Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink that is typically made with a mixture of milk or cream, sugar, and beaten eggs. It is usually flavored with nutmeg, vanilla, and sometimes cinnamon. Some variations include the addition of brandy, rum, or whiskey, giving it a stronger, more adult flavor. It’s a very popular drink in the United States, Canada, and in some Latin American countries, where is also known as “ron con leche”.
Here is a simple recipe for making traditional eggnog:
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of brandy, rum, or whiskey (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by separating the eggs and placing the egg whites in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are thick and pale yellow.
- Gradually add in the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Slowly add the milk or cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, and continue to beat until well combined.
- If using, stir in the brandy, rum, or whiskey.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the eggnog mixture.
- Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Sprinkle nutmeg on top before serving.
You can adjust the amount of sugar and alcohol to taste. Some people also like to add whipped cream on top of the eggnog before serving.
Eggnog is traditionally served in the winter time, it’s a great drink to share with friends and family during the holidays.
Egg Nog History
Eggnog has a long history, with origins dating back to medieval Europe. It was originally a drink made with eggs, milk, and sugar, and was consumed by the wealthy. The name “eggnog” is believed to have originated from the term “noggin,” which is an old English word for a small wooden cup that was often used to serve the drink.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, eggnog became a popular drink in the United States, particularly in the southern states. It was often made with milk or cream, sugar, and beaten eggs, and was flavored with nutmeg and sometimes vanilla. Brandy, rum, or whiskey was often added to give it a stronger, more adult flavor.
Eggnog was originally a seasonal drink, consumed mostly during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, but it has become a popular drink throughout the year. Today, eggnog is widely available in grocery stores and can be purchased in pre-made, ready-to-drink form, or as a mix to be made at home. There are also non-dairy and vegan versions of eggnog, which use alternatives to milk and eggs.
Eggnog is a traditional and beloved holiday drink that continues to be enjoyed by many people around the world.
Egg Nog Variations
There are many variations of traditional eggnog that you can try. Here are a few popular variations:
- Chocolate Eggnog: Made by adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the eggnog mixture.
- Coffee Eggnog: Made by adding brewed coffee or instant coffee to the eggnog mixture.
- Pumpkin Eggnog: Made by adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the eggnog mixture.
- Apple Eggnog: Made by adding apple cider or apple juice to the eggnog mixture.
- Maple Eggnog: Made by adding maple syrup to the eggnog mixture and omitting sugar.
- Bourbon Eggnog: Made by adding bourbon whiskey to the eggnog mixture instead of brandy, rum, or whiskey.
- Non-Dairy Eggnog: Made by using non-dairy milk, such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, instead of cow’s milk.
- Vegan Eggnog: Made by using plant-based alternatives to eggs and milk, such as tofu or nut milk, and sweetened with agave or maple syrup.
These are just a few examples, you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make your own unique eggnog variations.
Some popular whiskey brands that are often used in eggnog include:
- Maker’s Mark
- Jim Beam
- Wild Turkey
- Jack Daniel’s
- Bulleit
- Knob Creek
- Woodford Reserve
- Elijah Craig
It’s important to note that the flavour of the eggnog will also depend on the recipe and ingredients used. It’s best to experiment with different whiskey brands to find the one that you prefer.
Some popular rum brands that are commonly used in egg nog include:
- Mount Gay Rum
- Appleton Estate
- El Dorado
- Ron Zacapa
- Diplomático
- Bacardi
- Plantation
- Zaya
- The Kraken Black Spiced Rum
It is important to note that the best rum for egg nog will ultimately depend on personal preference. You may want to try different brands and styles of rum to find the one that you like best.
