For a lot of people Christmas Eve just got better because National Eggnog Day falls on December 24th. You know, the drink that is only available in stores during the holiday season? Eggnog is a sweet beverage made from Milk, Sugar, Spices, Cream, and Eggs. Eggnog has been enjoyed by families a day before Christmas for centuries now.
Now the question is do you like Eggnog because I don’t. As for Charlie he hasn’t ever had Eggnog. Before you ask what about David I don’t know if he likes it or not. Since Liquor is optional for those who want to get more festive David might at least be willing to try Eggnog if he hasn’t in the past.
Eggnog, is also known as Egg Milk Punch when prepared as an alcoholic drink, is a rich and creamy dairy beverage basically made by mixing Cream, Milk, Sugar, and Whipped Eggs to create a frothy texture. Once prepared, the drink is served chilled.
The origins of this sweet Christmas drink are highly debated, as well as the primary ingredients used for Eggnog. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word ‘Nog’ was used to describe a type of strong Beer brewed in East Anglia, England. Others argue that Eggnog was developed as a beverage in Medieval Europe, using piping hot Milk.
The first time the term was printed was in the March 26 issue of the “New-Jersey Journal” in 1788, referring to a man enjoying a glass of Eggnog. Again, there is no consensus on how Eggnog got its name. One theory suggests that the drink was first named ‘Grog’, eventually evolving to ‘Eggnog.’
Other sources claim that ‘Nog’ was used in the Old English vocabulary for a strong Ale. So, essentially, this means that Egg and Nog is a nod to any drink containing Eggs and Alcohol. Eggnog could possibly also have been a spin-off of the once-popular drink enjoyed by the British called Posset made using curdled Milk mixed with Wine, it was often used for medicinal purposes. Later, in the 16th Century, Cream and a Citrus base were added to the ingredients.
National Eggnog Day Activities
- Christmas is pretty much the only occasion when people indulge in Eggnog. Gather your friends and family and treat yourself to this deliciously sweet drink.
- If drinking Eggnog is not your thing, you can always enjoy its unique flavor in Ice Cream or even bake a batch of Eggnog Cookies.
- Join thousands of other people in enjoying National Eggnog Day and don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalEggnogDay
Egg-cellent Facts About Eggnog
- George Washington loved to prepare and serve Eggnog and his personal recipe is now a permanent sensation.
- Starbucks removed an Eggnog Latte from their holiday menu, it resulted in a backlash and countless complaints.
- The Puerto Ricans’ version of the Eggnog is ‘Coquito’ which is prepared with Cinnamon, Coconut Milk, Rum, and sometimes whipped Egg Yolks.
- =As part of his goofy Christmas traditions, David Letterman liked using Eggnog in some of his features.
- According to Indiana University’s statistics, Americans consume over 135 million pounds of Eggnog annually.
Why People Love National Eggnog Day
- Christmas Eve gets all the attention, being the night before Christmas Day but we love how National Eggnog Day shines a light on one of the best parts of Christmas Eve itself Eggnog!
- When you think about it, Eggnog is quite a unique blend. It is neither a Smoothie nor a Milkshake or Powdered Drink. It is a totally unique beverage with many ways to enjoy it, and we love it!
- t’s the little things like Eggnog that all contribute to making Christmas the joyous occasion it is. Appreciating these little things preserves tradition and keeps it going for future generations to come.
Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients
Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 12 egg yolks
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 4 cups light cream
- 2 ½ cups light rum (Optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Combine milk, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cloves in a saucepan over the lowest heat setting; stir and heat for 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-low and slowly bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.
- Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl until light yellow in color. Add sugar and whisk until light and fluffy.
- Pour some of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Continue adding hot milk and whisking to combine until all milk is incorporated.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 3 minutes; do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Strain to remove cloves and let cool for about 1 hour, then stir in cream, rum, remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate before serving, 8 hours to overnight.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
