Eggnog.
Every winter, this creamy spiced drink, which may or may not be enjoyed with a bit of rum or whiskey, pops up in large quantities in our grocery stores and our fridges. It is a fact of holiday life.
But how did it evolve into a holiday tradition? Where did it even originate? I”d argue most of us don”t know (and aren”t nerdy enough to look into it either).
Eggnog”s origins are debatable, but it is accepted that it was likely first made in England, possibly as early as the 8th century. The drink was made with milk, alcohol, beer and some spices.
By the 15th century, the drink had become popular. Coupled with other hot, spiced alcoholic milk punches known as “possets,” they all enjoyed a time as a “fashionable” drink. Posset sets became popular gifts.
By the 17th century, milk punches had evolved into celebratory beverages, often used to toast the health of friends and family while still retaining a wealthy status, mostly because of the lack of proper refrigeration techniques that would cause it to spoil.
The beer mixer was removed around this time and replaced with fortified wines, such as sherry, Madeira and brandy. It was also at this time that eggs were first added to make the drink smoother and richer in flavor.
During this time, the drink came across the Atlantic Ocean to America with colonizers. The drink retained its popularity but, because fortified wines could not be produced on the East Coast and importing them came at a great cost, widely available rum was substituted into the recipe. As whiskey became more readily available, it became an accepted mixer into the recipe as well.
During its acceptability into early American society, it became a popular wintertime drink, commonly being made in large batches and served at holiday gatherings.
So that explains that. But where did the name derive from?
Again, there is speculation as to the name”s origins. There are numerous possible reasons for the “nog” in eggnog. “Nog” was the 17th century English name for a strong beer. A “noggin” was a small wooden mug used to serve alcohol in hostelries at the time. “Grog” was the name sailors of the era gave a drink made of rum and water.
It is possible the drink went by the name “egg-and-grog.” This may have evolved down to “egg ”n” grog,” and later evolved to “eggnog.” It is also possible the drink may have been served in the “nog” glasses; “egg in a nog,” if you will. This would logically be shortened to “eggnog.”
Ah, how I love solving little nerdy “mysteries” such as this one.
Whether you enjoy eggnog with a bit of alcohol, alcohol-free or have to fight back the urge to vomit just thinking about consuming the beverage, I hope you delighted in reading this as I did writing it.
Happy holidays everyone.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14.
