While the exact origin of the eggnog we know and love today remains hazy, it is clear that the drink evolved from milk and alcohol punches dating back to renaissance Europe. In the days before refrigeration, it made sense to mix perishable dairy products with alcohol -- not that you should ever rely on booze rather than refrigeration to keep your eggnog fresh.

The alcohol of choice during the renaissance was wine or ale. It was the American colonists who brought rum and brandy to the eggnog mix.

As far as the name, there seems to be many theories, so it all depends on who you believe. Grog was a slang term for rum in Colonial times; one theory has the "gr" morphing into an "n." Similarly, Nog was an English word for ale, so it might have to do with that. Yet another hypothesis attributes the name to the small wooden cups called noggins that were originally used for serving the drink.

In the 1800s eggnog was nearly always made in large quantities, much like it usually is today. After all this is a party drink and is most closely associated with the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Eggnog Trivia

• Captain John Smith reported that eggnog was consumed in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia.
• George Washington was an aficionado.
• At various times and places in history, eggnog was also known as Egg Flip.
• A Tom and Jerry is a popular eggnog variation that includes brandy.

TIP:
Look for cool vintage Eggnog and/or Tom and Jerry punchbowl sets at eBay.com.

Eggnog Recipes

• Emeril's Eggnog
• Sugar Free, Low Carb Eggnog

Eggnog Flavored Desserts

• Eggnog Creme Brulee
• Eggnog Loaf Cake
• Eggnog Cream Pie