1. Medieval origins
It seems that the word eggnog may have its origins in a drink called posset, a British drink dating back to the Middle Ages, which was served in small mugs known as noggins. Consisting of warm milk, spices and beer or wine, posset was considered a tonic. Those most fortunate were able to include eggs. In France around the same time, the term lait de poule was used to describe certain drinks with medicinal properties made with milk and eggs. During the 18th century eggnog started to arrive in North America, where its innovation was being prepared with the addition of Caribbean rum.
2. Around the world
Egg-based alcoholic drinks are consumed all across the globe. Coquito with coconut milk from Puerto Rico, kinutil with palm wine from the Philippines, tamagozake with sake from Japan, eierpunsch with egg liqueur and wine from Germany… It’s the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg that distinguishes the taste of North American eggnog, to the point that it has become a flavour in its own right. Every year during the holiday season, eggnog-flavoured products like ice cream, coffee, cakes and other sweets make their way onto the market.
3. Holidays only
It was during the 1960s that the dairy industry began to commercialize ready-to-drink eggnog for the first time. All one had to do was add (or not) their favourite alcoholic drink. Most brands use eggs in their products, but Canadian regulations don’t require them. They can therefore be replaced with natural dyes and gums. In 2020, Canadians bought almost 6 million litres of eggnog during the holiday season!
4. Homemade eggnog
Many homemade versions of eggnog exist, and they can vary from one recipe to the next, but always include the same base ingredients: eggs, milk, cream, sugar, alcohol and spices. George Washington’s recipe was known to contain 12 eggs and over a litre of alcohol! No-cook recipes are riskier where food safety is concerned… It’s always best to choose a version that’s been cooked.
5. A family tradition
While it may not always be unanimously enjoyed, eggnog remains a well-established tradition among many families. Whether sipped while trimming the tree, in a cocktail on Christmas Eve or to warm both body and heart in front of a roaring fire, it truly makes many people happy over the holidays. Try our recipe for homemade eggnog, or one of our many treats that are loaded with eggnog flavour, such as madeleines, cheesecake, crème brûlée or a yule log cake.
Want to bake with eggnog? Here are a few dessert recipes you’ll want to add to your repertoire: