Some may be a little put off by the texture of this creamy (and somewhat lumpy, depending on who you ask) drink and find themselves hesitant to try it. So how exactly did eggnog become so popular? We’ll give you all the frothy details on this sweet holiday staple. Who knows? If you haven’t tried eggnog before, you may be eager to give it a sip this season. To really appreciate this Christmas drink, however, it is advised to make eggnog from scratch rather than buy the premade kind. Homemade eggnog has a much better texture and flavor. Plus, you can play around with the spices, thickness and temperature to make it to your liking. Centuries before, eggnog was primarily enjoyed only by the wealthy since the ingredients were so expensive back then. Nowadays, the ingredients are much more accessible, so why not take advantage?
What Is Eggnog?
Traditional eggnog is a dessert-like drink that is made up of raw eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla bean. You can also add alcohol like brandy, rum, bourbon or whiskey to turn it up a notch. What makes this drink so special is the thick creamy texture that is somewhere between a custard and melted ice cream. With the sweet flavor from the sugar and the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, it will feel like you are sipping on dessert. You may want to grab a glass of water to have with this drink though—there are no thirst-quenching capabilities with eggnog! Although you can purchase ready-made eggnog out of the carton, making it from scratch will give you even better flavor. Just watch how much you partake of, though. This drink is packed full of calories. One small glass can contain as many as 400 calories!
Where Did Eggnog Originate?
It is most likely that eggnog originated in Britain. What started out as a drink called “posset” evolved into what we know as eggnog today. Posset was a hot sweetened and spiced milk that was combined with ale or wine. In Britain, they enjoyed this drink as far back as the 13th century. Later, eggs and figs were also added to the drink. By the 17th century, Britain made eggnog a Christmas tradition by toasting to the new season with it. It made its way to the U.S. in the 19th century and has been a Christmas tradition ever since.
How To Make Eggnog
To make basic eggnog, you begin by separating the egg yolks from the whites. First, you whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl to create a natural thickener. Then, you add the milk, cream and spices. Finally, the egg whites are whipped into peaks and folded into the mixture. It’s up to you if you want to add any alcohol. Some people like to heat the milk mixture before adding the eggs which gives the eggnog a more custard-like texture. It is served either hot or cold and is great in a punch bowl or served in individual small glasses.
How Did Eggnog Get Its Name?
It’s interesting that such a sweet and decadent beverage received the name “eggnog”—for many, a drink with the name “egg” in it does not sound appealing. Why couldn’t it be called creamy spiked cinnamon milk? Why highlight the fact that it is made with raw eggs? There are a couple of different theories on how eggnog got its name. First, the original posset was served in noggins which were small wooden cups. So, it is thought that the egg drink in a noggin was shortened to eggnog. Second, “grog” was a name used in colonial North America to describe a thick drink. It may have been called “egg ’n grog” at first and then shortened to eggnog.
Why Is Eggnog a Christmas Drink?
Eggnog was mostly likely saved as a luxury for the Christmas season. We tend to enjoy all kinds of sweets when the weather gets cold. Maybe we need the extra calories to keep warm? One thing is for sure, it wouldn’t sound appealing to drink a thick and sweet beverage on a warm day! It is also likely that the spices of nutmeg and cinnamon are reminiscent of the Christmas holiday, which made it a popular party drink.
Why Isn’t Eggnog Sold Year-Round?
There is a good reason that ready-made eggnog is not sold year-round—it doesn’t sell. Those who like to drink it during the holiday season most likely don’t want that sweet sipper at other times of the year. When the holidays are over, the traditional drink gets forgotten. However, if you are a true eggnog connoisseur, you can make it from scratch whenever you want.
Is Eggnog Safe To Drink?
Since eggnog contains raw eggs, many people wonder if eggnog is safe to drink. After all, haven’t we been told that consuming raw eggs could give us salmonella poisoning? According to Cleveland Clinic, as long as you use pasteurized eggs in the shell, it is safe to drink. The pasteurizing process is what kills off the bacteria that can cause salmonella. Eggs that are in the shell go through a pasteurizing process that gently heats up the eggs without cooking them. It is enough to kill off any bacteria. So, as long as you purchase eggs that are labeled pasteurized, you won’t have a problem with safety. If you purchase liquid eggs or eggnog in a carton, those have been pasteurized as well. Next up, 30+ best Christmas cocktails!
