, yellow and purple caramel drizzle on top to give the Mardi Gras colors.
King cake cold brew
Where to go: Mrs. Jones Cold Brew, 1449 Nine Mile Road
What to try: King Cake cold brew
Here's why: Mrs. Jones Founder Stephanie Jones is Pensacola’s queen of cold brew, and has built a reputation off of creating a line of indulgent cold brew flavors, like crème brulee and cookies and cream, using only flavoring extracts, no sweeteners or preservatives. For Mardi Gras season, she has taken her skills to the next level in creating a seasonal king cake version. You can either order a handcrafted king cake cold brew latte at her shop or buy a bottle of Mrs. Jones’ King Cake Elixir home to make your own at home. If you just can't decide on a flavor, the king cake flavor is included in the current lineup for her rotating fancy cold brew flight.
King Cake Velvet Ice
Where to go: PJ’s Coffee, 85 W. Airport Blvd.
What to try: King Cake Velvet Ice
Here's why: It’s no surprise that New Orleans-based franchise PJ’s Coffee goes all out for Mardi Gras. Not only do they sell king cakes in the café but have rolled out a line of special edition coffees that feature the king cake flavor. One of their most popular is the special, frozen-blended velvet ice with a creamy milkshake-like texture and a kick of caffeine. Don't miss out on the Mardi Gras version, made with hints of vanilla and cinnamon with topped with purple sprinkles.
King Cake inspired desserts
King cake cannoli
Where to go: Adonna’s Garden St. Café and Bakery, 811 W. Garden St.
What to try: King cake cannoli, king cake ooey gooey bars, king cake macarons and more.
Here's why: Adonna’s Cafe is filled to the brim with charm with and features fresh-baked goods, all-day breakfast, sandwiches and salads. Not only does Adonna's make their king cakes homemade, but they have also mastered the craft of infusing the beloved king cake flavors into their classic baked goods. If you’ve never had a king cake cannoli, now's your chance.
King cake ice cream
Where to go: Fannie Lou’s Ice Cream, 3101 E. Cervantes St.
What to try: King cake ice cream, king cake sundaes, king cake ice cream pie
Here's why: This East Pensacola Heights sweet shop is full of ice cream flavors that remind you of the real thing, from ooey gooey coconut caramel pecan pie to creamy banana pudding. The king cake flavor that owner Gary Rhodes crafted is especially impressive. If you want to take your king cake ice cream to the next level, you can opt for the king cake sundae special, served over a bed of king cake and topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and seasonal sprinkles. If a scoop just isn’t enough, you can order a king cake ice cream pie to share.
King cake cheesecake minis
Where to go: Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Shoppe, 236 W. Garden St. Suite 2 A
What to try: King cake cheesecake minis
Here's why: Chrisoula's brings all the creamy, buttery notes of a slice of king cake but in a miniature cheesecake topped with glittering purple, green and yellow sprinkles. While the small size allows the treat to be finished in a few quick bites, the rich, mini cheesecake is just enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. And the perfect excuse to go back for more before the season ends.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: King cake in Pensacola: 9 places that got creative this Mardi Gras season
