Eggnog. The indulgent holiday beverage is almost as synonymous with Christmas as cookies – and it’s just as delicious paired with those holiday baked goods as it is on its own!
The drink with a creamy color and rich texture, often flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, has been a Christmas highlight for generations. But what is eggnog made of, exactly, and how did it become a holiday treat?
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a traditional drink made from cream or milk, eggs and sugar. It may be flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and star anise. Spiked eggnog contains alcohol.
What Does Eggnog Taste Like?
If you’ve ever had egg custard, you have some idea how eggnog tastes. It has a thick, creamy texture that some people describe as similar to melted vanilla ice cream. If your eggnog has added spices, you’ll taste hints of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. There may be the richness of rum or other alcoholic beverages.
Some people think eggnog has a slightly minty aftertaste, especially if alcohol has been added. Other people detect a bubblegum taste that alcohol may mask. Unpleasantly minty, bubblegum or banana flavors seem to be most common with store-bought eggnog.
Interesting Facts About Eggnog
Sugar and brandy once were expensive eggnog ingredients, so it makes sense that the drink symbolized prosperity served mainly in wealthy households. “Toasts to long life and wealth were typically made when it was served,” notes Food Network. Its status as a special occasion beverage made it an obvious Christmas splurge.
The “nog” in eggnog may refer to a “noggin,” a small wooden mug, or “grog,” an old term for watered-down rum. What started as “egg-n-grog” eventually became eggnog.
How to Make Eggnog
As the name suggests, there are eggs in eggnog -- lots of them. Traditionally, the eggs are used raw. Most experts today recommend making homemade eggnog using a pasteurized egg product to avoid potential illness from salmonella.
What Alcohol Goes in Eggnog?
Is Eggnog Good for You?
Given its main ingredients, it’s no surprise that Consumer Reports found most of the eggnog brands sold in supermarkets are high in calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar. Of the 25 eggnogs they reviewed, calories ranged from 170 to 210 calories per half-cup serving, with 8 grams of fat and between 5 and 9 grams of saturated fat. Sugars ranged widely from 9 to 21 grams per serving.
But the news wasn’t all bad. Eggnogs made with dairy and eggs contained between 4 and 6 grams of protein – not far off the 7 grams of protein contained in one large egg. Eggnog is also a good source of calcium and a decent source of potassium.
If you’re worried about calories and fat, you don’t have to hop off the eggnog wagon entirely. Try eggnog beverages made from nut, oat or soy milk, for holiday flavor with fewer concerns.
How Long Does Eggnog Last?
Eggnog sold in grocery stores typically is marked with a “use by” or “best by” date. Once opened, the Food and Drug Administration recommends drinking commercial eggnog within three to five days. Keep homemade eggnog no longer than four days, says the FDA.
Can You Freeze Eggnog?
Eggnog can be frozen so you can enjoy it after the holiday season. However, since the consistency and texture may change, you may want to save your frozen eggnog for baking and cooking.
Freeze eggnog in the carton, then wrap the carton to reduce the risk of freezer burn. Use within six months.
Defrost in the fridge overnight, not at room temperature.
Tastes Like Christmas
Whether you buy your eggnog at the grocery store or make it at home, this classic drink with a unique flavor is a “must-have” part of Christmas for many people.
From medieval tonic to a drink for the elite to a modern-day treat, this once-a-year beverage is a delicious drink that might just be classified as the “taste of Christmas.”
