Tag: Mount Vernon

Recipes

George Washington’s Eggnog

George Washington’s Eggnog

George Washington's Eggnog

Serves 8
Everyone knows that George Washington was one of the founding fathers, served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and was the first President of the United States.

But what most people don’t realize is that George Washington was a brewer, distiller, cocktail connoisseur and one of the original mixologists. As a matter of fact many of his recipes still survive today in their original hand written form. One of his favorite and most popular, and most fitting for this time of year, is his Eggnog recipe. The recipe includes rye whiskey, rum, brandy and sherry and is rumored to have been “a stiff drink that only the most courageous were willing to try.”

So here it is, George Washington’s original Eggnog Recipe, are you “courageous” enough?

Prep Time: 45 min
Cook Time: 168 hr

Ingredients

  • 1 pint brandy
  • 1⁄2 pint rye whiskey
  • 1⁄2 pint jamaican rum
  • 1⁄4 pint sherry wine
  • 12 eggs, separated
  • 12 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 quart milk
  • 1 quart heavy cream

Instructions

  • MIX LIQUOR FIRST.
  • Separate yolks and whites of the eggs*.
  • Add sugar to beaten yolks and mix well.
  • Add combined liquors to the yolk and sugar mixture, drop by drop at first, slowly beating it all the while.
  • Add cream and milk and mix thoroughly.
  • Beat the egg whites* until stiff and gently fold these into cream liquor and yolk mixture.
  • Let this sit in the refrigerator for several days.
  • Taste frequently.
  • *I always remove the white thingum from eggs.

Notes

  • This was one of his favorite concoctions for celebrating Christmas at Mount Vernon.

Adapted from Food.com

 

Amusing

The Spirit of Mount Vernon: The Return of George Washington’s Whiskey

Video Description:

Many know George Washington as a general and statesman, but few think of America’s first president as a preeminent entrepreneur, operating the most successful whiskey distillery in the late 18th century. At its height, Washington’s distillery produced over 11,000 gallons of liquor a year, supplying the surrounding area and becoming one of his most lucrative business ventures.

At Washington’s former plantation, Mount Vernon, a group of historic interpreters are looking to bring this story to a wider audience. Thanks to a fully functioning replica of Washington’s distillery (and special dispensation from the Virginia General Assembly), George Washington’s rye whiskey is once again being made and sold to the public.

In November, Reason.tv followed the entire process as Dave Pickerell, Master Distiller and former Vice President of Operations for Maker’s Mark, and Steve Bashore, Mount Vernon Distillery Manager, oversaw a two week production run while adhering as strictly as possible to 18th century means and methods. The result is an 80-proof reminder of the nation’s first president and the entrepreneurial ideals of colonial America.