Although no one knows who invented eggnog, most historians agree that it originated in medieval Britain as an exclusive beverage among the upper classes. They had access to the milk, sherry and eggs required for this first version of eggnog. Monks in the Middle Ages added figs, eggs and wine or ale to their beverage called posset*.
This beloved British drink crossed the Atlantic in the 1700s and was known as egg-n-grog. Embracing this beverage, the American colonists soon called it eggnog by the late 1700s. The earliest print mention was a poem written in 1774 by a Maryland minister, a close friend of George Washington, but not published until 30 years later. President Washington was known for his own recipe and only the courageous guests would imbibe.
As milk, eggs, sugar and rum became more available and affordable, eggnog became accessible to everyday Americans.
Eggnog and Christmas
In the 1700s, rum was the American choice of alcohol to preserve the mixture of eggs, cream, and spic...