What is eggnog? How you can make this popular festive drink this Christmas

Eggnog is one of the most beloved holiday beverages, especially popular during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Its creamy texture, rich flavor and festive spices make it the perfect drink to relax on a cool winter evening. But what exactly is eggnog, and why has it become a staple of Christmas traditions? Let’s explore the history of this iconic drink, its importance in holiday celebrations, and how you can make your own eggnog this Christmas.

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What is eggnog?

Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and spices, usually flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon. It is known for its smooth, custard-like consistency and its rich, sweet flavor. While eggnog is often served cold, it can also be enjoyed warm, and is often mixed with alcohol such as rum, bourbon or brandy to add additional festive flavor.

The drink has a long history, dating back to medieval Europe, where early versions of eggnog were enjoyed by the aristocracy. These early versions were often made with milk, eggs, and alcohol, but they were more akin to milk punch than the modern eggnog we know today. As the recipe evolved, eggnog became more sophisticated, especially in North America, where it gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Christmas tradition of eggnog

Eggnog’s association with Christmas likely comes from its rich, indulgent nature, making it the perfect drink for the holiday season. In the United States, it became a popular tradition during the colonial era, especially in New England. This drink was often served at Christmas parties, and its festive flavor and warming qualities made it ideal for the cold winter months.

In the early days, eggnog was consumed by the rich as its ingredients (milk, eggs and wine) were considered a luxury item. However, over time, it became a dish that could be enjoyed by families of all social classes. Today, eggnog is loved by people of all ages, although many prefer to serve non-alcohol versions for children and those who prefer to skip alcohol.

For many people, eggnog is a symbol of Christmas nostalgia, a drink that evokes images of cozy family gatherings, twinkling lights, and joyful holiday spirits. It’s a drink that brings people together, whether it’s enjoyed at a holiday dinner, a Christmas party, or simply on a quiet evening by the fireplace.

Read also: 17 Christmas Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Eggnog is widely enjoyed during the winter, especially at Christmas.
Photo Credit: iStock

How to Make Eggnog This Christmas Eggnog Recipe

Making eggnog at home is a fun and festive way to celebrate Christmas, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. While you can buy ready-made eggnog at most grocery stores during the holidays, homemade eggnog offers a richer, more personalized flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for classic eggnog that will impress your guests and make your holiday season even more special.

Material:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar (additional for sweetness)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup thick cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (additional for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup rum, bourbon, or brandy (optional)
a pinch of salt

Instruction:

Start by separating the egg yolks from the whites. In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is thick and light in color. This should take about 3 minutes.

Combine milk, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You don’t want to boil it, just heat it until it is hot but not bubbling.

Once the milk mixture is hot, slowly pour it into the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly. This process, called “tempering”, helps to gradually increase the temperature of the eggs.

Once the egg mixture is combined with the milk and cream, pour it back into the saucepan. Heat it on low flame while stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil, or the eggs may curdle.

Add the alcohol (optional): If you’re making alcoholic eggnog, add your rum, bourbon, or brandy now and stir well.

Once your eggnog has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, spoon the eggnog into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor of classic eggnog.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, drinking it by the fire, or sharing it with friends and family, eggnog adds a touch of festive cheer to any gathering. This Christmas, consider making your own homemade eggnog to make your holiday celebrations even more wonderful. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and warm spices, eggnog is sure to become a favorite in your holiday traditions. So, prepare your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and raise a glass of eggnog to celebrate the magic of Christmas!