Celebrated every year on December 24th, National Egg Nog Day or National Eggnog Day brings festive cheer with one of the season’s most iconic beverages. Eggnog, a rich and creamy drink often associated with Christmas, is enjoyed by many during holiday gatherings.
Traditionally made with a combination of milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and a splash of alcohol like rum or brandy, it’s a sweet, smooth drink topped with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which adds to its holiday charm. While today you can find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions in stores, many people enjoy making their own at home, as the ingredients are simple and easy to find.
Eggnog has a long history that dates back to medieval England, where it began as a drink called posset—a mixture of hot milk and alcohol, sometimes thickened with eggs. Over time, this drink evolved into what we now call eggnog, and it was brought to the American colonies where it became popular, especially during the holiday season. It was often made with rum in the New World, which was more affordable and available than other spirits. The drink became a favorite for toasting to health and prosperity during winter celebrations, and its festive flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon helped solidify its connection to Christmas.
Eggnog Around the World
Different countries have their own versions of eggnog. In Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, for instance, “coquito” is a coconut-based variation, while Mexico 🇲🇽 offers “rompope”, made with eggs, milk, and rum. Even Peru 🇵🇪 has its own take with “biblia con pisco”, using the brandy-like spirit called pisco. Though these variations differ, they share a common warmth and seasonal flavor, making eggnog a worldwide holiday tradition.
As you prepare for the holidays, be sure to mark National Egg Nog Day on your calendar for December 24th—a perfect time to sip this delightful, creamy drink and toast to the season!
When is National Egg Nog Day Celebrated?
National Egg Nog Day is celebrated annually on December 24th, making it a festive lead-up to Christmas. This timing feels perfect, as eggnog is often associated with holiday gatherings and cozy winter traditions. As families and friends come together for the holidays, National Egg Nog Day offers a chance to toast with this beloved seasonal drink. Here’s when it falls over the next several years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | December 24, Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 24, Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 24, Thursday |
| 2027 | December 24, Friday |
| 2028 | December 24, Sunday |
| 2029 | December 24, Monday |
| 2030 | December 24, Tuesday |
Fun Facts About Egg Nog
There’s more to eggnog than you might think. This creamy holiday favorite has a fascinating past, from its colonial American roots to an infamous eggnog-fueled riot. Here are a few fun facts to keep in mind for National Egg Nog Day:
- December is the peak month for eggnog, with millions of gallons sold annually in the U.S.
- Eggnog became popular in the American colonies due to the abundance of dairy and rum, making it a go-to drink for celebrations.
- The term “nog” comes from “noggin,” a 17th-century word for a small wooden mug used for serving alcohol. Earlier versions of eggnog were called “posset” in medieval Europe.
- In 1826, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point experienced the “Eggnog Riot” after cadets smuggled alcohol into the campus to make eggnog for a Christmas party, resulting in a night of chaos.
Ways to Celebrate National Egg Nog Day
For National Egg Nog Day, indulge in this classic holiday drink, embracing either the traditional recipe or a modern twist. You can make your own batch, explore non-dairy options, or even turn eggnog into delicious desserts. Here are some easy ways to celebrate:
- Make Homemade Eggnog: Create your own batch using traditional recipes that call for eggs, cream, and sugar, with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Add a Twist: Experiment with adding flavored liqueurs like chocolate, or peppermint schnapps to your eggnog for a unique spin.
- Host an Eggnog Toast: Gather friends or family for a holiday toast with eggnog, sharing the spirit of the season.
- Eggnog Desserts: If drinking it isn’t enough, use eggnog in baking! Try making eggnog-flavored cookies, cakes, or even ice cream.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
