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E is for Eggs, besides being used in cooking, they are also used in cocktails, such as the Egg Nog, now how did someone come up with that name? It seems there are two stories, one tale says that the drink was called "egg and grog" and this became corrupted to eggnog. The other tale involves a small wooden mug that was often used in taverns to serve drinks in, this was called a noggin. So, the second story goes that egg drink in a noggin became egg nog.

Egg nog was originally a mixture of Spanish sherry or wine and milk, however after it was taken to America by European settlers the sherry or wine was replaced with rum, as this was a cheaper spirit. It has been noted in literary works as early as the 1820s, and has been seen as a Christmas tradition since the late 1800s.

There are several different recipes around for Egg nog, even George Washington had one of his own, it is rumoured to have contained rye whiskey, rum and sherry which would give it a very good kick.

Classic Egg Nog

1 750ml bottle Brandy
1 quart milk
1 pint heavy cream
1 cup bar sugar
1 dozen eggs
freshly grated nutmeg

Separate the eggs, put the whites to one side, and beat the yolks with the sugar in a large punch bowl. Stir in the milk and whipped cream. Add the brandy and refrigerate for at least an hour. Just before serving whip the egg whites until they are stiff and fold into the mixture, then sprinkle with fresh nutmeg.

Another Egg Nog Recipe

I think this one may have been inspired by George Washington to use three different spirits

1 dozen eggs
1 cups sugar
1 quart milk
1 quarts heavy cream
3 cups Bourbon
cup dark Rum
2 cups Cognac
1 quart vanilla ice cream
freshly grated nutmeg

In a large bowl beat egg yolks until thick, then gradually add in the sugar while whisking the mixture. Next beat in the milk and 1 quart of the cream. Add the bourbon, rum and cognac, stirring constantly.

Just before serving beat the egg whites until stiff then fold into the egg yolk mixture. Then whip the cream until stiff and fold it also into the egg mixture. Next fold the ice cream through. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Non-Alcoholic Egg Nog

8 oz milk
1 egg
1 tbsp sugar
tsp almond extract
tsp vanilla extract
whipped cream
freshly grated nutmeg

Beat the egg well and pour into cocktail shaker with cold milk, sugar and extracts. Shake well and pour into a chilled mug, top with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg.

Don't wait for Christmas, make Egg Nog a part of every celebration.

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