Eggnog is a traditional holiday beverage that is popular in many parts of the world, including Bangalore. It is made from a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and spices, and is often served chilled or over ice.

To find eggnog in Bangalore, it’s best you ask your waiter. Although some establishments feature it on their menu, it sometimes passes under the radar because it is a tad exotic. And unknown.

So, before you succumb to the tradition of quaffing this holiday drink, a little about its history.

Eggnog is a traditional holiday beverage that has a long history dating back to medieval England.

But the modern version of eggnog—made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices—is believed to have originated in the United States in the 18th century. It became popular in the northern states and was often served at holiday parties and celebrations. Eggnog is now a popular holiday drink around the world and is often made with a variety of spirits such as rum, brandy, or whisky.

The creamy, spicy, boozy holiday drink that has been warming hearts (and possibly causing a few holiday hangovers) for centuries. But where did this beloved beverage come from?

Well, back in medieval England, people didn't have the luxury of refrigeration, so they had to get creative with their dairy products. Enter the "posset," a warm drink made with milk, eggs, and a dash of sherry or wine. It was like a medieval latte, minus the foam art and artisanal syrups.

Fun fact: In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth famously suggests that they poison the possets of Duncan’s guards. But etymologists are divided on whether She mentions poison in the posset, but it is not clear if she is actually planning to use poison or if she is simply using it as a metaphor for deceit and betrayal.

Fast forward to the 18th century in the United States. Eggnog, as we know it today, was all the rage at holiday parties in the northern states. It was made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and a variety of spices and sweeteners. And let's not forget the most important ingredient: alcohol. Rum, brandy, or whiskey all work just fine.

In addition to being a popular drink, eggnog is also used as a flavour in a variety of holiday treats, such as cookies, cakes, and ice cream. It is also sometimes used as an ingredient in holiday cocktails and punches.

Nowadays, eggnog has become a global holiday phenomenon. It's not just a drink, but a flavour in cookies, cakes, and even ice cream. 

And how did the word eggnog come about… its etymology?

The word "eggnog" is thought to be a combination of two words: "egg," referring to the main ingredient in the drink, and "nog," which is a type of strong ale that was popular in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. "Nog" is also thought to be a shortened version of "noggin," which is a small wooden mug or cup that was often used to serve alcohol.

It is unclear exactly when the term "eggnog" was first coined, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 18th or 19th century. The drink was originally made with a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and alcohol, and was often served at holiday parties and celebrations.

Today, the word "eggnog" is used to refer to the traditional holiday beverage made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices, and is enjoyed by people around the world during the holiday season.

So if you could not find eggnog on the menu in your bar or restaurant, here is how you can make your own eggnog at home. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 cup rum or brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.

2. Add the milk, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and whisk to combine.

3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.

5. Stir in the rum or brandy, if using.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.

7. When ready to serve, pour the eggnog into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.