The Origins and Evolution of Eggnog: A Holiday Tradition

Eggnog is often considered an essential holiday beverage, but its history dates back to colonial America. According to Katie, the recipe for eggnog has evolved over time, and one variation, in particular, has become a staple during the festive season. This version of eggnog, which we'll refer to as the "Katie-style" eggnog, is missing eggs, but still captures the essence of the traditional drink.

To make this delicious beverage, Katie starts by warming two cups of sugar with one and a half cups of milk until the sugar dissolves. She then adds a cup of cold milk and a cup of Cold Cream (a substitute for whipped egg whites) to the mixture. The base is flavored with quarter teaspoon of nutmeg, allspice, a tablespoon of vanilla, and a half teaspoon of cinnamon and ginger. Katie emphasizes the importance of whisking the mixture until it froths up a little bit, which gives the eggnog its characteristic thickener.

In this version of the recipe, Katie uses two cups of rum as an ingredient, which is more traditional than using bourbon or whiskey. She explains that after the American Revolutionary War, liquor from foreign lands like rum was heavily taxed in America, leading to the adoption of Bourbon and other domestic spirits. The use of rum gives eggnog its distinct flavor and aroma.

Once the mixture has been prepared, Katie adds whipped cream to give it a similar texture to traditional egg whites. This substitution allows those who avoid eggs or dairy products to still enjoy eggnog without any compromises on taste or consistency. She notes that this version of eggnog is perfect for serving at holiday gatherings and parties.

In terms of presentation, Katie emphasizes the importance of garnishing with a sprinkle of nutmeg, which adds a touch of bitterness and helps cut through the sweetness of the drink. The use of high-quality spices like nutmeg can elevate the flavor of any dish, and in this case, it makes all the difference in creating an exceptional eggnog punch.

Interestingly, Katie reveals that she uses her homemade eggnog as a creamer for coffee and even keeps some in the fridge to enjoy later. The addition of orange zest adds a hint of citrus and complements the sweetness of the drink perfectly.

As we raise our glasses of Katie-style eggnog, let us take a moment to appreciate the evolution of this beloved holiday tradition. From its origins as a strong ale called "nog" during colonial times, eggnog has undergone many transformations over the years. Whether you prefer traditional bourbon or modern variations like Cold Cream-based eggnog, there's no denying that this festive drink brings people together and adds to the magic of the holiday season.

With its complex flavor profile, delightful aroma, and rich history, it's no wonder why Katie-style eggnog has become a staple in many households during Christmas. Whether you enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, this beverage is sure to bring warmth and joy to your celebrations. So go ahead and raise a glass of eggnog, savor the flavors, and toast to the spirit of the season!

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enmy version here of eggnog is actually missing the eggs and I think for the most part we like that Katie you're gonna whip some cream which is going to be a substitute for those whipped egg whites and eggnog is essentially a milk punch right it's an alcoholic milk punch as we call it so here I've warmed two cups of sugar with one and a half cups of milk just enough to dissolve the sugar now to that I'm going to add a cup of cold milk okay and a cup of Cold Cream Cold Cream hey Cold Cream quarter teaspoon of nutmeg and allspice in the base here with a tablespoon of vanilla wow sorry I really wish I could hear what Alex is saying and a half a teaspoon of cinnamon and Ginger and we whisk don't be afraid to whisk it to froth it up a little bit and we've got the cream that Katie is lovingly frothing now to that oh I'm gonna go pretty traditional rum rum two cups of rum is that traditional more traditional yeah it's actually Jeffrey I actually did some reading about eggnog because I was trying to figure out why you could make eggnog with rum with whiskey with bourbon Apparently after the American Revolutionary War uh liquor from foreign lands like rum was heavily taxed so in America we turned to Bourbon I love Suburban of course I'm looking forward to the right perfect wow it was all worth it you're the best sous chef that's all the Christmas present I made was that acknowledgment it's good to feel seen Alex you are seeing Katie all right so we add that whipped cream right in there and that kind of functions like the egg whites would have it's a good thickener yeah a little gives it a little body six ounces and you're you need it you're good I keep it in the fridge and I use it as creamer for my coffee a little orange zest in there now and this goes right you got to have some kind of fancy pants or is it look how pretty this is and this beautiful eggnog punch beautifully I don't want to Splatter on your Cashmere all right it does smell delicious this is holidays yeah and then and yeah ideally you know what Jeffrey yes quite honestly I would pop this in the fridge to chill up more for a few hours um and then a little more it's a straight nutmeg right on top ideally graded you really this is one place where I think you want that kind of bitterness almost the chew and the tooth of the nutmeg on there like nobody does it's so traditional so beautiful and then you come over to the bowl and you put your nose there and just get this holiday nutmeg thing and I think the nutmeg cuts a little bit of the sugar in the most beautiful way look at that look at you a couple cups of rum in here you can make it with bourbon whiskey I think the word nog from eggnog originally meant strong ale oh really so I think you can pretty much get in anywhere here well yeah my nose is not right that you need for your day oh you'd better Serve Yourself oh I'm trying to get that to freeze I'm missing no egg because this is full not bro you know there might be two cups of rum in there but I'm not feeling like it's too strongmy version here of eggnog is actually missing the eggs and I think for the most part we like that Katie you're gonna whip some cream which is going to be a substitute for those whipped egg whites and eggnog is essentially a milk punch right it's an alcoholic milk punch as we call it so here I've warmed two cups of sugar with one and a half cups of milk just enough to dissolve the sugar now to that I'm going to add a cup of cold milk okay and a cup of Cold Cream Cold Cream hey Cold Cream quarter teaspoon of nutmeg and allspice in the base here with a tablespoon of vanilla wow sorry I really wish I could hear what Alex is saying and a half a teaspoon of cinnamon and Ginger and we whisk don't be afraid to whisk it to froth it up a little bit and we've got the cream that Katie is lovingly frothing now to that oh I'm gonna go pretty traditional rum rum two cups of rum is that traditional more traditional yeah it's actually Jeffrey I actually did some reading about eggnog because I was trying to figure out why you could make eggnog with rum with whiskey with bourbon Apparently after the American Revolutionary War uh liquor from foreign lands like rum was heavily taxed so in America we turned to Bourbon I love Suburban of course I'm looking forward to the right perfect wow it was all worth it you're the best sous chef that's all the Christmas present I made was that acknowledgment it's good to feel seen Alex you are seeing Katie all right so we add that whipped cream right in there and that kind of functions like the egg whites would have it's a good thickener yeah a little gives it a little body six ounces and you're you need it you're good I keep it in the fridge and I use it as creamer for my coffee a little orange zest in there now and this goes right you got to have some kind of fancy pants or is it look how pretty this is and this beautiful eggnog punch beautifully I don't want to Splatter on your Cashmere all right it does smell delicious this is holidays yeah and then and yeah ideally you know what Jeffrey yes quite honestly I would pop this in the fridge to chill up more for a few hours um and then a little more it's a straight nutmeg right on top ideally graded you really this is one place where I think you want that kind of bitterness almost the chew and the tooth of the nutmeg on there like nobody does it's so traditional so beautiful and then you come over to the bowl and you put your nose there and just get this holiday nutmeg thing and I think the nutmeg cuts a little bit of the sugar in the most beautiful way look at that look at you a couple cups of rum in here you can make it with bourbon whiskey I think the word nog from eggnog originally meant strong ale oh really so I think you can pretty much get in anywhere here well yeah my nose is not right that you need for your day oh you'd better Serve Yourself oh I'm trying to get that to freeze I'm missing no egg because this is full not bro you know there might be two cups of rum in there but I'm not feeling like it's too strong\n"