Since I was born and raised in the USA, when it comes to traditional Christmas drinks I am only familiar with two: eggnog and wassail. I never even think about these two drinks any time of the year other than Christmas time. Do you?
Did you know?
- Eggnog is a creamy drink and mostly Americans and Canadians partake.
- Wassail is a fruity drink and mostly people in the USA and the UK partake.
Image credit: HolidayGold Double Old Fashioned 4-Piece Glass Set by Lenox
EGGNOG:
Even though it's tradition, eggnog is not a traditional drink in our home. Why? Because only one of my kids likes this drink, so he buys his own eggnog to enjoy. Me? I like the fact that eggnog can be used in lots of dessert recipes. Cookies, cakes, etc. However, because certain members of my family have dietary restrictions I can not make those desserts. But if other people make and serve them at a holiday gathering, I can indulge myself without feeling guilty.
You can buy eggnog ready-made in the grocery store or make your own. Once again because of special diets, many people choose to make their own ~ with or without raw eggs, with or without alcohol, some with ice cream, some with no cream, etc. Here is a traditional recipe.
Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog
WASSAIL:
As for wassail, in addition to it being a delightful warm drink, I discovered accidentally that it is wonderfully soothing for sore throats. That was an unexpected health benefit.
Most people buy a spice blend and make their own wassail using the juices they like and mixing the spices into the liquid. Some people have their own spice blends and swear that it is better than anybody else's blend. Everybody has different methods. I find that using a slow cooker works great and I let my daughter pick the spices she wants to put in the pot. Here is a link to a traditional recipe.
Old Fashioned Wassail - Accidental Happy Baker
Even though it's tradition, eggnog is not a traditional drink in our home. Why? Because only one of my kids likes this drink, so he buys his own eggnog to enjoy. Me? I like the fact that eggnog can be used in lots of dessert recipes. Cookies, cakes, etc. However, because certain members of my family have dietary restrictions I can not make those desserts. But if other people make and serve them at a holiday gathering, I can indulge myself without feeling guilty.
You can buy eggnog ready-made in the grocery store or make your own. Once again because of special diets, many people choose to make their own ~ with or without raw eggs, with or without alcohol, some with ice cream, some with no cream, etc. Here is a traditional recipe.
Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog
WASSAIL:
As for wassail, in addition to it being a delightful warm drink, I discovered accidentally that it is wonderfully soothing for sore throats. That was an unexpected health benefit.
Most people buy a spice blend and make their own wassail using the juices they like and mixing the spices into the liquid. Some people have their own spice blends and swear that it is better than anybody else's blend. Everybody has different methods. I find that using a slow cooker works great and I let my daughter pick the spices she wants to put in the pot. Here is a link to a traditional recipe.
Old Fashioned Wassail - Accidental Happy Baker
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