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Learn about the brief history of eggnog but more importantly, discover Martha Stewart’s special secret eggnog recipe and her favorite holiday gift to celebrate the 2023 holidays like the queen of home entertainings.
First thing’s first. What does eggnog taste like?
Well, eggnog is sweet, creamy, and eggy. Some compare it to melted ice cream, especially custard ice cream. You’ll also taste spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla bean, and clove.
What is eggnog made of?
Eggnog is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks.
What type of alcohol is typically used in eggnog?
Distilled spirits are a key ingredient; the most traditional is brandy, but you can also use a combination of dark rum and cognac. Some even add bourbon to the mixture.
Check out our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for a curated selection of bottles that'll fit right in there!
This year, treat your family and friends to Martha Stewart’s rich and indulgent eggnog recipe. If you’re more of a visual person and love to see Martha cooking, here’s also our video with her.
Martha Stewart’s Perfect Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 egg yolks
- 1 ½ cups superfine sugar
- 1 quart heavy cream
- 1 quart milk
- 3 cups bourbon
- ½ cup dark rum
- 2 cups cognac
Add right before the party:
- 12 egg whites
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions:
First, beat the yolks in a very large bowl. Do so until you get a thick and pale yellow mixture, then slowly beat it with sugar. Whisk in milk and cream. That’s your base that you’ll have to cover and refrigerate for up to a day.
Then, it’s time to add spirits! Pour in bourbon, rum, and cognac. Stir that gently as well.
Before you serve your delicious eggnog, beat the whites to form stiff peaks. Stir that in your eggnog. Then, whip the remaining cup of cream and add that as well. To garnish, sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg.
Why is it called eggnog, anyway?
There are many possible explanations for why eggnog is called eggnog. One of the theories is that “nog” is derived from “nogging,” a small wooden cup used in the 16th century.
Others, like Icelandic food historian Nanna Rognvaldardottir, say it comes from “nog,” an Old English word for strong beer.
Last but indeed not least, American colonists used to say the word “grogs” to refer to thick drinks, making eggnog “egg-and-grog.” With time, the words merged into “eggnog.”
Where does eggnog come from?
Most culinary historians agree that eggnog first came from medieval Britain. In the 13th century, monks would drink “posset,” a warm punch with milk, eggs, and figs.
Milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, who would often toast to prosperity. British aristocrats would enjoy warm milk and egg drinks seasoned with expensive spices and crafted with expensive liquor, such as brandy and sherry.
When did eggnog come to America?
Eggnog hopped the pond in the 1700s. Instead of brandy, it was often made with rum as it was more readily available due to the proximity to the Caribbean.
In colonial America, rum was cheaper than the brandy and other spirits shipped from England. But rum wasn’t the only substitute for brandy and sherry; in the South, people would even make eggnog with whiskey.
When we say people, we really mean people. Everyone loved eggnog. Even George Washington had a recipe that he served to his esteemed guests at Mount Vernon.
Why do we enjoy eggnog for Christmas?
Apparently, there’s no particular reason why we traditionally enjoy eggnog during the holidays. The tradition began in the 1700s when the concoction came stateside.
Eggnog is a rich, warm, and heavy drink that can keep you warm in cold weather. During the American Revolution, supplies of rum were scarce, which meant eggnog became a drink for special occasions only.
Due to its incorporation of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean, it’s also no surprise we usually savor eggnog during winter, especially the Christmas season.
If you’re interested in other boozy holiday customs, check out our holiday season drinking customs article.
Is eggnog served hot or chilled?
Both. Eggnog can be served chilled or hot, particularly on colder days.
What was the Eggnog Riot?
The eggnog riot is exactly what it sounds like — a riot caused by eggnog. The incident took place at West Point on the evening of December 24, 1826.
Even though the US Military Academy banned alcohol, some cadets managed to smuggle about four gallons of whiskey onto the premises from nearby taverns to make eggnog. One of the cadets was Jefferson Davis, the future president of the Confederacy. Safe to say, that Christmas party must have been memorable.
We think Martha Stewart’s eggnog recipe is also worth rioting over. How about your eggnog? Which recipe are you following this year? Let us know in the comments!
What is Martha Stewart's holiday gift of choice?
If you’re looking for an ultimate holiday present, gift them a subscription to good things! Let your loved ones indulge in quarterly deliveries of full-size whiskey bottles and Tasting Boxes™ with a Flaviar whiskey subscription and let them enjoy VIP treatment all year long with the complimentary 1-year Flaviar Black membership.
“Flaviar is the perfect holiday gift.” - Martha Stewart