Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink made from milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, often spiced with nutmeg or cinnamon. The eggs are what make it special: they're beaten into the mixture to create a thick, smooth texture that's almost like a drinkable custard.

Eggnog has been a Christmas and winter tradition in America and England for hundreds of years. Families often serve it at holiday parties, and you'll find it in stores from November through December, then it vanishes until next year. Some people drink it cold, others warm it up.

The flavor is sweet and rich, with a taste somewhat like melted ice cream mixed with spices. Some people absolutely love eggnog and wait all year for it to appear in stores. Others find it too thick or sweet for their taste. Because it can contain raw or lightly cooked eggs, homemade eggnog needs to be made carefully. Store-bought versions are heat-treated to make them safe.