What Is The Origin Of Eggnog?

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.

When was non alcoholic eggnog invented?

The Atlantic editors made the eggnog recipe a few years back. It was probably around the 1940’s when nonalcoholic eggnog began showing up sparingly in stores, because by 1951, a New York Times writer helpfully noted, “...

Did eggnog originally have alcohol?

Is it alcoholic? Sometimes. Early eggnog dating back to Medieval Europe included a distilled liquor, milk, egg, and spices , and the beverage jumped across the pond with the colonization of America. “A lot of what people consumed in England and Colonial America contained alcohol,” Opie told Eater.

When did people start drinking eggnog?

It is believed that eggnog began in Europe. As early as the 13th century , medieval monks in Britain were known to drink “posset,” a warm ale punch with eggs and figs. Over time, this likely merged with the various milk and wine punches often served at social gatherings.

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 is eggnog so 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 .

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.

Does eggnog have raw eggs?

In most cases, yes . Most classic eggnog recipes call for raw eggs. ... If you’re the type of hostest-with-the-mostest that wants to whip a bowl of homemade eggnog, use pasteurized liquid eggs or pasteurized liquid egg whites for egg white cocktails, sold in a carton at your local grocery store, Cotton says.

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.

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.

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 drinks eggnog?

Throughout Canada and the United States, eggnog is traditionally consumed over the Christmas season, from late October until the end of the holiday season. A variety called Ponche Crema has been made and consumed in Venezuela and Trinidad since the 1900s, also as part of the Christmas season.

Why is eggnog a seasonal drink?

In the 1700s, rum from the Caribbean was the American eggnog alcohol of choice. But it was scarce during the revolution, so it was traded out for moonshine. This might explain why it became associated with the Christmas season. It warmed up drinkers in the cold weather , and true eggnog called for expensive liquor.

Is eggnog healthy to drink?

Eggnog has always been a fatty drink suspect. It’s too thick and delicious to be healthy . Just one cup of store-bought eggnog has 350 calories and 149 mg of cholesterol. That’s as much cholesterol as in two double cheeseburgers, two fries, and two soft drinks.

Can eggnog make you gain weight?

The calories, for one thing — eggnog is the most calorie-laden beverage you’ll drink all year. Figure from 330 calories to 440 calories in a single 8-ounce glass — without whipped cream or ice cream on top, or anything else you might add. That’s more than many “weight gain ” drinks.

Why is eggnog so fattening?

Eggnog is high in calories and saturated fat because of the whole milk and heavy cream . It’s also loaded with sugar,” says Christy Brissette, R.D., President of 80 Twenty Nutrition. Of course, toss in a shot of rum (because, duh) and you’re adding another 64 calories for a total of about 176 calories per serving.

Sophia Kim
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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.