It's Egg nog mugEgg nog, that tasty concoction of milk, sugar, cinnamon and eggs, is quite popular during the holidays. All of the ingredients to make the drink are available year-round, but typically we only indulge ourselves during winter festivities. One reason we traditionally drink egg nog during the Christmas season could be because historians think the drink may have originated from posset, a hot curdled milk drink that was popular in the Middle Ages.

Wikipedia says, “the ‘nog’ part of its name may stem from the word “noggin”, a Middle English term used to describe a small, wooden, carved mug used to serve alcohol.” Or it may have 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’.”

Modern eggnog typically consists of milk, eggs, and sugar mixed together and may be served with or without added spirits. Other ingredients include spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice, and frequently the substitution of cream for some portion of the milk, making a much richer drink. Whiskey, rum, brandy, or cognac can be added to eggnog.

Originally served warm, egg nog has been served cold and without alcohol since the mid 1960s, both of which are significant departures from its historical origins. It’s even available in a soy-based formula for those with dairy allergies or who are vegan.

Egg nog has long been the drink of choice to toast the holiday season. So hoist a cup and have a happy holiday season!

Easy Egg Nogg Recipe
from AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

* 2 eggs, beaten
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 2 1/3 cups low-fat milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 dash ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Blend together eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and nutmeg. Serve chilled.