Why Do We Hang Stockings Around Christmas?
Stockings are a Christmas decoration staple. But why do we hang these garments this time of year?
LEARN MOREWhy Do We Drink Eggnog?
Because of its seasonal spices, eggnog became associated with the holidays and is now mostly consumed in November and December.
Why Do We Drink Eggnog?
Wilfredo Lee / AP
December 13, 2022
If caroling is the sound of Christmas, and fresh-cut evergreens are its smell, then spiked egg yolk mixed with milk can make a pretty good case for the taste of the holiday.
Love it or hate it, eggnog is most popular during this time of the year. According to a YouGov survey, 25% of Americans say it's their favorite holiday drink. Eggnog is typically some mix of milk, cream, sugar, spices and yes — egg yolks — that you can also add some spirits to.
We don’t know its exact origins, but culinary historians say it probably goes back to a medieval British drink called "posset," which was a mixture of curdled hot milk with an ale or wine.
Eventually, it’s believed monks added eggs and figs to the concoction. The drink was most common with the upper class, because ingredients like milk and eggs were pricey — and because of that it was used to toast to success and health. The drink eventually made its way to the U.S.
Because of its seasonal spices, eggnog became associated with the holiday season, and today, folks mostly consume it in November and December. Over the years, people have tried different variations of eggnog.
Records show George Washington liked a particularly strong version with brandy, whiskey, rum and sherry all mixed in. But today, many prefer to drink theirs in the holiday spirit — without the spirits. And while the egg yolk might turn some off, it isn't much cause for concern.The FDA says an official eggnog needs to contain just 1% of egg yolk solids. That leaves a lot of room for creativity. Happy holiday drinking!
More Holiday Drinking
An Inside Look At How Scandinavian Christmas Glögg Is Made
It's a staple in Swedish households and a neighborhood favorite at one of the oldest bars in Chicago.
LEARN MORE3:34
Can machines be creative?
Generative AI is a subfield of artificial intelligence that involves training models to generate new content such as text, images, or music.
By John Minchillo / AP2:10
Why do bones break?
Dr. Claire Shannon, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, says popping your knuckles – or cracking your knee or your wrist – is considered a 'phenomenon.'
By Scripps News3:34
Why are retail thefts on the rise?
It’s organized retail crime — where the thefts are planned, and part of organized rings.
By Michael Macor / APTop Stories
GoodRx to pay penalty to FTC; feds claim it shared health information
The FTC is pushing consumers to check their privacy settings after alleging GoodRx shared health information with advertisers without user consent.
By AP3:27
Why is the Super Bowl halftime show such a big deal?
Despite a huge TV audience, the NFL doesn’t pay performers — though it does cover their expenses.
By Matt York / AP0:45
Mount Washington to reach wind chills of -100F, as cold as Mars
The Mars Curiosity rover has recorded nighttime temperatures in recent days of 105 degrees below zero. Temperatures don't often get that low on Earth.
By Robert F. Bukaty / AP