What the fork is eggnog, anyway?

And why Aussies should embrace this delicious, festive cocktail

Okay so let’s just get it out of the way.

Even though the idea for a boozy, creamy, eggy cocktail does have its origins in England, it’s more of an American thing. Like Halloween. And just like Halloween, eggnog is starting to creep into mainstream Australia. 

It’s been available commercially (from places like Woolworths) for years but it’s not something you’d typically expect at a “height of summer” Christmas lunch, dinner or get-together. 

It’s not prawns. Or a pavlova. It’s not the Boxing Day test match. 

But who cares! We still love our Christmas eggnog, so grab a cup of your own and enjoy our trip into eggnog history.

Nobody can agree from whence it came

Nobody is sure of eggnogs exact origins but it’s likely a bit of this and a dash of that from across a few European cultures.  

Much like mince pies, eggnog has a long and tangled history. And just like mince pies, eggnog has been enjoyed for almost a millennia. 

The name nog has a few origins. Nog is an obscure English word used throughout the ages to describe a strong beer. Grog, a word very familiar to Aussies, is another possible origin word. Another potential root for the name is the word noggin, which is a small wooden cup. 

As you can see, both origins are entirely appropriate.  

Possets, monks and Lady Macbeth

Back in medieval times, a milky alcoholic drink called a ‘posset’ was all the rage. The hot, milky, ale-like drink was enjoyed by Monks, who added eggs and figs, as far back as the 13th century. 

Fun Fact: The monk Dom Perignon was heavily involved with improving both the quality and production of champagne. Monks also did amazing things for cheese production. Three cheers for monks!  

As milk, sherry and eggs were eaten only by the wealthy, eggnog was often used as a toast to good health and prosperity. However, in America with its access to inexpensive Caribbean rum, the drink soon become more strongly associated with rum.

Fun Fact :Lady Macbeth used a drugged posset to knock out Duncan’s guards in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Out damn spot indeed!

America claims eggnog as its own

Although many countries enjoy their own version of eggnog, we simply cannot write about this tasty yuletide tipple without mentioning the first American president – George Washington. 

Washington, so enamoured of eggnog, recorded his own alcohol laden recipe for posterity. Are you ready? 

One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, 1/2 pint rye whiskey, 1/2 pint Jamaica rum, 1/4 pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.

It must be noted, he did forget to note the exact number of eggs, but most scholars agree a dozen sounds right. 

Eggnog for everyone

To booze or not to booze? Can I make a dairy free eggnog? Can I make a keto eggnog?

The answer to all three questions is a resounding YES! Eggnog can be adapted to suit whatever you and your family need.

Eggnog is just as delicious minus the alcohol, as it is soaked in it. (And if you do decide to add alcohol, drop in and see the BWS team for all your eggnog needs.)

Swapping out full cream milk and cream for almond or oat milk is a breeze.

Finally, you can cut out all the sugar with any number of sugar alternatives. 

And of course, if eggnog isn’t your idea of a jolly good time, there’s a world of other options. Fruit punch (spiked or booze-free), beer, wine, champagne, juice, iced tea, sparkling water, the list goes on. 

What will you be drinking this festive season?