For us, one of the best parts of the holidays is Eggnog. Sipping a glass of eggnog amongst family and friends is a tradition of which many of us are fond. Whether it’s homemade or a local favorite like Francovich Holiday Nog, we’re a big fan of this creamy dairy drink.
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a rich, chilled, sweetened dairy-based beverage. The holiday beverage is traditionally made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg. Our favorite holiday beverage also comes in two forms: family-friendly or adults-only. Typically, the adults-only version includes brandy, rum or whiskey.
The History of Eggnog
Whether you love it or hate it, Eggnog has been around since the 17th century, maybe longer.
Most historians trace eggnog back to posset in Britain’s medieval years. Posset was a hot drink made of milk curdled with ale or wine, sweetened and spiced. Posset was often more popular in the upper classes due to the cost of milk, eggs, and sherry and because of this, it was also used to toast to good health and prosperity.
Fast forward a few decades and the beverage made its way to the American colonies where farms (for the eggs and milk) were aplenty—even George Washington had his own recipe! It was also around this time that eggnog became associated with the holidays.
While the mystery of where the name eggnog actually originated continues—there are thoughts that it might connect to nog, the term for the wooden mugs often used to serve drinks like posset, and the egg nature of the beverage—Americans’ love for the drink is pretty evident with over 135 million pounds of eggnog consumed in the US every year.
Nowadays, there are a variety of takes on the eggnog beverage and many that are not synonymous with alcohol. From the premade eggnog at the grocery store to homemade, traditional to flavored, coffee to dessert treats and more, the festive beverage is a staple this time of year.
So, fill a glass with the eggnog of your choice and cheers to good health and prosperity this holiday season. Cheers!
