What Country Did Eggnog Originate From?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from

the early medieval Britain

“posset,” a hot, milky, ale-like drink. By the 13th century, monks were known to drink a posset with eggs and figs.

Is eggnog a northern or southern?

It’s

a Very Southern Drink

In the South, though, eggnog was a staple of both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. “Some people in the North consumed it,” Smith told Bravo TV. “But, historically it’s a Southern drink.”

Do they have eggnog in England?

Eggnog is a traditional ‘American’ drink but it started life in the

UK

as a kind of ‘posset’ (hot milk mixed with wine or ale and spices). ‘Posher’ possets were also drunk by the upper classes in the UK, where it was made with Sherry or Brandy rather than beer or ale. …

When did eggnog become a Christmas tradition?

The custom of toasting to the new season with this festive cocktail actually began during Britain’s early medieval years, and the drink later became popular in the American colonies by the 19th century. However, per TIME, eggnog has been associated with Christmas

since the 1700s

.

Why does eggnog have egg?

Eggnog at that time was very thick and mostly contained rum, which was a common alcoholic beverage in the colonies. When made in advance, and when made with eggs,

alcohol cures the raw eggs

, eliminating potentially harmful bacteria.

Why is eggnog bad for you?

But as with many holiday treats, eggnog—traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar—is loaded with calories, fat, and added sugars. And there’s an additional health concern with eggnog: If it’s made with raw eggs,

it can be a food-poisoning risk

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Does store bought eggnog have raw eggs?

The answer is that

most store-bought eggnog actually contains cooked eggs

— although not in the sense of being scrambled or fried. The pasteurization process heat-treats the mixture so that potentially harmful microorganisms (such as salmonella) are killed or reduced.

Why is eggnog only sold at Christmas?

Although associated with the holidays,

eggnog doesn’t need to be seasonal

. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don’t because it’s not cost-effective. … Manufacturers have noticed that the colder it is, the more eggnog people buy.

Why do we drink eggnog at Christmas?

Eggnog is believed to have descended from a drink called a “posset,” which consisted of hot curdled milk, ale or wine, and spices. … Eggnog was particularly popular around Christmastime

because of its warm temperature and the addition of flavors

, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean, that embodied the winter season.

What is the best eggnog in the world?

  • of 9. Best Organic Nog. …
  • of 9. Best Homestyle Taste. …
  • of 9. Horizon Organic Low Fat Eggnog. …
  • of 9. Tuscan Dairy Farms Holiday Egg Nog. …
  • of 9. Silk Soy Nog. …
  • of 9. M.W. Heron’s Southern Comfort Traditional Egg Nog. …
  • of 9. Ronnybrook Egg Nog. …
  • of 9.

Is eggnog an American thing?

The Online Etymology Dictionary states that the term “eggnog” is

an American term introduced in 1775

, consisting of the words “egg” and “nog”, with “nog” meaning “strong ale”.

Does Aldi carry eggnog?


Aldi carries eggnog as a Seasonal Buy

, an item that runs for a time during the holiday months. Interestingly, while Aldi has its own line of dairy products under the Friendly Farms name, the store chooses to sell name-brand Dean’s eggnog.

Who invented egg nog?

Nobody seems to know the exact origins of eggnog, but it originated

in England centuries ago

. According to a food blog (which now appears to be defunct), written by Frederick Douglass Opie, a food history professor at Babson College, it originally was a wintertime drink for the British aristocracy.

Is eggnog made out of eggs?

A traditional holiday drink dating back hundreds of years, eggnog is

made with eggs

(hence the name), milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and fortified with rum, whisky, and/or brandy.

Does eggnog taste like eggs?

While a lot of people have heard of eggnog — the delectable, spiced holiday drink, of course — a lot of people don’t actually know exactly what it is, or what eggnog even tastes like. … The name suggests they might taste “eggy,” but in reality,

its flavor profile is much more sweet than savory

.

Is Advocaat egg nog?

Eggnog: Made from uncooked eggs and brandy, it’s tricky to make. …

Advocaat is a Dutch version of eggnog

, which so soon after the English eggnog experience causes some reflex gagging. Later research reveals the grotesque fact that the Dutch also have a thick version of advocaat which they eat with a spoon.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.