Tuesday’s Cupful: Eggnog

Cheers with this libation

This dairy-based beverage appears just in time for the holidays. Eggnog’s main ingredients are milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. The eggs and cream give eggnog extra frothiness and richness when compared to plain milk. There are different stories regarding the origin of eggnog. American colonists called heavy drinks “grog,” so eggnog may have come from egg-and-grog. Meanwhile, Europeans used eggnog and wine punches to make toasts as far back as the 1600s. It was mostly enjoyed by high society. Luckily, modern eggnog can be bought at most major supermarkets during the Christmas season. More health-conscious drinkers can find low-fat eggnog and eggnog made with soymilk. Otherwise, homemade eggnog recipes are available. Use skim milk or substitute Splenda for sugar accordingly to make a diabetic-friendly eggnog. Other hard liquors served with eggnog include cognac, brandy, and rum.