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Christmas is a day for family and friends to come together, eat, talk, and play to their hearts’ desire. With that in mind, we all know that gifts aren’t the only thing to look forward to. Turkey, lamb, cranberry sauce, fried chicken, and even seafood might appear on your dinner plate. But there’s one more thing, a drink in particular, that weighs on people’s minds. And that beverage is eggnog.
Eggnog has a reputation for being too thick, too bitter, and too nasty, but it seems that there’s a divide of opinions. The older generation loves eggnog, and there’s very few in the younger generation that can appreciate the taste. So why has eggnog been a holiday drink throughout the generations when there’s such a divide? Does it have anything to do with people’s tastes at all? Let’s find out and explore the history of eggnog together. |
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Eggnog originated from early medieval Britain (13th-14th century) and was called “posset”. Like modern eggnog, it had a thick, milky taste. However, because eggs, milk, and sherry (wine instead of rum) were only accessible to the wealthy, not many middle class families could enjoy it. It’s also said that 13th century monks drank posset with figs and eggs. Eggnog back then was used in toasts to prosperity and good health.
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The thinking behind the naming of eggnog isn’t clear. Some people say that the nog part comes from “nogging”, which means wooden cup, and others believe that the name comes from “grog”, which was a very strong beer. But since the 18th century, it hasn’t been called “posset”, but eggnog.
In the 1700s, eggnog was made a staple drink for the holidays when American colonies were practically all farms. Of course, eggs and milk were easier for the general public to access. There was also cheaper rum. Mexico also had their “rompope” and Puerto Rico added coconut milk and made their “coquito”. Even George Washington made his own recipe:
“One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, 1/2 pint rye whiskey, 1/2 pint Jamaica rum, 1/4 pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.”
- from TIME magazine
In the 1700s, eggnog was made a staple drink for the holidays when American colonies were practically all farms. Of course, eggs and milk were easier for the general public to access. There was also cheaper rum. Mexico also had their “rompope” and Puerto Rico added coconut milk and made their “coquito”. Even George Washington made his own recipe:
“One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, 1/2 pint rye whiskey, 1/2 pint Jamaica rum, 1/4 pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.”
- from TIME magazine
Eggnog has deep roots in basic American culture, and not just “United States of America” American culture. It’s a drink that has captured the hearts of people across centuries and been savored by the rich, the poor, and the bourgeoisie. Eggnog’s history of wishing goodwill on those who share it and its ability to warm and soothe the hearts of families during the holidays makes it hard to dislike. So even though you may not like the taste, you can still appreciate the sentiment. And that’s why Eggnog has been known as the holiday drink throughout the centuries.
PEYTON HENDERSON-HOWELL
