Eggnog originates from medieval England, remains a holiday hit

The Holiday Spirit: Eggnog Delights Across the Country

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. –

The holiday season at Scoma’s Restaurant in San Francisco is not complete without their famous batch of eggnog, a tradition that begins a whole 11 months in advance. This meticulous process kicks off in late January, right after the previous year’s festivities, with a blend of nearly a thousand egg yolks, copious amounts of heavy cream, and a generous helping of vanilla beans mixed with sugar. To top it off, a delightful medley of sherry, brandy, and aged rum is added to the mix. The concoction is then carefully stored at 34 degrees Fahrenheit and given a weekly stir for months on end.

For loyal customer Phil Kenny, the wait is more than worth it. “It’s a wonderful, specialty drink,” he raved about Scoma’s unique recipe, which has been perfected over the years to capitalize on the aging process. “This takes eggnog to a different level,” he added.

Gordon Drysdale, Scoma’s culinary director, noted the surprising popularity of their eggnog this year. “A drink that you would sort of associate with grandma and grandpa on the holidays has become like a cult favorite here,” he shared. “We did not ever anticipate people actually being mad at us because we didn’t have it.”

Eggnog traces its origins back to medieval England with a drink called “posset,” featuring hot milk or cream, alcohol, and spices. While recipes have evolved over the centuries, some establishments, like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans, keep their eggnog formula a closely guarded secret.

Jamie Gourges, marketing manager at Lafitte’s, described their eggnog daiquiri as a bit of Christmas magic. “We do not disclose any of our recipes at any point but it is delicious,” she teased. The concoction is freshly made each morning from Thanksgiving until Three Kings Day on Jan. 6, following a tradition dating back 20 years at the historic bar haunted by French pirate Jean Lafitte.

Terry Wittmer, a local resident, enjoys the festive atmosphere at Lafitte’s during the holiday season. “It tastes like Christmas. It’s a little cinnamon-y. It’s smooth and if you drink it too fast you might get a brain freeze,” he chuckled. “I’m happier during Christmas.”

Even tourists, drawn in by the bar’s signature “purple drank” daiquiri, find themselves enchanted by the holiday eggnog. “It’s not going to have a problem going down, let’s put it that way,” Cheryl Abrigo from Florida remarked as she savored her drink.

Smith reported from New Orleans and Dazio reported from Los Angeles.