The holiday season is full of cherished traditions, many of which revolve around the delicious foods and drinks we share with loved ones. While some recipes evolve over the years, others stand the test of time, waiting to be rediscovered. Thanks to online chef B. Dylan Hollis (@bdylanhollis), a vintage eggnog recipe has gone viral, reminding thousands of people just how wonderful this classic festive beverage can be when made from scratch.
A Brief History of a Holiday Classic
Eggnog’s roots trace back to early medieval Britain and a hot, milky ale-like drink called posset. By the 13th century, monks were known to drink a version of posset with eggs and figs. Because milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health. When the drink made its way to the American colonies in the 18th century, the expensive sherry and brandy were often swapped for more accessible rum or whiskey.
Over the years, this creamy concoction has become a staple of holiday celebrations, though many today are only familiar with the thinner, store-bought variety.
A Vintage Recipe Comes to Life
In a TikTok video that’s been liked over 2 million times, Dylan flips through the pages of a vintage cookbook, landing on a recipe for eggnog from 1895. With his signature jovial energy, he guides viewers through a process that promises a drink far superior to anything poured from a carton. The method is straightforward but requires a bit of care. It begins by beating one cup of sugar into five egg yolks until they are light and creamy.
Next, he gently scalds one cup of cream and two cups of milk on low heat with four whole cloves and a tablespoon of cinnamon. The warm, spiced liquid infuses the kitchen with the scent of the holidays. He then carefully whisks half of this hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, preventing them from scrambling. The combined mixture is returned to low heat and stirred until it thickens into a rich custard. After it cools slightly, the magic continues.
The five reserved egg whites are whipped into stiff peaks, then gently folded into the nog along with a grating of fresh nutmeg and a splash of vanilla. The final result is a thick, frothy, and incredibly decadent beverage that can be thinned with a little extra milk if it becomes too thick.
@bdylanhollis December in a cup? #baking #vintage #cooking #eggnog ♬ original sound – B. Dylan Hollis
A Joyful Online Response
The response to the video has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with over 14,000 comments from delighted viewers. Many were inspired to try the recipe themselves, with one user joking, “Just gonna go ahead and put a cauldron on my Amazon Shopping cart.” Others celebrated Hollis’s infectious personality, which shines through in all his videos. “You know it’s good when he starts to giggle,” another commenter noted, referencing the chef’s happy reaction to tasting his creation.
As the festive season approaches, special drinks like mulled wine, hot spiced cider, and wassail bring mirth and joy. They warm our hands and our hearts, connecting us to generations past. This viral eggnog recipe is a perfect example of how an old tradition can feel new again, proving that the enduring love for this creamy, spiced drink is as strong as ever. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a taste of history and a celebration in a glass.
