MOVIESNEWSCULTURELIFESTYLESearch...Submit ButtonHome › Culture Pop CultureBy Jamie Greyson Last Updated November 27, 2023Strange Americana: Why Is Eggnog a Christmas Season Staple?FacebookTwitterCopy LinkPhoto Courtesy: Lauri Patterson/Getty ImagesAh, eggnog. It suddenly appears on shelves across the country each holiday season, only to disappear just as suddenly alongside Christmas trees and Santa decor. Eggnog tends to be one of those drinks that most people either love or hate, but its appearance each Christmas has become just as reliable as the plot of every Hallmark holiday movie ever made. Join us for a look at the history of this strange and fascinating beverage as we delve into how it became such a holiday staple. What’s Even in Eggnog?Photo Courtesy: Burak Kucuksu/500px/Getty ImagesMany of us remember the first time we discovered eggnog — if only because it tends to be a bit of an alarming experience.
Whether or not you count yourself among those bold enough to try a sip upon first sight, it’s likely you couldn’t help but ask what was in the strangely named concoction. Unfortunately, the answer Gambling Number may or may not have laid your skepticism to rest. Eggnog is composed of eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Often, spices like nutmeg are added to the mix, along with a bit of booze, which likely goes a long way in explaining its popularity. But what inspired someone to decide that turning a bunch of eggs into a drink sounded like the definition of holiday cheer?Most historians think the answer may go back as far as medieval Europe. Apparently, back in the 13th century, monks loved making a drink called “posset,” which was quite possibly the ancestor of eggnog as we know it today.
A warm, punch-like drink made of eggs and figs, posset was probably a great way to warm yourself up and sneak in a bit of protein during the cold winter months. Someone decided to add milk to the brew somewhere along the line, which resulted in the modern iteration of eggnog we know and (potentially) love today.The Evolution of EggnogSo, when did the booze come into play? Some historians theorize that it was used to kill off the potentially harmful bacteria in the raw eggs; others say it was simply a great way to warm up (or feel like you’re warming up, anyway) during the winter. A third possibility? It was added in because…well, it’s booze.