Every 24th December, people from all around the world celebrate National Eggnog Day that perfectly suits the cold, winter season. There are countless recipes for eggnog available and also passed down from generations to generations.
History of Eggnog
Eggnog originated in America during the 1700s. Eggnog is enjoyed by Americans during the Christmas season as a celebratory feast to celebrate the winter season with family and friends. Moreover, eggnog was first mentioned in a poem in 1775.
For the creamy and dreamy taste of eggnog, the drink became widespread and reached Britain in the 18th century. The first alcohol used in making eggnog was brandy and wine. However, it was then replaced with rum as both brandy and wine were heavily taxed.
In Britain, eggnog was consumed only by the aristocrats. The ingredients used in making the eggnog were pricey and expensive as it symbolised wealth. Eggnog was present in every feast and celebration to toast to prosperity and good health.
After centuries, eggnog became a popular drink during the festive season. People love to make homemade eggnog for guests, relatives and family who come to visit. Eggnog is made using milk, eggs, sugar, and the desired flavourings. Alcohol is not a necessity for this drink so you can choose to exclude it. Just add any liquor if you like your eggnog to have a strong taste and serve with cinnamon. You’ll be blown away with the taste.
Types of Eggnog
Eggnog is made differently in every region. Hence, listed below are the types of eggnog we have around us;
Eggnog (United States)
In the United States, the eggnog is made with traditional ingredients. Moving forward, now with fresh egg and cream, the sweet drink is enjoyed as a celebratory drink.
Advocaat (The Netherlands)
Netherland’s advocaat is a bit stronger than other eggnogs. Their variation of the beverage consists of brandy, fresh vanilla and a large amount of egg yolk. Thus, the drink is thick, and a spoon may be needed to scoop the eggnog when consuming it.
Auld Man’s Milk (Scotland)
In Scotland, their eggnog is called Auld Man’s Milk. The beverage is usually enjoyed during New Year’s Eve. The New Year or 1st January is the perfect day to start your morning with a sip of eggnog. Their variation of eggnog has whisky and is sweetened with whipped cream and eggs.
Bombardino (Italy)
A warm cup of Italian eggnog is what you need during the cold winter. Bombardino is served warm and topped with whipped cream.
Chilled Camel’s Milk (United Arab Emirates)
This is the non-alcoholic version of eggnog found in the Emirates. This sweet and healthy drink is made of camel’s milk and is blended with dates. This unique beverage is often served to welcome visitors that come over.
Milk Tea (Taiwan)
Our Asian version of eggnog. The drink is also known as boba or bubble tea. This beverage has spread across Asia and is enjoyed by everyone of all ages. The drink is flavoured with various ingredients such as fruit, milk, Taiwanese black tea, brown sugar, small tapioca pearls and honey. This refreshing drink is enjoyed all year long for many Asian countries.
How to Celebrate Eggnog Day
Eggnog Day can be celebrated by trying to make the drink at home. Here is a simple recipe for making a non-alcoholic version of eggnog:
Ingredients:
- Six large eggs
- Two egg yolks
- ½ cup of sugar (plus two tablespoons)
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of whole milk
- One tbsp of vanilla extract
- ½ tsp of nutmeg
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
Preparations:
- Preheat a large pan or pot.
- Add eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt to the preheated large pan.
- Whisk the mixture until it is well-combined.
- Continue to whisk the mixture while adding in the milk.
- Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer.
- Continue to stir the mixture continuously at 70°C until the mixture thickens, or for an hour.
- Filter the mixture to get rid of thickened or chunks in the mixture.
- Add vanilla extract and nutmeg and continue to stir the mixture.
- Pour into a jug, and cover with a plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the mixture for three to four days.
- After four days, whip the heavy cream until it softens.
- Mix the whipped cream into the mixture. Make sure it is well-combined.
- Finish it off with sprinkling nutmeg on top of the egg nog.
For the alcoholic version of egg nog, this a simple recipe for you to celebrate this joyous day with your loved ones;
Ingredients:
- Four eggs
- ⅔ cups of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon of fresh ground nutmeg
- Beer
Preparations:
- Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks.
- Using a mixer, beat the egg whites for five minutes. Remove the beaten egg whites from the mixer.
- Add the yolks and sugar into the mixer and continue to beat for three minutes.
- Add milk, nutmeg and cream and mix the mixture well.
- Fold the mixture of both egg yolks and the white eggs.
- Stir in the beer.
- Pour the mixture in a glass and finish it off with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Now, the hearty egg nog can be enjoyed and shared with everyone around you. Mark your calendar and celebrate this delightful day with your loved ones and Happy National Egg Nog Day!
Order some food and snacks for your loved ones using foodpanda and enjoy your eggnog while your food is on the way.