Eggnog

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This article is about the milk-based beverage. For the Melvins album, see Eggnog (album).

Eggnog (or egg nog) is a type of milk-based beverage popular in North America (and to a lesser extent in the UK) during the winter holidays and possibly derived from posset (a medieval European beverage made with hot milk).

Contents 1 History 2 Ingredients 3 Significance 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

History

The origins, etymology, and even the ingredients used to make the original eggnog drink, are a matter of some debate.

It is believed that eggnog, or a very similar drink, originated in East Anglia, England. An article^[1] by Nanna Rognvaldardottir, an Icelandic food expert, states that the drink adopted the "nog" part of its name from the word "noggin," a middle English phrase used to describe the strong ale, with which it was sometimes mixed. Another name for this English drink was "Egg flip".

The ingredients for the drink were too expensive and uncommon for the lower classes, but it was popular among the aristocracy. "You have to remember, the average Londoner rarely saw a glass of milk," says author and historian James Humes ("To Humes It May Concern", July 1997). "There was no refrigeration, and the farms belonged to the big estates. Those who could get milk and eggs to make eggnog mixed it with brandy or Madeira or even sherry."^[2]

By the 1800s, the drink had crossed the Atlantic and arrived in America. Instead of fortifying eggnog with heavily taxed brandy or wines, rum was used. Rum was easily and cost-effectively traded through Triangular Trade from the Caribbean. The inexpensive liquor coupled with plentiful farm and dairy products helped the drink become very popular in America.^[3]

Ingredients

Modern eggnog typically consists of milk, eggs, and sugar mixed together, and may be served with or without added spirits. Other ingredients include spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice. Frequently cream is substituted for some portion of the milk, which makes a much richer drink. Toppings may include vanilla ice cream, eggnog flavored ice cream, or whipped cream.

Eggnog can be produced from homemade recipes, however, ready-made eggnog containing alcohol and "just-add-alcohol" versions are available for purchase. Whiskey, rum, brandy, or cognac are often added. Since the 1960s, eggnog has been served cold and without alcohol, both of which are significant departures from its historical origins. In North America, a few soymilk manufacturers offer seasonally-available, soy-based alternatives for vegans and those with dairy or milk allergies. Eggnog may be added as a flavouring to food or other drinks.

Significance

Eggnog is typically served as a Christmas drink or during New Year's Eve. Thanksgiving falls at the beginning of the season eggnog is typically consumed. Historically, it has been a winter beverage not specifically associated with any holiday.

References

1. ^ Rognvaldardottir, Nanna; Linda Stradley. History of Eggnog. What's Cooking America. Retrieved on 2006-12-16.
2. ^ Robinson, Oliver (2006-12-15). Bottoms Up: Eggnog. that's Beijing Magazine and Blogs. True Run Media. Retrieved on 2006-12-16.
3. ^ Block, Stephen. The History of Egg Nog. Food History. The Kitchen Project. Retrieved on 2006-12-16.

See also

• Advocaat
• Zabaglione
• Coquito
• Eierpunsch

External links

• Rompope Recipe — A Mexican Eggnog
• International eggnog recipes