National Eggnog Day

National Eggnog Day is coming up on Christmas Eve! Today, everyone who loves a drink can buy it in a store or prepare it themselves. This tradition has been passed down through the centuries and is an annual reminder of the holiday season.

History

The ingredients for eggnog are quite simple. The original version used egg yolks, powdered sugar, milk, and a pint of brandy, all topped with whipped egg whites. Modern recipes often include added spices such as salt, vanillin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The invention of British writer Pierce Egan to add alcohol to the recipe helped make eggnog popular in colonial America in the 1820s.

Without it, the holiday spirit was incomplete. Even travelers of the time wrote about it. Eggnog quickly became a favorite secular drink. The spices added to the flavor and it soon became associated with winter and celebrations. It has since gained its own National Day.

Eggnog may have been derived from the British posset. The original version was made with hot milk and some form of fermented beverage such as wine or beer. The first use of the name was in 1775 in the New Jersey Journal, which referred to a man who drank a glass of the drink each day.

Interesting facts

• The first president of the United States, George Washington, was a fan of experimenting and created his own recipe of eggnog that included rum, sherry and whiskey. It was said to be so strong that not everyone had the courage to drink it!
• Some researchers suggest that the name “eggnog” comes from the word “noggin”, meaning a small wooden mug.
• More than 135 million pounds of eggnog is consumed each year by the American population.

How to take part

Prepare an eggnog and treat your friends! Organize a fun party and discuss your plans for the holidays. Try out unusual recipes and be inspired by them. Ready-made mixes are available in stores, so you can buy your favorite types and enjoy them.

When is National Eggnog Day celebrated in 2023?

National Eggnog Day is observed on December 24 each year.

Observations