A few nights ago we had our first eggnog of the season. Although I’m pretty sure it’s available at other times, stores usually prominently display it and we usually only have it during the holidays, and probably more around Christmas time than Thanksgiving.
Over the years I’ve mixed eggnog with bourbon, brandy, rum and various other spirits. This year I chose rum…. for no particular reason, but I remember reading about the Jamestown settlers making eggnog and using rum. I think the settlers in Jamestown probably created the first American batch of eggnog, although I’m not sure how closely it resembled the concoction we make or buy in a store today.
As to why it’s become a “holiday drink” over the years goes back to the early days of eggnog, when spices were a luxury — they were most likely to be used around special occasions like winter holidays, baked into main dishes and desserts and added to drinks. The winter months also provided natural refrigeration for eggnog. The alcohol prevented the spread of bacteria, the cold air helped the milk and cream stay cool and, over time, eggnog became a regular element of the holiday season.
So I guess we’ve now officially kicked off the holiday season here in out house….
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