THIS WEEK: NOG UNLEASHED

No longer is eggnog held hostage by those tired old cardboard containers. The classic and calorie-laden Christmas beverage is getting creative makeovers at various spots around town. And that’s something to celebrate.

This classy seaside hideaway is taking eggnog to unprecedented heights: eggnog panna cotta with cranberry port wine reduction and lemon-poppy seed tuile and chocolate bread pudding with eggnog gelee in brown butter rum sauce. 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 458-6700.

Get sauced on sweet poached guavas smothered in a potent Mexican eggnog liqueur called rompope. At $3.99, the simple, relatively healthful dessert is an absolute steal. 4030 E. Gage Ave., Bell, (323) 773-1898

OCEAN & VINE RESTAURANT

CENADURIA LA CASITA MEXICANA

BENNETT’S ICE CREAM AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Christmastime means Bennett’s creamy eggnog ice cream, which can be parlayed into eggnog shakes or sundaes. Owner Scott Bennett recommends putting the shop’s famous homemade hot fudge over the fickle flavor. 6333 W. 3rd St., (323) 939-6786

LOLA’S

With over 50 varieties of martinis, Lola’s in WeHo is not to be outdone when it comes to mixing eggnog with hard alcohol. The resulting eggnog-tini -- eggnog and vodka -- doesn’t get points for creativity, but it’ll knock your socks off with its boozy Christmas cheer. 945 N. Fairfax Ave., (213) 736-5652

SUSIECAKES

This home-style bake shop makes a seasonal eggnog cheesecake that tests the boundaries of smoothness. Topped with rich sour cream, these holiday-flavored beauties sell for $4.95 for an individual-sized cake and $36 for a full-sized cake. 11708 San Vicente Blvd., (310) 422-2253

-- Jessica.G[email protected]