We asked a food historian for answers, then we spill our secrets for our best eggnog recipes.
What is in eggnog, and when did people first start drinking it?
(By the way, a flip is amixology termused to this day.
Credit: Carson Downing
According to Forrest, the meaning of “nog” in eggnog is a bit fuzzy.
The prevailing theory is that it descended from medieval Europe and posset.
It was drunk by monks, at weddings, or before bedtime.
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What is in Eggnog, Exactly?
It looks like a mug of milk, but what is in eggnog?
Its an emulsion of eggs, whole milk and/or cream, sugar, and spices.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Eggnog recipes are creamy and custard-like with a sweet andwarmly-spiced flavor.
The texture resembles a mug of melted vanilla ice cream or frozen custard more than a glass of milk.
Since thisholiday drinkis very rich, a little bit goes a long way.
Most of our eggnog recipes below yield 1 cup servings.
Is Eggnog Safe to Drink?
We get it if your food safety alarms buzz after seeing raw eggs included in what is in eggnog.
The risk for foodborne illness from salmonella is minimal for otherwise healthy populations.
How Do You Make Eggnog?
The first step to making eggnog is separating the eggs into whites and yolks.Whip the whites into stiff peaks.
Add milk, half-and-half, or cream to a saucepan over mediumbe careful not to allow this to boil.
Reduce heat to low, and addwarm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Lastly, gently stir in the whipped egg whites.
Garnish with a dash of cinnamon, cocoa powder, orpumpkin pie spiceif desired, and enjoy.
Alcohol-Free Eggnog
Nearly every eggnog recipe starts out spirit-free, then gets spiked with booze before serving.
Our recipes forPumpkin Eggnog,White Chocolate Eggnog,Cappuccino Eggnog, andPeppermint-Eggnog Punchshow how its done.
The only limit is your imaginationand yourbar cart stock.
Based on our taste tests, nearly any liquor besides tequila or mezcal works well to spike eggnog.
Classic choices include brandy, sherry, rum, bourbon, cognac, and Madeira.
Feel free to mix more than one, like we do with rum and bourbon, in this classicEggnogrecipe.
For breakfast, tryEggnog Muffinsalongside your coffee or tea.
Or if cakes and pies are more your style, considerEggnog and Rum Fudge PieorEggnog Tiramisu.
