Every holiday comes with their set of iconic foods and drinks. Thanksgiving has turkey and sparkling apple cider, Halloween has chocolates and virgin bloody marys. Christmas has ham and eggnog…. Eggnog? What could such a bizarrely named, gross sounding drink be? What is the history of eggnog?

Eggnog is a traditional holiday beverage served at festive parties and events. According to the Food Network, the drink is made with eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract. While an egg-based drink may strike worry for many, fear not— those who indulge in the refreshment find the hints of egg surprisingly difficult to taste (foodnetwork.com).

According to The Spruce Eats, this holiday beverage dates back to Thirteenth Century European monks, who used the drink with the purpose of toasting to one’s health and prosperity. Eggnog did not come to America until the Eighteenth Century, where it began to lose its original purpose. With the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the decrease in temperature at which the beverage is enjoyed, the westernized version of the drink is starkly different from what it was upon its arrival.

Though the drink used to be served warm in the United States, that tradition has faded, now being served cold. There are a variety of recipes for eggnog that come from all around the world, each having a unique mix of ingredients. Some versions even include alcoholic additions (thespruceeats.com).

According to Forbes Magazine, the exact origins of the word “eggnog” are unknown, but many speculate that the term is derived from centuries ago from England. “The name [eggnog] evidently came from two words – grog, which is another word for rum, and noggins, a word for the small wooden mugs that the drink was served in. At first, in England, the drink was nonalcoholic, and, as noted, hot” (forbes.com).

With such an odd combination of ingredients, this drink is widely controversial — people either love or hate it. Sophomore Thomas King is a fan of eggnog, and plans to enjoy the beverage this upcoming holiday season. King said, “I can see how people would not like eggnog, and I do agree that egg being one of the main ingredients makes the drink less appealing. However, I do drink it frequently when Christmas rolls around, and I find it to be the perfect holiday drink.”

Sophomore Vanna Nguyen shares King’s perspective. She said, “Personally, eggnog has always seemed like such a fun festive drink and it’s something I always enjoy around Christmas.”

While the ingredients in this hearty classic may be off-putting, everyone should try eggnog at least once in their life. Be sure to have an open mind while testing out this beverage, and don’t forget to share with friends and family.