1. Eggnog Was Once Only A Drink For Wealthy Aristocrats
2. The Word Eggnog Has Many Origins
Many etymologists believe the name stems from the word ânogginâ which referred to small wooden mugs that were often used to serve eggnog. Others posit a similar story but explain that ânogâ comes from the slang term to refer to strong ales they also served in those cups.
3. Washington Enjoyed Getting Sloshed On Eggnog
When toasting your glass of eggnog these holidays, charge a glass to George Washington. Kitchen records from Mount Vernon indicate the first president served an eggnog-like drink to visitors. And since the general was a wealthy man, he didnâtâ skimp on the booze. Washingtonâs potent recipe included three different types of liquor â rye whiskey, rum, and sherry.
4. The FDA Limits The Amount Of Egg In Store-Bought Eggnog To 1%
If you pick up a carton of eggnog with your groceries, you may be getting more ânogâ than yolk. Due to our fear of raw egg, U.S. FDA regulations limit egg yolk solids to no more than 1.0% of a productsâ final weight to bear the eggnog name, while your typical homemade version has roughly one egg per serving
5. Eggnog Was Responsible For A Riot At West Point
In 1826, the Superintendent of West Point, Colonel Sylvanus Thayer set strict rules forbidding purchasing, storing, or consuming alcohol. However, several cadets took Thayerâs regulations as a challenge and celebrated the Christmas festivities with alcohol-laden eggnog. A riot ensued, two officers got assaulted, and the North Barracks vandalized. Ultimately, 19 cadets and one soldier were court-martialed for their involvement in the riot, resulting in eleven dismissals from West Point.
6. There Is No âRightâ or âWrongâ Alcohol With Eggnog
With no hard and fast rules, eggnog can be made with any number of different distilled spirits, or none at all, known as âvirgin eggnogâ. Rum, sherry, Cognac, and whiskey are all suitable for eggnog. Some suggest that it should be a mix of two dark distilled spirits to balance out the sweet treacle flavor of eggnog, but itâs best to try them out and see what works best for you.
7. Vegan Eggnog Exists, And Itâs Spectacular
While not technically using any eggs or milk, vegan âeggnogâ can be made using a variety of products and is ideal for not only vegans but also those with lactose or dairy intolerances. âMilkâ is used, in the form of soy, almond, coconut, or cashew and traditional eggnog flavors and spices remain such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. And of course making either alcoholic or virgin vegan eggnog is your choice, depending on how bearable your relatives are!