Amazingly Good Eggnog (2024)

FAQs

What does eggnog do to your body? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

Eggnog (/ˈɛɡˌnɒɡ/), historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage. It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).

The egg in eggnog is clear enough: the drink is made with egg. But what about nog? Nog, itself a term for eggnog, also historically referred to a kind of strong ale in parts of England. The origin of nog is unclear, but it could be related to noggin, a name for a drinking vessel dating back to the 1500s.

Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, egg yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's often spiked with brandy, rum or other liquor, and topped with freshly grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon sticks.

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

“People have to watch out because alcohol can raise your blood pressure; it can also put people in abnormal heart rhythms,” he notes. Traditional eggnog contains lots of calories, fat and added sugar, so it's best to limit this holiday drink, Freeman says.

When can babies have eggnog? After 12 months of age, if the eggnog is pasteurized and free of alcohol. While we generally recommend waiting until age 2 to introduce sugar into a toddler's diet, a small taste of pasteurized, alcohol-free eggnog on a special occasion after a child's first birthday is just fine.

It is first attested in medieval England in the 14th century. Although the treat originated in Britain, the term eggnog first appeared in Britain's North American colonies—soon to be the United States—in 1775.

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.

What's the difference between eggnog and rompope? ›

Even though the kingship between rompope and eggnog is indisputable, there is a slight difference between these two hearty drinks: The traditional eggnog recipe called for whole eggs, whereas rompope just called for egg yolks—hence the very distinctive hues of each drink.

If a recipe calls for folding raw, beaten egg whites into the eggnog, use pasteurized eggs. It has not been proven that raw egg whites are free of Salmonella bacteria. If you purchase eggnog from your local grocery store, the eggnog has been prepared with pasteurized eggs. You do not need to cook it.

The role of sugar in eggnog

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

Eggnog is usually served cold, but you may choose to heat it, especially if you're coming in from making snowmen or ice skating. And you can spike eggnog with a splash of brandy, rum or your spirit of choice, but it's also delicious simply spiked with vanilla or cinnamon.

The custom of toasting to the new season with this festive co*cktail actually began during Britain's early medieval years, and the drink later became popular in the American colonies by the 19th century. However, per TIME, eggnog has been associated with Christmas since the 1700s.

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

Because it consists largely of milk and eggs, the combo below contains an impressive 31g of protein to fuel your muscle-building efforts. It's a virgin version of course, but if you do want to let your hair down, you can always chuck in a few shots of white rum or bourbon.

Alcohol: Wine, champagne or eggnog

Alcohol has a sedative effect on the body. This can be a contributing factor to your sleepiness.