D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 The Vine Blog

WHAT EXACTLY IS EGGNOG? That often borders on “milk nog” or egg flavoring. This kid-friendly Many of us look forward to the holiday season version is also missing a key when we see the cartons of eggnog line the ingredient; alcohol. Adult eggnog is shelves at our local grocery store. While some a very popular drink of choice this smile with delight, others turn up their nose. But time of the year. what is this drink with the funny name and where did it come from? Some say “nog” comes Lucky for you there are some from “noggin,” meaning a wooden cup, or “grog,” excellent choices available. This a strong beer. By the late 18th century, the month we are featuring Evan combined term “eggnog” stuck. Williams Egg Nog. It tastes amazing chilled, or over ice, in your coffee, How did humans first think chugging a spiced and over ice cream. Tasting notes are and spiked egg-yolk-and-milk mixture was a bourbon, nutmeg, cream, and good idea? Yet despite its “love it or hate it” vanilla. fame, eggnog has charmed drinkers for nearly a millennium. Most culinary historians agree Tis’ the season to get your nog on! eggnog originated from the early medieval Village Wine and Spirits wishes you Britain “posset,” a hot, milky, ale-like drink. By and your family a very happy the 13th century, monks were known to drink a holiday season. posset with eggs and figs.

Milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health. Eggnog became part of the holidays when the drink came to America in the 1700s. American colonies were full of farms— and chickens and cows—and cheaper rum, a soon-signature ingredient.

You may be on team hate eggnog if you haven’t ever tasted it made from scratch. Sugar-laced supermarket versions can’t hold a candle to the homemade goodness, especially since the US Food and Drug Administration permits that the drink can be made from as little as 1% egg yolk.