If you have ever visited a classic New York City deli or candy store, you might have seen a drink on the menu called a chocolate egg cream. Despite its name, this drink contains neither eggs nor cream. So what is it, and how did it get its peculiar name?
A chocolate egg cream is a simple but delicious concoction of milk, seltzer water, and chocolate syrup. It is traditionally made in a small Coke-style glass with a long spoon. The key to a good egg cream is to use ice cold milk and seltzer water, and to stir vigorously to create a thick, foamy head. The chocolate syrup of choice for most New Yorkers is Fox’s U-bet Chocolate Flavored Syrup, which has been made in Brooklyn since 1900.
The origin of the egg cream is a subject of much debate and speculation. Some say it was invented by Louis Auster, a candy shop owner on the Lower East Side, around 1900. Others claim it was created by Hymie Bell, another candy store owner in the same neighborhood, in the 1920s. There are also various theories about how the name came to be. Some suggest it was derived from the Yiddish word for honey, echt keem, which means “pure sweetness”. Others say it was a corruption of the French term for chocolate, chocolat et crème. Still others say it was named after the frothy appearance of the drink, which resembles beaten egg whites.
Whatever the true story is, the chocolate egg cream became a popular and iconic soda fountain drink in New York City in the early 20th century. It was especially favored by Jewish immigrants who wanted a refreshing and inexpensive treat that did not violate the kosher dietary laws. As one article put it, “A candy store minus an egg cream was as difficult to conceive as the Earth without gravity.”
Today, you can still find chocolate egg creams at some old-fashioned delis and diners in New York City, such as Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters Cafe, and Tom’s Restaurant. You can also make your own at home with just three ingredients: U-bet chocolate syrup, ice cold milk and ice cold seltzer water. This drink is bubbly and so refreshing; you’ll want to make it again and again.
The next time you are in the mood for a classic New York City drink, try a chocolate egg cream. You might be surprised by how much you like this simple but satisfying beverage that has a mysterious name.