The mysterious case of the disappearing holiday drink!
Every year, something magical happens. The Christmas decorations appear, holiday music starts playing, and suddenly, there it is, sitting proudly in the dairy aisle: EGGNOG!
Thick, creamy, sweet, and sprinkled with a little nutmeg, eggnog has returned for its annual holiday appearance.
But then January rolls around, the Christmas trees come down, and POOF! Eggnog vanishes faster than Santa up a chimney!
What gives? Why can’t we enjoy this delicious holiday treat in the middle of July?
Well, grab yourself a mug of ‘nog, because Noggy has some investigating to do!
A Little Eggnog History
Believe it or not, eggnog has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years!
Many historians trace its roots to a medieval British drink called posset, a warm, milky beverage often mixed with ale or wine.
Over time, eggs and other ingredients found their way into similar drinks, eventually helping create the rich, creamy concoction we know and love today.
When eggnog made its way to colonial America, it became especially popular because milk and eggs were more readily available on farms, and rum was relatively accessible.
But here’s the funny thing: Eggnog wasn’t originally a Christmas-only drink!
So, Why Christmas?
There isn’t one single reason eggnog became associated with Christmas, but several traditions helped make it a holiday favorite.
For starters, rich drinks made with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices were once considered special treats. They weren’t necessarily something ordinary folks enjoyed every day.
And what better time to indulge in something special than during the Christmas holidays?
Eggnog also fit perfectly into the tradition of raising a festive toast with family and friends.
Eventually, the creamy beverage became so closely associated with Christmas celebrations that drinking eggnog practically became a holiday tradition of its own.
The Great Eggnog Disappearing Act
Now here’s where things get interesting.
There’s no law saying you can’t drink eggnog in April. No secret Christmas committee has forbidden its sale during the summer.
The truth is much simpler.
Eggnog has become a seasonal product because that’s when most people want to buy it!
Grocery stores stock up when holiday demand increases, and dairy manufacturers generally produce less of it, or stop making it altogether, once the season ends.
It’s a holiday supply-and-demand situation!
Of course, that doesn’t make it any less tragic when you discover that the last carton has disappeared from your grocery store.
But What If I Want Eggnog in July?
Good news, fellow eggnogaholics!
You don’t have to wait until the Christmas decorations come out to enjoy your favorite drink.
You can make homemade eggnog any time of year!
All you need are a few ingredients, including eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and your favorite spices. Just be sure to use a food-safe recipe, preferably one that uses pasteurized eggs or cooks the egg mixture properly.
And if you’re feeling particularly festive, go ahead and put on some Christmas music while you’re making it.
We won’t judge.
In fact, Noggy wholeheartedly approves!
Every Day Should Be Eggnog Day!
So there you have it!
Eggnog didn’t start out as an exclusively Christmas beverage, but centuries of holiday traditions and modern shopping habits have turned it into one of the season’s most recognizable treats.
And while the rest of the world may be perfectly content to enjoy eggnog for just a few weeks each year, we here at Eggnogaholic believe something different.
Life is short. Drink the eggnog!
Even in July.
Especially in July.
After all, who says you can’t have a little Christmas spirit all year long?
Until next time, keep calm and ‘nog on!
Noggy 🎄