Eggnog: A Holiday Tradition with Medieval Roots
The Art of Eggnog Making
At Scoma’s Restaurant in San Francisco, the holiday season’s batch of eggnog began 11 months ago. The process starts in late January, just after the previous year’s celebrations are over. Nearly a thousand egg yolks, gallons upon gallons of heavy cream, and roughly $1,000 worth of vanilla beans are mixed with sugar and a mega-cocktail of sherry, brandy, and aged rum. The concoction is then stored at 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) and gets stirred weekly for months.
A Worthwhile Wait
Customer Phil Kenny seems to think so. "It’s a wonderful, specialty drink," Kenny said of Scoma’s recipe, which has been honed in recent years to take advantage of the boozy beverage’s aging process. "This takes eggnog to a different level."
A Holiday Cult Favorite
Kenny and his wife, Laurie, aren’t the only ones enjoying it this year. "A drink that you would sort of associate with grandma and grandpa on the holidays has become like a cult favorite here," Gordon Drysdale, Scoma’s culinary director, said earlier this month. "We did not ever anticipate people actually being mad at us because we didn’t have it."
Eggnog’s Roots
Eggnog’s roots date back to medieval England and a drink called "posset," which included hot milk or cream, alcohol, and spices. Recipes have evolved in the centuries since then, and non-dairy and alcohol-free options abound in recent years. But some, like the formula for the famous eggnog daiquiri at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans, stay the same and remain secret.
A Little Christmas Magic
"I like to say it’s a little Christmas magic," said Jamie Gourges, marketing manager for the open-air bar in the city’s iconic French Quarter. "We do not disclose any of our recipes at any point, but it is delicious."
A Tradition Going Back 20 Years
Gourges will say, though, that theirs is made fresh each morning from right after Thanksgiving until Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, on January 6. It’s a tradition going back some 20 years at an establishment that was built in the early 1700s. Naturally, it’s haunted by French pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte, who based his smuggling operations near New Orleans.
A Holiday Treat
Terry Wittmer, who lives in the Big Easy, is a regular customer and loves the holiday season at the bar. "It tastes like Christmas. It’s a little cinnamon-y. It’s smooth, and if you drink it too fast, you might get a brain freeze," Wittmer said. "I live a block away, so I’m here every day, but I’m happier during Christmas."
A Treat for Tourists
Even for tourists who came for the bar’s signature "purple drank" daiquiri, the holiday beverage beckons. "It’s not going to have a problem going down, let’s put it that way," Cheryl Abrigo of Florida said as she sipped hers.
Conclusion
Eggnog, a drink with medieval roots, has become a holiday tradition. With its rich, creamy texture and warm, spicy flavors, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, eggnog is a holiday must-have.
FAQs
- What is eggnog? Eggnog is a creamy, sweet beverage made with milk, cream, and eggs, often flavored with vanilla and nutmeg.
- How is eggnog made? Eggnog is typically made by mixing together egg yolks, cream, and sugar, and then adding flavorings such as vanilla and nutmeg.
- What is the history of eggnog? Eggnog has its roots in medieval England, where it was known as "posset," a drink made with hot milk or cream, alcohol, and spices.
- Is eggnog only for the holidays? While eggnog is often associated with the holiday season, it can be enjoyed year-round.
