The General Harrison’s Nogg cocktail, a drink with roots tracing back to the 9th President of the United States, William Henry Harrison, offers a unique glimpse into early American drinking habits. This isn’t your typical creamy, rich eggnog; instead, it’s a lighter, more refreshing take, perhaps reflecting the preferences of a man known for his military background and a more austere lifestyle than some of his contemporaries. Let’s delve into this historical beverage and discover how to recreate it.
A Presidential History Lesson
William Henry Harrison, nicknamed “Old Tippecanoe” after his victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, had a distinguished military career before entering politics. He served as a major general in the War of 1812 and later became the 9th U.S. president in 1841, though his presidency was tragically short, lasting only 31 days. Harrison’s association with this particular nogg recipe adds a layer of historical significance to the drink. This recipe provides a fascinating glimpse into the drinks enjoyed by early Americans, especially those in military settings.
The Original Recipe: Simplicity and Availability
The charm of General Harrison’s Nogg lies in its simplicity. Unlike the elaborate eggnogs loaded with cream and multiple liquors that were popular at the time, Harrison’s version seems to have been a drink of practicality, made with ingredients readily available in a military camp or frontier setting. The original recipe is reported to have consisted of just a few key components:
- One Egg: Providing the base and richness of the drink.
- Sugar: Just a small amount to sweeten, typically about a teaspoon.
- Hard Cider or Dry Red Wine: Used to top off the drink, offering a lighter alcoholic component.
This is in contrast to the rich, multi-liquor eggnogs common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The use of hard cider or wine, instead of the more expensive brandy or rum, suggests an adaptation to the resources available. Some accounts of the drink even mention that it was “very popular on the Mississippi river”.
Recreating the General Harrison’s Nogg
While the original recipe is fairly basic, modern mixologists have adapted it to make it more palatable and nuanced. Here is a contemporary take that balances historical accuracy with current tastes:
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Applejack or Calvados (an apple brandy can be used as a substitute)
- 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Fresh Whole Egg
- Hard Cider, to top
- Freshly grated Nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- Dry Shake: Combine the applejack, demerara syrup, bitters, and egg in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15-20 seconds. This “dry shake” helps emulsify the egg, giving the cocktail a better texture.
- Add Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 8-10 seconds. This chills the drink and further incorporates the ingredients.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass, preferably a coupe or a small rocks glass.
- Top with Cider: Fill the remaining space in the glass with hard cider. The type of cider will influence the taste of the cocktail, with options ranging from dry to sweet. A cinnamon-flavored cider can add extra depth.
- Garnish: Grate fresh nutmeg over the top of the drink to enhance the aromas.
Variations and Enhancements
While the recipe above is a good starting point, there are a few variations and enhancements you might consider:
- Type of Cider: Experiment with different types of hard cider, such as dry, semi-sweet, or even flavored ciders like cinnamon apple. The choice of cider can dramatically alter the final flavor profile of the drink.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of demerara syrup to suit your preference. Some might find the classic version too dry, while others may find it perfect as is.
- Spices: Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or other warm spices to the shaker along with the other ingredients for a more festive aroma.
- Wine Instead of Cider: Some historical accounts suggest dry red wine as a topping. If you prefer this option, choose a lighter-bodied red wine.
- Egg White Foam: For a more foamy texture, you can separate the egg, dry shake the yolk with the other ingredients, and then whisk the egg white separately until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the egg white foam into the drink after you have strained it into your glass.
- Alternative Sweeteners: If demerara syrup is unavailable, you can use a simple syrup or maple syrup as an alternative.
The Nogg vs. Eggnog: What’s the Difference?
It is important to note that while the General Harrison’s Nogg is often referred to as a type of eggnog, it’s considerably different than the rich, creamy eggnogs we typically see around the holidays. Most modern eggnogs consist of a combination of milk, cream, eggs, sugar and a combination of liquors, such as brandy, rum, or bourbon.
A true “nogg,” is a lighter drink that is often topped with a non-dairy element such as cider or wine, making it a more refreshing and less decadent option. The use of an entire egg also makes it different than some eggnog recipes that use only egg yolks. This distinction highlights how historical recipes were often tailored to available resources and personal preferences.
Historical Context: Eggnog and Early American Drinks
Eggnog, in various forms, was a popular drink in early America. The drink’s roots can be traced back to the medieval European “posset,” a hot milk-based drink with wine and spices. Over time it evolved to include eggs and other spirits. The ingredients for eggnog were readily available in the American colonies, and the use of rum became commonplace as rum production grew in the colonies and the Caribbean.
George Washington, for example, was known for his fondness of eggnog. His recipe included a generous mix of brandy, rye whiskey, dark rum, and sherry. These types of eggnogs were often thick and very potent. In contrast, the General Harrison’s Nogg, with its lighter profile, is a testament to the diverse ways in which egg-based cocktails were enjoyed in early America.
Why Try General Harrison’s Nogg?
Exploring historical cocktail recipes offers a connection to the past, and the General Harrison’s Nogg is a great way to take a trip back in time. This cocktail is:
- Historically significant: It gives a glimpse into the life and times of a U.S. president.
- Light and Refreshing: It is a less heavy alternative to traditional eggnog.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and is quick to prepare.
- Versatile: The recipe can be adapted to personal tastes by experimenting with different ciders, spices, and sweeteners.
- A Unique Conversation Starter: It is not your typical drink and offers a great story.
Conclusion
The General Harrison’s Nogg is more than just a drink; it’s a taste of history. This simple cocktail is a testament to the resourcefulness of early Americans, and provides a refreshing alternative to richer holiday drinks. Whether you are a history buff, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply looking for something different, this cocktail offers a unique and enjoyable experience. So, raise a glass to the past and savor the taste of this presidential nogg!
