Although its exact origin is uncertain, hot eggnog has been a mainstay of winter social life for hundreds of years. It can be served hot or cold, with alcohol or without, in dainty punch cups or in substantial mugs. Eggs in the nog can be cooked to a safe temperature or incorporated raw.
Where Did the Original Hot Eggnog Recipe Come From?
Actually, hot eggnog is a very old drink that dates back to medieval times, though the recipe was rather different from the one we know today. The recipe was inspired by posset, a British warm milk punch that got popular in the Middle Ages. To make posset, they heated up milk, and then added wine or ale, which caused the milk to curdle. Once the curds are strained out the final step is perfecting the flavor with spices like mace, cinnamon, cloves and sugar.
As with many cocktails, this drink was used originally as a remedy for ailments from insomnia to the common cold. At a time when foods like milk and eggs were in tight supply for peasants, the drink tended to be a luxury, popular among the upper classes of British society.
By the time of America’s independence from Britain, the drink had caught on in the United States. George Washington himself penned a favorite recipe that called for the use of brandy, rye whiskey, Jamaican rum and Sherry. In December of 1826, an incident among cadets at West Point became known as the Eggnog Riot, after alcohol-fueled violence involving the drink resulted in 20 men being court-martialed. So pace yourself.
Consumed warm, it will take the chill of the most frigid of winter days, but this eggnog is satiny smooth and delicious chilled as well, so theres no need to feel like need to drink it all in one sitting (though it may be tempting.
I like using a 2:1 ratio of milk to cream for this to keep it from becoming overly rich, but you can certainly increase the amount of cream if youre in the mood for something even more decadent. As for the booze, I used Armagnac, a kind of brandy but Ive made it before with everything from rum, to bourbon to shochu and its all good. If you want to reduce the alcohol content, but still get the flavor of the brandy, you can boil it down for a bit before adding the milk, cream, and sugar.
I dont know if health concerns had anything to do with eggnogs waning popularity, but the artificially flavored travesties sold in stores these days would turn even the most ardent nog-lover off of the creamy, eggy concoction. Recently Ive seen aged eggnog making a comeback in the craft cocktail scene, but who has time (or the refrigerator space) to prep this holiday tipple in summer for consumption during the holidays?
Thats why I came up with this quick hack that produces a delightfully full-bodied eggnog, thats satisfyingly rich without being thick or cloying. The trick is to whip some eggs in a blender and then heat all the other ingredients until piping hot, before blending it all into a soul-warming elixir with a frothy head thats sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Eggnog is one of those traditional holiday foods that went from seasonal treat to culinary pariah over the past century. Along with jewel speckled fruitcakes and mincemeat pie, its become an anachronism from a bygone era when we didnt think twice about eating eggs raw, and cholesterol was nothing more than a scientific curiosity.
Warm Up With an Egg Nog Latte!
FAQ
Does eggnog go bad with alcohol?
Does eggnog curdle with alcohol?
What alcohol is good in eggnog?
How do you keep eggnog warm for a party?
When should you drink warm eggnog?
Warm eggnog is best served on especially cold days when you need something to heat yourself up. The heat from the milk, combined with the custardy texture of the drink and the warming feeling from the alcohol, will definitely make it a godsend.
Can you mix eggnog with alcohol?
Know this: You don’t have to mix eggnog with any alcohol to enjoy it! This drink can be served chilled or warm and sipped right from your favorite Christmas mug. IN_CONTENT_ADS_DEBUG: NO AD BECAUSE OF PARAGRAPH NEAR MEDIA:
How do you make a hot eggnog?
The key to a pleasing hot eggnog recipe is finding the right balance between spirits, creamy milk, sweetness and warm spices. To make a beverage perfect for cold weather, we created this warm version of the classic egg, cream and vanilla cocktail.
Can you put rum in eggnog?
If you want your eggnog served warm, heat the nog first, then add the rum. Use the same ratio if you’re stirring up a larger batch of spiked eggnog for your Secret Santa gift exchange. You can serve larger batches in a tall pitcher or even a punch bowl. Just be sure to stir well before pouring.