What’s the history of Virginia eggnog? According to the Virginia Egg Council (yes, there is such a thing), it’s believed the English colonists transformed a drink call posset into the drink we know today by adding rum and bourbon. Learn more and see a recipe, if you want.
Speaking of recipes, George Washington had a recipe you might try as well.
One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, 1/2 pint rye whiskey, 1/2 pint Jamaica rum, 1/4 pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently. (Courtesy of Lee-Fendall House.)
Now to prepare for National Eggnog Day on December 24 …
Eggnog with a Designated Driver:
The Evergreen at Birdies on Broad is “a merrytime holiday pop-up bar” and we’re here for it. You’ll want to visit and snag their frozen eggnog before the pop-up pops down on January 6, 2024. Reservations are available.
In downtown Lexington, Haywood’s Piano Bar and Grill is known to make a beautiful eggnog. It’s so creamy it could almost pass for a smoothie. (Wish we had that recipe to share.)
Eggnog to Go:
Homestead Creamery in Wirtz is whipping up eggnog and getting it onto store shelves as quickly as they can this season, but they’re having a hard time keeping up with bottles. If you’ve purchased a quart of their ‘nog this season, please return the bottle to the retailer so it may be refilled for additional sales. You’ll also be refunded $2 per bottle.
Eggnog at Home:
Cecily Parsley shared the Eggnog of the Commonwealth Club recipe on Food.com. The Commonwealth Club is a veritable “who’s who” of the Richmond elite, and this eggnog recipe has been served to club members for more than 100 years.
Todd Thrasher, known for his barkeeping skills across Northern Virginia and the District, has a cool mix called the Irish Flip. “Flip” is an old term that refers to drinks made with eggs (Recipe). Thrasher is the maker of Thrasher’s Rum.
We’re starting to feel sad about places that once were (a la Todd Thrasher and Bar PX in Alexandria). Pasture – a one time staple in Richmond – has also gone with the wind. Their bartender, Beth Dixon, had a specialty ‘nog you can try at home. Find her recipe here.
Eggnog with a Spin:
Eggnog milkshake anyone? Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue in Norfolk is where the four-iron waffle cone machine was invented. It’s also the top spot to score an eggnog milkshake in Hampton Roads. Of course, it’s a limited seasonal specialty. Get it before January 1.
A Final Note About Eggnog:
Everything in moderation, they say, so do be wary of how stiff your drink may be this season. No one would want to suffer the same demise as Addison Williams. According to the Library of Virginia, Williams had plenty more than his fair share on December 24, 1872 in Bedford County. He was found “dead and frozen” on Christmas morning after overindulging and stumbling from the house the night before.
*Image: circa 1900 vintage postcard. Library of Virginia.
This article was originally published December 8, 2015.
When in Virginia 