Nothing warms the heart on a chilly day like a cup of eggnog. Eggnog, a type of frothy milk drink, can be made from scratch or bought at any grocery store. But can you freeze eggnog? Eggnog contains raw eggs, cream and milk. These ingredients aren’t exactly known for keeping well in the fridge for long periods of time.
In fact, yes, you can freeze eggnog. Because of its delicate ingredients, you must store the drink carefully to avoid unpleasant texture changes. Because if eggnog is improperly stored in the fridge or freezer, it will take on a lumpy, watery consistency after thawing.
It’s worth noting that homemade eggnog has a shorter shelf life than its store-bought counterpart. On average, homemade eggnog only lasts a day in the fridge. Because store-bought eggnog is pasteurized, it stays fresh longer in the fridge. Keep refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
Fridge-bought eggnog will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. When frozen, the drink will keep for about 4 to 6 months. Of course, it should be noted that the shelf life of eggnog in the refrigerator depends on various factors. These factors include the processing method, storage preparations, and exposure to light, heat, and moisture. If you’re wondering how to freeze eggnog, here’s a step-by-step guide:
How do you freeze eggnog?
To freeze homemade eggnog, allow the drink to cool at room temperature. Then pour the drink into a rigid plastic container with an airtight lid. Leave about an inch or two of space so the liquid has enough room to expand as it freezes. Seal the container, add the label with the storage date and stick it in the freezer. This step also applies to store-bought eggnog.
If you’re freezing an unopened package of eggnog, you don’t need to prepare the product before freezing. Simply stick the eggnog upright in the freezer. Once the eggnog is frozen solid, place the carton in a durable plastic bag and pop it straight back into the freezer until ready to use. Ideally, you need to freeze the eggnog below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the drink to last for months.
Read Also: Can you freeze bok choy?
How do you thaw and reheat eggnog?
To thaw frozen eggnog, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow to thaw overnight. Never thaw the drink by leaving the frozen eggnog at room temperature. This causes the components of the drink to break down and take on a lumpy, undrinkable consistency! Worse, if you leave the thawed eggnog on the counter for too long it could go bad because of the raw eggs.
Once the drink has completely defrosted, you can reheat it. Note that the separation of the ingredients is normal when the beverage is thawed; just give the drink a good stir before heating it up. This will incorporate the ingredients together. If you would like a creamier, frothy consistency once thawed, place the eggnog in a blender and blend until thick and smooth.
Eggnog can be served hot or cold, but if you want to enjoy a warm cuppa, pop the thawed eggnog in the microwave and heat for a few minutes. You can also reheat the eggnog in a saucepan over medium-high heat until the drink is steaming hot. Never refreeze eggnog that has been thawed as there is a good chance it will go bad after the second thaw.
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Eggnog is a seasonal drink, so it’s usually available during the winter or holiday season. But now that you know how to store eggnog in the freezer, you can enjoy this delicious drink all year round!