History of Christmas Recipes: Eggnog

posted in: Christmas, Holidays | 0

Eggnogg is a popular Christmas drink.

But, how did it originate?

By the late 13th Century, monks were known to drink a posset of eggs and figs. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, posset was “a drink made of hot milk curdled with ale, wine, or the like, often sweetened and spiced.”

Milk, eggs and sherry were foods that the wealthy used.

Eggnog was used as a toasts to prosperity and good health.

Eggnog first came to America sometime during the 18th Century.

Records show that the first US President, George Washington, “…served an eggnog-like drink to visitors” which included “…rye whiskey, rum, and sherry.”

The drink became so popular that in 1826, Colonel Thayer, the head of West Point forbid the consumption, purchase and storage of alcohol at West Point. The students would sneak off to drink the substance and Col. Thayer sent officers to find them. This led to nineteen cadets being expelled.

The history of the name remains a mystery. “Some say “nog” comes from “noggin,” meaning a wooden cup, or “grog,” a strong beer. By the late 18th century, the combined term “eggnog” stuck.”

References are made in the 1795-1797 editions of Isaac Weld’s Travel books. He wrote “The American travelers, before they pursued their journey, took a hearty draught each, according to custom, of egg-nog, a mixture composed of new milk, eggs, rum, and sugar, beat up together…”

The popularity of the drink continued to expand to Mexico and Puerto Rico, who have drinks that are similar to eggnog.

But, drink responsibly. Not just to watch the alochol content, but the 400+ calories that can be found in a glass.

There are numerous recipes and flavorings for eggnog that are available. What is your favorite way to drink eggnog?

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