It's a sumptuous staple of the holiday season... but for those making eggnog in a big batch and keep it for a later date, you might be wondering... "Can you freeze eggnog?" Well, we're going to answer that question in todays article.
Not only will we find out whether it's possible to freeze eggnog, but we'll take a look at the various different methods and the absolute do's and don'ts when it comes to freezing eggnog.
So, can you freeze eggnog?
Yes, you can freeze eggnog! Freezing this egg fortified beverage is a great way to extend the shelf life of this festive tipple.
Made from milk, cream, raw eggs, sugar, alcohol (normally rum, whisky or bourbon) and other flavor enhancers like vanilla, eggnog can be kept in the freezer for a later date.
However, homemade eggnog and store bought eggnog require different freezing methods. Also, the length of time the frozen eggnog can be kept for and the quality once defrosted depend on the storage conditions.
Does eggnog freeze well?
Generally speaking, any products that include dairy aren't a great candidate for long term freezing. That being said, it is definitely possible to freeze eggnog and enjoy it at a later date.
However, you will need to follow the freezing guidelines at the bottom of this article, otherwise you might run the risk of ruining perfectly good quality eggnog.
What happens when you freeze eggnog?
During the eggnog freezing process, the water and fat molecules in the dairy ingredients separate. This means that when you defrost eggnog at a later date, the texture and taste is often altered.
The level of alteration to the texture and taste largely comes down to how the eggnog was frozen, how soon it was frozen after being made and how long it has been stored in the freezer.
Can you freeze homemade eggnog?
Freezing eggnog is certainly possible. Eggnog made at home tends to last less time in the fridge compared to store bought eggnog, it's probably more likely that you will want to know how to freeze homemade eggnog over how to freeze store bought eggnog.
Can you freeze store bought eggnog?
Yes you can. Much like homemade eggnog, store bought eggnog can be frozen, as long as the proper freezing guidelines are followed.
This includes canned eggnog and eggnog from a carton that you can buy from normal supermarkets and grocery stores.
Can you freeze vegan eggnog?
Absolutely. However, much like eggnog, vegan eggnog can sometimes separate once it has been defrosted.
You can store vegan eggnog in an airtight freezable container, or you can freeze it in individual ice cubes. The freezing methods are the same as standard eggnog, so simply follow the step by step instructions at the bottom of this article.
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How long does eggnog last in the fridge?
When stored in the fridge, you can keep eggnog for up to three days. Store bought eggnog usually lasts a little bit longer, generally around five days.
Give the eggnog a shake or a stir before serving, as there’ll be some natural separation.
How long does frozen eggnog last?
If you want to extend the shelf life of eggnog beyond a few days, freezing is the way to go. Frozen eggnog lasts up to six months. Beyond this period of time, the quality of the eggnog will start to drop, so your best bet is to consume it within 4-6 months.
How do you thaw eggnog?
The best way to defrost frozen eggnog is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Defrosted eggnog that has been thawed overnight will have less of a change to its taste and texture.
An important point – you should never leave eggnog to defrost at room temperature. Leaving eggnog out for an extended period of time can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and could ultimately lead to food poisoning.
How do you reheat eggnog?
If you enjoy eggnog cold, then reheating it isn't an issue. However, when served hot, eggnog is extra festive and delicious.
If you want to enjoy a warm cup of eggnog, reheating it is simple and quick to do. Simply pour the eggnog into a suitably sized saucepan (try saying that after a few too many!) and heat on a low to medium heat, stirring constantly.
How long can you keep eggnog after it has been defrosted?
Once you've thawed eggnog, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, I recommend that you store eggnog for only a short period of time and consume as soon as possible, preferably within a day or two.
How do you make leftover eggnog creamy again after defrosting it?
Once you have defrosted your eggnog, you might find that some separation has taken place.
Don't worry... there are a few techniques you can use to restore some of that lovely silky texture to your festive eggnog.
Top tips on freezing eggnog
We've been over the key things to remember when freezing eggnog... here's a quick summary:
- Eggnog should be frozen as soon as possible once it has been opened. The longer you wait to freeze it, the more the quality of the taste and texture will suffer.
- Leave a gap at the top of the storage container. This will allow the frozen eggnog to expand slightly.
- Eggnog is best when stored at a constant temperature, below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So be sure to not adjust your freezer during the freezing process.
- Eggnog is best when you let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Never leave it to thaw at room temperature.
Incredible eggnog recipes
These eggnog recipes are simply sensational:
- Eggnog French Toast – the perfect decadent breakfast recipe for the holidays!
- Eggnog latte – Christmas coffees don’t get better than this
- Eggnog waffles – another incredible breakfast / brunch recipe that the whole family will go bonkers for
- Eggnog mousse – a rich creamy dessert with a pleasant boozy kick
- Eggnog ice cream – pure heaven!
📖 Recipe
How to freeze eggnog
A popular drink over the holiday season, but what if you want to save some for later? Read on and learn how to freeze your eggnog to have on another day!
Materials
- Airtight plastic freezer bag
- Freezer safe airtight container
Instructions
Freezing homemade eggnog
- Allow your homemade eggnog to rest at room temperature until it has completely cooled down.
- Once it has properly cooled down, pour the homemade eggnog into a plastic airtight freezer container or a freezer bag.
- Make sure you leave a gap of an inch or two at the top of the bag or freezer container. This will allow space for the eggnog to expand once frozen.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and return the eggnog to the freezer.
Freezing store bought eggnog that is unopened
- Place the unopened eggnog carton in the freezer and leave it to flash freeze for a few hours.
- Once frozen solid, place the eggnog carton in a plastic freezer container or ziplock freezer bag. This will help to reduce freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and return the eggnog to the freezer.
Freezing store bought eggnog that has been opened
- Pour the store bought eggnog into a plastic airtight freezer container or a freezer bag.
- Make sure you leave a gap of an inch or two at the top of the bag or freezer container. This will allow space for the eggnog to expand once frozen.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and return the eggnog to the freezer.
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