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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Eggnog

Eggnog is a sweet, creamy holiday drink made from milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and spices such as nutmeg or vanilla.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Eggnog is a sweet, creamy holiday drink made from milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg. It can be served with or without alcohol and is especially popular in Canada during winter celebrations.

What it is

Eggnog is a rich, chilled beverage traditionally associated with Christmas and winter holidays. Its base is dairy and eggs, sweetened and flavoured with nutmeg or vanilla. Commercial versions are regulated in the U.S. as a dairy product with minimum milk and egg solids, and in Canada it's a common seasonal item in grocery stores.

Key details

Recipes vary widely: some are cooked custard-style for safety, others use pasteurized eggs or rely on alcohol. Spirits like rum, brandy, or bourbon are often added, but alcohol alone does not reliably kill salmonella. Eggnog is calorie-dense, and egg-free versions exist using thickeners like cornstarch.

Why it matters

Eggnog is a cultural staple of North American holiday traditions, including in Canada. Its popularity spans homemade recipes and store-bought cartons. Food safety is a key concern, especially with raw eggs, so pasteurized ingredients or proper heating are recommended.

In short

  • Eggnog is a dairy-and-egg drink, often spiced with nutmeg.
  • It can be non-alcoholic or spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon.
  • Safety depends on pasteurized eggs or cooking; alcohol alone isn't enough.
  • In Canada, it's a seasonal holiday staple sold in grocery stores.
Canadian angle

Eggnog is a familiar holiday beverage in Canada, especially in winter and around Christmas, and is commonly sold in Canadian grocery stores as a seasonal dairy drink.

Quick questions

What is eggnog made of?
Eggnog is usually made from milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and spices such as nutmeg or vanilla. Some recipes add whipped egg whites or extra cream for texture.
Is eggnog alcoholic?
Not always. Eggnog can be made without alcohol, but many traditional or cocktail-style versions include spirits such as rum, brandy, or bourbon.
Is eggnog safe to drink?
Yes, if made safely. Recipes using pasteurized eggs, cooked custard bases, or adequate refrigeration are safer; raw-egged versions carry a salmonella risk, and alcohol alone does not reliably eliminate it.

Sources

  1. Tastes Better From Scratch — https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/homemade-eggnog/
    Supports: Typical ingredients and preparation method, including heating to about 160°F and optional alcohol.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggnog
    Supports: General definition, historical names, ingredients, food safety notes, and regulatory information.
  3. Simply Recipes — https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/eggnog/
    Supports: Common ingredients, holiday association, and use of rum, whisky, or brandy.
  4. Serious Eats — https://www.seriouseats.com/rich-and-frothy-holiday-eggnog-with-an-electric-mixer-or-stand-mixer
    Supports: Safety notes on raw eggs, alcohol threshold, and pasteurized or cooked alternatives.
  5. A Beautiful Mess — https://www.abeautifulmess.com/eggnog/
    Supports: Eggnog as a milk-and-egg-based drink and non-alcoholic versions.
  6. The House & Homestead — https://www.thehouseandhomestead.com/old-fashioned-homemade-eggnog-recipe/
    Supports: Common history narrative tracing eggnog to England and later North American adaptations.