Spicing up your Eggnog
It’s easy to tell Halloween’s over when the holiday decorations appear in the stores and carols start wafting over the loudspeakers.  You can also tell because something sweet and creamy shows up in the dairy fridge that isn’t there during the rest of the year – eggnog! There are many recipes out there that feature the addition of various liquors such as brandy, rum, bourbon and whiskey. 

Eggnog is a popular drink throughout Canada, the United States and Luxembourg and is usually associated with winter celebrations. The origins, history and ingredients used to make the original eggnog drink are widely debated. Eggnog may have originated in England, though it may also have been developed from posset (a medieval European beverage made with Spanish Sherry and hot milk).

Some experts believe the drink adopted the "nog" part of its name from the word noggin, a Middle English term used to describe a small, wooden, carved mug. It was used to serve drinks at the table in taverns; while drinks beside the fire were served in tankards. Yet others believe the term derived from the name egg-and-grog, a common Colonial term used to describe rum. Eventually the term was shortened to egg 'n' grog, then eggnog.

Back then, it was definitely a drink for the aristocracy as the ingredients were too expensive and uncommon for the working classes. There was no refrigeration, and the farms belonged to the big estates.

It is believed the drink crossed the Atlantic to the English colonies during the 18th century. Since brandy and wine were heavily taxed, rum from the Triangular Trade with the Caribbean was a cost-effective substitute. The inexpensive liquor coupled with plentiful farm and dairy products helped the drink become very popular in North America.

Now of course some keeners actually make eggnog from scratch….really!  But whether its homemade or out of a carton, eggnog is basically a sweetened dairy-based beverage made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs (which gives it a frothy texture), and flavoured with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. 

There are so many ways to experiment with eggnog to create a special treat for the winter months.  Both commercially made and homemade eggnogs come in a variety of flavours, from vanilla, gingerbread and pumpkin, to dark and white chocolate varieties. 

So try experimenting with different flavours and various alcoholic options to create a unique, festive eggnog drinks.  Brandy and rum are wonderful for the classic taste. You might want to also try peppermint schnapps, apricot brandy or Southern Comfort.  Also consider some of the many options in rich liqueurs, including coffee, chai or white chocolate.

It’s traditional to sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon on the top of eggnog.  But how about some shaved chocolate or grated coconut for variety?  And when it comes to garnishes, the possibilities are endless.  So pick up some cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, crisp wafer cookies, candy canes or chocolate mint sticks.