A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"E"

IS FOR EGGNOG, EBENEZER SCROOGE, CHRISTMAS EVE

Indulgent drinks are one of the treats of the festive period and none is more deliciously sumptuous than a velvety eggnog.  The drink has origins in medieval times and wa later enjoyed by English aristocracy who could both afford the expensive ingredients, and keep the milk chilled.  The name of the drink varied and was also known as an egg flip. 


The roots of eggnog are somewhat ambiguous.  Some would argue it comes from the word 'noggin' a drinking vessel from which the egg mixture would have been drunk, while others refer to the East Anglian dialect of 'nog' for a strong ale which was sometimes used to flavour the punch.  Another explanation stems from when the drink reached the shores of America in the eighteenth century and rum, or 'grog' was used to lace the mixture, with the name abbreviated from egg and grog to that used today.


The drink itself varies from country to country and even amongst families.  However, good eggnog is made as a punch and should contain a large quantity of eggs, some extra yolks for added richness, milk, spices such as vanilla and netmeg and, of course, a healthy dose of alcohol, traditionally brandy although rum and whisky are popular alternatives.  The mixture is chilled and before serving whisked cream is added for a frothy texture.


From English Home Magazine