Eggnog is a drink popular in the United States and Canada through the winter holiday season. Historically, it was known as milk punch or egg milk punch, and it was a drink available only to those who could afford luxuries like milk, cream, eggs, and spirits. Because of its expensive components, eggnog was often used to toast prosperity. But when eggnog spread from Great Britain to the colonies in America, where dairy was plentiful, the drink’s popularity increased dramatically. George Washington is known to have served a version to his guests. Today eggnog is usually made with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and spices. It’s enjoyed from late October through Christmas, traditionally chilled, sometimes hot. Rum, brandy, whiskey, or other alcohol is optional but delicious without too.