Eggnog facts for kids

A carton and a glass of eggnog from Montreal, called by its French name lait de poule (literally "hen's milk").

Eggnog is a sweet and creamy drink. It is made from milk, cream, sugar, and beaten eggs. People often flavor it with cinnamon and nutmeg. Some kinds of eggnog also contain alcohol.

Eggnog is very popular in the United States and Canada. People usually enjoy it during winter holidays. These holidays include Christmas and New Year. Sometimes, drinks like Brandy, rum, or bourbon are added to it.

Eggnog first came from the United Kingdom a long time ago. This was in the early medieval period. Later, in the 1700s, the drink traveled to North America. It quickly became a favorite holiday drink there.

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a type of dairy drink. This means it is made mostly from milk products. The main ingredients are:

• Milk
• Cream
• Sugar
• Beaten eggs

These ingredients are mixed together. They create a rich, smooth, and sweet drink. The eggs give it a thick, creamy texture.

Flavors and Spices

The classic taste of eggnog comes from spices. The most common ones are:

• Cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice.
• Nutmeg: A nutty, slightly sweet spice.

Sometimes, other flavors like vanilla are also added. These spices make eggnog taste like the holidays.

History of Eggnog

Eggnog has a long and interesting history. It started in medieval Britain.

Early Beginnings

The first versions of eggnog were called "posset." Posset was a hot, milky drink. It was often mixed with ale or wine. Rich people in Britain drank it. They used expensive ingredients like milk and eggs. This showed off their wealth.

Coming to America

Eggnog came to North America in the 1700s. It became very popular in the American colonies. This was because milk and eggs were easier to find there. Also, rum was cheaper than other alcoholic drinks. This made eggnog more affordable for everyone.

When is Eggnog Drank?

Eggnog is a special drink. People mostly enjoy it during the colder months.

Holiday Tradition

It is a big part of winter holiday celebrations. These include:

• Christmas parties
• New Year's Eve gatherings
• Other winter festivities

Many families have eggnog as a tradition. They might make it from scratch. Or they might buy it from stores.

Images for kids

• 

  A woman serves commercially prepared eggnog to US military personnel at a Christmas party.

• 

  A 1661 posset pot from England

• 

  A hot Tom & Jerry cocktail

• 

  Traditional eggnog typically consists of milk, cream, sugar, raw eggs and flavorings.

• 

  "Silk Nog," a commercial soy milk eggnog

See also

In Spanish: Ponche de huevo para niños