Sweet, spicy & exciting

Christmas, the season to be jolly has rolled around, and so have warm eggnog and chunky marzipan

- Chinmay Raval

Any Christmas story—be it romantic or mystery—is rarely complete without someone or the other downing a glass of eggnog. And on the table, or in that plate of sweets that your Catholic neighbour brings around, will probably be a pretty collection of marzipan in varied shapes.

Eggnog The origins of eggnog are unclear, as often happens with older food traditions which have not been documented or recorded. Eggnog is believed to have originated as a medieval drink called "posset", made with hot milk, ale or wine, and spices, which was had as a warming drink during winter. Some monks were known to add figs and eggs to this. European colonisers took this drink to the Americas with them, and over time it evolved to incorporate local ingredients such as rum and sugar, which were abundant in the New World.

The "nog" in the word is thought to refer to either "noggin", which was the English name for the cup that ale was drunk in, or to the word "nugg", the Scottish word for warmed ale.

While the original posset used milk curdled with alcohol, this doesn't sound very appetising now; the final version of eggnog that we know today includes milk or cream, spices, sugar and eggs. Alcohol such as rum or bourbon can be added by those who prefer it.

Hot or cold? Eggnog is primarily a winter drink and is meant to be consumed warm; however, it can also be chilled and topped with whipped cream for added decadence. With eggnog available ready-made and even in the form of premix powder, the temperature is entirely up to you. But the specific pleasure of having a hot cup on a cold evening is undeniable!

Is it good for you? In cold weather, it is advantageous to consume hot drinks, especially with spices (think haldi doodh). Egg adds nutrition, sugar gives you energy, and if you add alcohol it makes you feel warm and fuzzy provided you don't have too much of it!