holidays
Tasty tidbits about eggnog
from Metro Creative
Eggnog is a rich and delicious beverage that has become synonymous with the most festive time of year . This milk- and egg-based concoction is tasty on its own , or it can be dressed up with other flavors and spiked with a favorite spirit when celebrating the holiday season with other adult partygoers .
December is National Eggnog Month , and December 24 is National Eggnog Day . There is no more perfect time of year to learn everything you can about eggnog — all the while sipping a cup of this creamy concoction . Indulge in these festive facts about the beverage , courtesy of Mental Floss , The Fact Site and Tastemade .
• Eggnog likely originated in the medieval period and was known as “ posset ,” a hot , milk-based drink made of spices and wine . Even though posset could be a cocktail , it also was used as a remedy for colds and flu for its soothing properties .
• Milk , eggs and sherry used in the early recipes were difficult to come by , so when eggnog first appeared it was a drink only the wealthy could enjoy . That changed when eggnog was popularized in the American colonies , where dairy products and liquor were more readily available .
• Entymologists believe “ eggnog ” stems from the word “ noggin ,” which refers to small wooden mugs often used to serve strong ale , known by the slang word “ nog .”
• In the Medieval period , it was risky to drink milk straight because it wasn ’ t pasteurized . Eggnog contained alcohol so that it would kill off any harmful bacteria in the milk .
• A typical homemade version of eggnog has roughly one egg per serving . However , commercial eggnog is regulated by the FDA and can only contain 1 percent of the product ’ s final weight in egg yolk solids . That stems from fear of raw egg and salmonella .
• President George Washington apparently enjoyed serving eggnog at Christmas , and even had his own special recipe ( see opposite page ), according to the Old Farmer ’ s Almanac .
• There is no right or wrong alcohol to use when preparing eggnog . Distilled spirits like rum , sherry , cognac , and whiskey all have produced suitable eggnogs .
• Puerto Rican coquito is a traditional drink that is very similar to eggnog .
• Individuals concerned about eggs or milk in eggnog can enjoy a vegan recipe made from nut milk instead .
Commercially produced vegan eggnog offerings are now more widely available .
• One of the more notable flavors in eggnog comes from the use of nutmeg . Nutmeg is a fragrant spice made from grinding the seed of the nutmeg tree .
Now that you ’ ve learned about eggnog , whip up a batch of George Washington ’ s original recipe this holiday season . n
46 Valdosta Scene | December 2023