Tried buying store-bought eggnog for the holidays and later decided to consume the goodness at a later time? Then, would it be okay to freeze the store-bought eggnog? We’ve checked with food experts and enthusiasts about the matter to clearly answer the question.
Fortunately, you can freeze store-bought eggnog, making it last for about four to six months. Homemade eggnog requires a decent amount of work and even the taste of well-made eggnog is fine at best. On the other hand, one can just grab a reliable brand of this dairy-based beverage and you’re good to go. It should be noted that the procedures in freezing this delectable drink must be strictly followed.
Freezing store-bought eggnog is as easy as it sounds. Hang on as we’ll share the best possible easy-to-follow guide in freezing the delicious drink. We’ll also discuss answers to related questions about freezing store-bought eggnog so just sit back and wait a few moments.
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Homemade and Store-Bought Eggnog
Eggnog came from an old traditional drink known as posset, which is a sweetened and spiced curdled milk, mixed with ale and served hot. This beverage is popularly served during holidays and festivities most especially during the Christmas season.
Even so, store-bought eggnog is much more favored by consumers because proven homemade recipes require a decent amount of time and effort. Moreover, off-the-shelf eggnog has a longer shelf-life than the traditional one probably due to the pasteurization step added to the process of manufacturing the milky beverage.
How to freeze eggnog?
Store-bought eggnog surprisingly cannot be found in any local stores all year round. Thus, the most viable solution is buying off-the-shelf eggnog during the available season and finding a way to extend the shelf-life. The most effective way of extending the lifespan of this delectable beverage is by freezing. Freezing further extends the shelf-life for about 4 to 6 months, depending on the method and storage conditions.
The usual shelf life of store-bought eggnog is between 5 and 7 days if stored in the refrigerator below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While lowering the temperature to 0 degrees F means it will last up to 6 months, the freezing process separates the ingredients that make up the beverage. Upon defrosting the eggnog, it will be safe to consume, but it will form lumps that will not mix back in. For this reason, only freeze eggnog if you plan to cook or bake with it, rather than drink it.
Freezing store-bought eggnog is a very easy process involving just a few steps. There is no preparation involved in freezing. Here are the steps:
Place the unopened eggnog carton standing upright in the freezer and simply let it sit there for a few hours. In this way, the eggnog is frozen solid and making it easy to transfer in another container.
- Carefully place the contents of the frozen eggnog carton into a sealed tight container and return it into the freezer. Experts recommend the use of plastic freezer bag because it is sturdier and more durable. This process of transferring is essential because it stops freezer burn and further protects the contents of the carton. In addition, one could label the container so that upon usage it will be very easy to locate if multiple containers are placed in the fridge.
- During freezing, the eggnog needs to be kept at a constant temperature, below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure the eggnog keeps at a good quality for an extended period. The maintenance of the set temperature lessens the probability of lumpiness upon thawing the contents of the container.
Can you refreeze leftover eggnog?
Eggnog which has been defrosted and reheated must never be frozen again. Freezing eggnog in smaller portions is much more advisable, so you can defrost a small amount at a time instead of a large batch that will need to be thawed all at once. On the other hand, freezing a large batch of eggnog can be done, but do not think that you will finish the frozen eggnog in the right amount of time once it has thawed.
How do you defrost eggnog?
It is extremely important to take care when defrosting eggnog to prevent spoiling because egg is the main ingredient. Remove the eggnog from the freezer and place it straight into the fridge to allow it to defrost. Do note to never defrost eggnog at room temperature because this will cause the breaking down of ingredients and turn it lumpy and it will become unpalatable or turn sour.
Even when properly thawed in the refrigerator, there is still a chance that the eggnog may separate. To prevent this, give it a good mix or blend it in a blender to create a smooth and frothy consistency. To enjoy the eggnog warm after defrosting, pour it into a pan and heat it on the stove over low heat. This defrosting method is recommended for the best end product and even heating.
Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave, but you will need to check and stir it at 30-second intervals to spread the heat evenly and prevent it from overheating, which will completely ruin the texture.
Do you serve eggnog over ice?
Although this drink is served warm during the winter holidays, food enthusiasts all agreed that eggnog tastes better when served immediately, chilled with ice cubes and with a little hint of nutmeg. It emanates a distinct and genuine flavor than the warmer counterpart.
How long does store-bought eggnog last in the fridge?
Usually, homemade eggnog is safe to consume within 2 to 3 days from when it is made. This is due to the fact that this beverage isn’t pasteurized and doesn’t have any preservatives added to it. Store-bought eggnog, on the other hand, usually comes with a sell-by date. That date is a good and clear indicator of how long the drink will retain freshness.
Moreover, an unopened package should be safe to consume for an extra 2 or 3 days, but not much longer. The shelf life of store-bought eggnog would be about 5 to 7 days upon opening the carton. Pasteurization plays a vital role in increasing the life span of the beverage because most of the microorganisms will be killed during this process.
One can recognize if the eggnog has gone bad if it is lumpy, has a sour and unpleasant odor, and if it has lost its original milky color. One might experience severe stomach ache hours after consuming the spoiled eggnog.
Final Words
Store-bought eggnog shelf life can be extended by subjecting it to lower temperatures. Keep in mind to always follow the guide above in exhibiting this process. In addition, make sure to always check the expiration date so that that data will be accounted for. Enjoy the holiday season as you sip the delectable beverage together with your loved ones.
