Updated: Jan. 28, 2024
It wouldn't be Christmas without this special drink. But what is eggnog and why is it so good?
Move over, pumpkin spice lattes! It’s time for eggnog season! For many, it’s just not Christmas time without the drink—whether hot or cold, boozy or family-friendly.
But before you pour yourself a glass, it’s time to learn exactly what is eggnog anyway.
What Is Eggnog?
In simplest terms, it’s a delightfully creamy sweet drink made with eggs, cream and a variety of spices.
It has a fun history—and a fun name. “Nog is a word for a kind of beer that was brewed in England, and that’s where the drink originated,” says Very Merry co*cktails author Jessica Strand. “It crossed over to the colonies and has since been a part of the US and Canada’s holiday traditions.”
Eggnog is usually served cold, but you may choose to heat it, especially if you’re coming in from making snowmen or ice skating. And you can spike eggnog with a splash of brandy, rum or your spirit of choice, but it’s also delicious simply spiked with vanilla or cinnamon.
What’s in Eggnog?
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The drink is traditionally made with eggs—of course—as well as whole milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar and nutmeg. Some eggnog recipes also call for a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon.
Strand says that using real eggs, rather than an eggnog mix, makes an enormous difference in taste and texture. She uses a full dozen eggs to make enough eggnog for 24 drinks!
What Does Eggnog Taste Like?
Eggnog might be the closest you’ll come to drinking melted custard. Think sweet and creamy and very rich—a small punch cup full is usually plenty.
Eggnog has such a traditional Christmas flavor that it’s also used to make recipes with eggnog like eggnog biscotti, eggnog fudgeandeggnog fruit fluff. McDonald’s even has a seasonal eggnog shake.
How Do You Make Eggnog?
You can buy the best eggnog, but it’s not hard to make your own. Most recipes will call for plenty of eggs (it’s smart to buy pasteurized eggs).
Whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla and spices are common ingredients. I recommend our homemade eggnog or vegan eggnog that uses cashews and coconut milk to make a creamy holiday drink.
Want to deck out your eggnog for a Christmas party? Strand suggests adding orange zest on top as a garnish or topping your drink with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa. Cheers to the season!
Why Is Eggnog a Christmas Drink?
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Strand says the specific taste of eggnog is wrapped up with memories of Christmas, thanks to flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla bean, which embody the winter season.
It’s so rich that it makes for a nice holiday party treat, too!
FAQs
It was thought that the use of “luxury” ingredients such as cream and alcohol would invite prosperity into the household for the coming year. In most households today, a cup of eggnog ushers in the good cheer of the holiday more so than any belief in impending wealth.
Why is eggnog only sold during winter? ›
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.
What is the trivia question about eggnog? ›
Did it originate in France, Turkey or the United Kingdom? Answer: Eggnog was originally known as milk punch or egg milk punch and originated in the United Kingdom. The name "eggnog" is an American term that can be traced to the 1700's.
Is eggnog the most popular Christmas drink? ›
Christmas Punch is the most popular holiday co*cktail, winning in 11 states including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Ohio and Michigan. Eggnog comes in second with six states.
Why do we drink egg nog? ›
"Milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health." Those who could afford milk and eggs and costly spirits mixed the eggnog with brandy, Madeira wine or sherry to make a drink similar to modern alcoholic eggnog.
Why do people like eggnog? ›
Strand says the specific taste of eggnog is wrapped up with memories of Christmas, thanks to flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla bean, which embody the winter season. It's so rich that it makes for a nice holiday party treat, too!
What state drinks the most eggnog? ›
Floridians are expected to consume 78.2 million spiked eggnogs over the holiday season, according to a survey released by WealthofGeeks.com.
What does nog stand for in eggnog? ›
The English name's etymology however remains a mystery. Some say “nog” comes from “noggin,” meaning a wooden cup, or “grog,” a strong beer. By the late 18th century, the combined term “eggnog” stuck. Eggnog purists argue that those who don't like the Yuletide drink have simply never tasted the real thing.
Who was the first person to drink eggnog? ›
Culinary historians have traced the origins of egg-nog to the medieval British punch called “posset,” warm milk curdled with alcohol such as wine or beer, flavored with spices. In medieval Europe, monks added their own twist by serving posset with figs and eggs.
What is the very best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›
While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.
Eggnog. Can you really call it Christmas until you've had an eggnog? This traditional festive drink is made with eggs, milk, cream, and sugar, and lightly spiced with nutmeg. Go for the angelic version and keep it alcohol-free, or add rum or a rich bourbon for a little taste of Christmas in a glass.
Does Santa Claus like eggnog? ›
Typically, Santa likes anything that's rich and sweet. His favorite is classic Christmas eggnog — when he isn't driving… In fact, Christmas Eve is also National Eggnog Day.
Why can't you drink a lot of eggnog? ›
Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars.
Who started the eggnog tradition? ›
Culinary historians have traced the origins of egg-nog to the medieval British punch called “posset,” warm milk curdled with alcohol such as wine or beer, flavored with spices. In medieval Europe, monks added their own twist by serving posset with figs and eggs.
Why is eggnog so addictive? ›
Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.
What alcohol is associated with Christmas? ›
From classic favorites like eggnog and mulled wine to creative concoctions like spiked hot cocoa and horchata, there are endless possibilities.
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