‘Tis the season for laughter and holiday cheer, and no Christmas celebration is complete without a frothy glass of delicious eggnog. This velvety concoction has been a staple of holiday indulgence for ages in the United States, effortlessly bringing warmth and cheer to our hearts. Join us on a whimsical journey as we delve into the fascinating origins of this festive treat that has become synonymous with Christmas. Discover the captivating tale of how eggnog evolved into the beloved drink it is today!

A Historic Yule Tale

Eggnog’s rich history can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was known as posset – a hot, spiced beverage enjoyed during winter festivities. The primary ingredients of this early version included eggs, milk, and a generous pour of ale or wine. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the potent spirit known as “noggin” (a measure of alcohol) made its way into the mix, bestowing the beloved drink with its familiar name.

A Drink for the Elite

During the 17th and 18th centuries, eggnog found favor with the aristocracy and was considered a beverage of luxury. In the American colonies, eggnog became popular among the wealthy people who could afford the expensive and rare ingredients. They would often add spirits such as brandy or rum to enhance the flavor and provide an extra kick. Interestingly, rum acted as a preservative, allowing eggnog to be stored for extended periods, resulting in developing a mellower taste.!

A Toast to Freedom

Eggnog became closely associated with vibrant celebrations, especially during the holiday season. In fact, the duality of eggnog as a festive beverage and social lubricant can be traced back to the American Revolutionary period. At this time, it was consumed in large quantities to mark the holidays, as well as to toast the country’s newfound independence.

Traditions and Variations

As eggnog gained popularity, distinct regional variations began to emerge, making it all the more intriguing and delightful. In England, the lavish drink was traditionally served in a special mug known as a “wassail bowl.” In Puerto Rico, a tropical twist dubbed Coquito includes ingredients such as coconut milk, condensed milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Each variation adds its own unique flair to the festive season, solidifying eggnog as a truly global phenomenon. If you’re looking for some eggnog cocktails, make sure to check out our Eggnog Martini or our Spiced Eggnog Martini!

A Timeless Tradition

As years passed, eggnog became firmly rooted in the fabric of Christmas celebrations. Families began incorporating their personal touches, serving it with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, or even opting for a non-alcoholic version so that children could indulge in this yuletide treat. Today, eggnog remains a cherished tradition, a nostalgic sip that invokes feelings of comfort, joy, and holiday cheer.

🥚 Eggnog 🥚

This recipe will get you 1 liter of Eggnog

• 250 ml Heavy Whipping Cream
• 500 ml Milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 120 ml Brandy
• 100 grams Granulated Sugar
• ½ Tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg
• ¼ Tsp Vanilla Extract
• ¼ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

1. Whisk the sugar and egg yolks in a mixing bowl until creamy.
2. Combine the whipping cream, milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a slight simmer on medium-high heat. Make sure to keep stirring.
3. Little by little, add the cream and milk mixture to the egg and sugar mixture while constantly whisking so you are tempering the eggs, not cooking them!
4. Once everything is combined, add the mixture back into the saucepan and on the stove.
5. Keep stirring until the mixture reaches 70 degrees Celsius. It’ll thicken more once it’s cooled down.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and the alcohol.
7. Once everything is stirred in, pour your mixture through a sieve in a bottle or container.
8. Place your eggnog in the fridge and wait until it’s fully cooled down.
9. If you prefer your eggnog to be a little thinner, you can add a little bit of milk and put everything in a blender until you reach the desired consistency.
10. Serve your eggnog with a cinnamon stick or some freshly ground nutmeg.
11. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. But we’re pretty sure, it’ll be gone by then! 😉
12. Enjoy!