If you think about it, eggnog is kind of strange. The mixture of milk, cream, spices, often booze (and often a lot of it)—plus the namesake (raw) eggs—is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
The History of Eggnog
Although (like nearly everything) its origins are up for debate, most agree it originated as a Medieval British drink called a “posset.” Posset is a mix of milk and ale, served hot. Later, add ins (by, some say, monks) included eggs and figs. Later on, somebody added sherry, which was an expensive and rare ingredient in Europe at the time, as were eggs and milk. Eggnog therefore became a drink used to toast to health and prosperity.
How did Eggnog Makes Its Way to America?
How it became an American staple is also murky, but it is believed it arrived with the earliest settlers. Even the name is something of a mystery, with some saying it comes from “noggin” (or wooden cup). Another claims it comes from “nog”, strong beer in Old English. At some point (probably in the late 17th century) the term eggnog (with slight variations in spelling) became the norm.
In America, the alcohol switched to rum from the Caribbean, which was less expensive than other liquors at the time. Because milk and eggs were easy to come by, the rum-spiked mixture became popular for all classes of people. (Regional variations resulted in the swapping in of, for instance, whiskey in the South.)
Which U.S. President Indulged in Eggnog?
George Washington himself was said to have his own particular brew that contained a hangover-inducing mix of sherry, rum, rye, and brandy. Some (including Washington) recommend aging the eggnog for a couple of days or even a couple of weeks in the refrigerator (okay, Washington just said a cool place) before serving.
Over time, eggnog became both warm and cold. It’s best fresh, of course, with whichever mix of alcohol—or use none—you prefer and at whichever temperature you enjoy.
You can even turn it into a dessert, as in our delicious Eggnog Pudding Shots.
Story by Stephen Treffinger / Photo by Tatiana Goskova
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