Founding Father George Washington’s Super Boozy Eggnog Recipe

The first U.S. President was proud of his especially drunken holiday beverage of his own making

George Washington is famous for a number of reasons, not least of which was leading what became the United States through the Revolutionary War and then becoming its first President. However, he had other things about him that are quite notable. One that most people probably don’t know about is what an incredibly boozy recipe he had for eggnog, which people may still find to be a delicious and quite tipsy beverage this holiday season.

Washington was born into a wealthy Virginia planter family which became successful growing tobacco and in land speculation. The family owned numerous slaves, and George himself owned as many as 300 at one time, accumulating his own substantial fortune. He was a key figure in the establishment of the United States, as he served as the commander of the continental army for eight years, and later served two four-year terms (1789–1797) as President.

Naturally, Washington entertained frequently at his home at Mount Vernon. It is said that he developed his own recipe for eggnog, which he not only wrote out in his own hand, but proudly served to guests. His prized concoction consisted of:

“One-quart cream, one-quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one-pint brandy, ½ pint rye whiskey, ½ pint Jamaica rum, ¼ pint sherry — mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of 12 eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well.

“Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.”

During Washington’s day, the reduced availability of potable water meant that “safer” alcoholic beverages were frequently consumed. This was also an excellent way to not waste certain fruits and vegetables. Nevertheless, the Founding Father’s version of the popular holiday drink was particuarly drenched in alcohol, adding to its considerable charm.

Eggnog is believed to be a creation coming from America, dating back to the 1760s. Countless versions have popped up over the years, but it’s a near certainty that few to none have had the head spinning capabilities of the frothy treat Washington concocted that relied on equal parts yum and alcohol.