Searching for the most festive eggnog facts? Are you ready for a little Christmas cheer? Then discover all the fun facts about eggnog here!
The holiday season is upon us and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a comforting glass of delicious eggnog?
Whether you drink it non-alcoholic or spiced with delectable rum, you can’t help but feel the warmth of the season wash over you with that first sip.
These fun facts about eggnog will leave you surprised, and shed new light on one of the most popular holiday drinks. So pour yourself a glass and learn all about this fascinating drink!
It’s true that some people find eggnog a little too thick and eggy, and the FDA warns us of the salmonella risk of drinking raw egg, but we can’t help but indulge in this creamy, spiced delight every Christmas Eve.
But there is so much more to discover about eggnog! From the origins of nog, to the variations around the world, to the Eggnog Riot and the President who liked his eggnog boozy. The world of eggnog facts is raucous, festive, cheerful and a little tipsy.
So raise a glass of eggnog to the holiday season! And let’s learn more about this unique blend of egg, milk, sugar and spices that tastes like Christmas in a glass.
14 Fun Facts About Eggnog
1. What exactly is nog?
The origins of the word eggnog has a few interesting theories. First, is that it comes from the word noggin, a medieval wooden mug that drinks similar to eggnog would be served in.
A second theory is that eggnog was first called egg-and-grog, as in an egg-mixture combined with beer. This one’s got us scratching our noggin.
2. Where does eggnog come from?
We bet you’re wondering where eggnog comes from, aren’t you?
The origins of eggnog can be traced back to medieval times in Britain. As early as the 13th century, the English enjoyed getting tipsy on a drink called posset, a warm ale drink with eggs and figs.
Over time this was mixed with milk and sherry. These were the foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was used to show that you were doing well in life!
3. Rich and poor
In England, eggnog was a drink reserved for the wealthy who had eggs and dairy in abundance.
In the USA, where eggnog really took off, it was common for people to have their own chickens and cows allowing the drink to become popular among all the classes.
4. Brandy vs rum
Traditional English eggnog contained brandy or madeira. In the USA, whiskey or rum was used, as there was less tax on alcohol coming in from the Caribbean than from Europe.
To this day, while the origins of eggnog may lie in England, it is the USA who consumes the most.
5. More eggnog Mr. President?
While eggnog can be made without alcohol, most recipes do call for a little extra kick.
President George Washington was a famous eggnog lover with his recipe calling for three different types of liquor; whiskey, rum, and sherry. President Washington was definitely full of Christmas cheer!
6. Make it early!
Eggnog is one of the most dangerous drinks out there. It’s full of alcohol and raw eggs, and it tastes better the longer it sits.
Some people allow eggnog to ferment for years before drinking it. Just make sure the alcohol ratios are correct so the milk and eggs don’t spoil!
7. The Great Eggnog Riot
This has to be one of the craziest eggnog facts we discovered! In 1826, the cadets at West Point Military Academy went a little overboard at their Christmas party.
In direct defiance of a no-alcohol policy, 70 cadets partied with spiked eggnog. The festivities led to 2 assaults and the destruction of the Northern Barracks. Dozens of cadets were brought up on charges and suspended.
8. Eggnog is bad for you
Take a look at these nutritional eggnog facts. One 4oz glass of eggnog contains a whopping 170 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 70 mg of cholesterol. No wonder people pack on the pounds during the holidays!
9. Eggnog is good for you too
We can all agree a cup of eggnog can inject someone with a healthy dose of Christmas cheer, but did you know eggnog was prescribed in the past as a cure to some common ailments?
It was believed that eggnog could alleviate stomach problems, cure a sore throat, and even be used in treating the flu.
10. Eggnog and espresso
In a Seattle coffee shop in 1986, a barista named Dave Olsen designed the delicious Eggnog latte for the holiday season. The coffee shop, Il Giornale, was owned by Howard Schultz, the future owner of Starbucks.
The eggnog latte would continue to be sold in Starbucks until it was discontinued in 2021.
11. Eggnogs from around the world
It isn’t only in the USA and UK where eggnog-like beverages are popular. Other countries have their own spin on the egg-based drink.
Puerto Rico has coquito (rum and coconut milk). Mexico has rompope (Mexican cinnamon and rum). Peru has biblia con pisco (Peruvian brandy). Germany has biersuppe (beer, eggs, cloves).
12. Add those spices
To make your own eggnog recipe unique and special, the addition of flavoring and spices is key!
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the most popular to add, but others can elevate your eggnog to elite status. Try cloves, all spice, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, candied ginger or cardamom.
13. Eggnog is everywhere
Eggnog has become so popular that every holiday season new eggnog-flavored products and foods hit the shelves.
Among the most popular are eggnog ice cream, candy canes, chocolate and cake icing. There is even eggnog-scented lip balm, hand soap and candles.
14. Quick eggnog facts
National Eggnog Day is Christmas Eve (December 24th). The USA consumes over 135 million pounds (61 million kgs) of eggnog each year. Eggnog is also known as milk punch and egg milk punch.
Who wants more fun facts?
If you’re looking for some recommendations, these are a few of our favorite fact books to buy. We use these when planning fun trivia nights with family and friends!
There you have it, all the fun facts about eggnog you could ever dream of! Did we help you get into the holiday spirit or did we somehow miss a few eggnog facts? Share with us your best eggnog memories in the comments!
