It's that most wonderful time of year, which means that Eggnog will be on hand in many homes and during holiday celebrations. This is a popular drink during the Christmas season, which you can purchase in a non-alcoholic version in grocery stores or make your own at home. The typical recipe has the traditional ingredients of rum, eggs, milk, and spices. Even if you are not a fan, you still may have wondered why this festive holiday beverage is in high demand this time of year. The origins of eggnog are quite interesting and actually go back for centuries all the way to the 17th century and Medieval Britain.

A report by Business Insider relayed many of the facts used in this article.

The origin of eggnog

Eggnog is believed to have originated from a drink known as "posset," which was utilized during medieval times. This beverage was made from spices, and hot curdled milk, along with wine or ale. The drink is said to have been a favorite of monks as well as the wealthy. In time, other ingredients were added, including figs, sherry, and eggs. It was during the 18th century when this famous Christmas beverage first showed up in the United States. It was a hit because two of the ingredients, eggs, and rum, were in full supply.

Eggnog became popular during the holiday season because it was warm drink during the cold of December.

Later, vanilla bean, nutmeg, and cinnamon were added to give eggnog its signature taste. This festive drink has been a favorite at Christmastime ever since.

Recipes vary for Eggnog

The ingredients in eggnog vary and even President George Washington had a recipe for the holiday beverage. His, however, included four alcoholic beverages, which were rye whiskey, sherry, Jamaican rum, and brandy.

In this day and age, the excessive liquor that was used by the former POTUS would be frowned upon because of campaigns about drinking and driving.

Eggnog can also now be found in different treats during the holiday season, and there are also many ways to make use of what is leftover. You can find the Christmas beverage in ice cream and also in lattes that are sold at Starbucks.

You can mix eggnog with foods such as rice pudding, coffee, pancakes, oatmeal, french toast, smoothies, coffee, bread pudding, and oatmeal.

The medieval Europeans who first gave us this drink probably never could have imagined all the fun ways eggnog would be utilized all these many years later. If you decide to partake of this festive beverage this Christmas season, just keep in mind the reasons for why it is so popular. If you will be drinking the alcoholic recipe, just remember not to drink and drive.
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