
Eggnog is a staple in winter holiday tradition, with an average of 135 million pounds consumed yearly in the U.S.. But the drink also has powerful ties to our history.
Eggnog is commonly made with some type of alcohol, and in the 18th century, Americans relied on rum imported from the Caribbean islands to make it. It was much more expensive to make with alcohol imported from the U.K.
In the early 1800s, beverage expert Cato Alexander went from being enslaved to opening his own bar in New York. Amongst his signature cocktails was eggnog. People across the nation came to Cato’s to experience it, popularizing the drink in Black culture.
Eggnog has many variations, many grounded in Caribbean culture. Coquitos, for example, are a popular type of eggnog that has traveled to the U.S. along with a healthy sense of pride. Competitions are held in New York to see who makes it the best.
No matter where we live, our connections run deep. While eggnog is usually a holiday drink, the beverage proves that our unity is something to celebrate every single day of the year.