Eggnog is a holiday favorite for many people. While you can make it from scratch anytime throughout the year, it can be difficult to find it in stores after the holidays.
Freezing eggnog is the perfect option if you are looking to enjoy this drink year-round.
In this article, we will show you how to freeze eggnog properly, as well as other information that you will find to be useful.
With that said, let us get right into it.
Does Eggnog Freeze Well? (Is It Safe to Do?)
Yes, eggnog can be frozen and it is the perfect option if you want to have some on hand throughout the year. When packed properly, frozen eggnog can be kept in the freezer for up to a year.
Does Freezing Eggnog Change the Taste?
Once it is packaged properly, frozen eggnog does not suffer in quality. The taste of the ingredients will remain unchanged when thawed again.
It is very important that it is packed properly, as there are a lot of weird scents that can develop in food that has been left in the freezer too long. A good container, that is sealed properly will ensure the eggnog remains fresh and tastes as it should.
Why Freeze Eggnog?
There are many reasons why someone would want to freeze eggnog. These include:
Enjoy it Year-Round: Eggnog is traditionally had during the holidays. Freezing either store-bought or homemade eggnog, gives you the opportunity to have access to this holiday favorite all-throughout the year.
Time Saver: Eggnog can be made ahead and stored for future events and parties as well. This helps to save time, as you can make a batch days or weeks before the event and thaw it out when you are ready to use it.
Great Way to Save Leftovers: If you have leftovers from a large batch of eggnog that you made for your holiday party or dinner, then you can always freeze it for future use, instead of throwing it out or letting it sit in the refrigerator, where it can spoil.
You Might Like: Can You Freeze Milk?
How to Freeze Eggnog (Store-Bought & Homemade)
Freezing eggnog is an easy process and the steps are essentially the same if the eggnog was purchased from the grocery store or if it was homemade.
Freezing Store Bought Eggnog
Eggnog from the grocery store usually comes in either a box, plastic bottle or glass (depending on the brand). If you have leftovers from your party, you can save the opened or unopened container in your freezer.
The key to proper storage is the container. If the container is not airtight, it opens the chance for possible freezer burn or weird scents that can alter the flavor of your eggnog.
If your eggnog came in a resealable container, this can be placed directly in the freezer.
You may need to transfer store bought eggnog in a box to a container that is airtight. Boxes, depending on how they are made, tend to not be resealable.
Freezing Homemade Eggnog
If you’ve decided to make your own eggnog, there are a few steps you need to follow before freezing.
Steps
- Allow the eggnog to cool to room temperature, before freezing.
- The eggnog should also be stirred properly before it is packed for storing. This ensures all of the ingredients are evenly distributed, so there’s no separation when thawed again.
- Pour the eggnog into a resealable freezer-safe container.
- Make sure to take into account how much space is needed for expansion when frozen and leave room accordingly
- The containers should be labeled, as this will give you an idea as to how long it’s been sitting in the freezer.
- Place it into the freezer at zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
You Might Like: Can You Freeze a Milkshake?
Thawing Frozen Eggnog
When you are ready to thaw the frozen eggnog, you can either let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or make it defrost in a cold-water bath.
Thaw Overnight in the Refrigerator
Refrigerator thawing is recommended as it is a safer option and it does not allow for the growth of harmful bacteria. This method can take 8-12 hours, so it is best to place the container in the refrigerator before going to bed.
Thaw in a Cold Water Bath
If you want your frozen eggnog defrosted quickly, a cold-water bath is your go-to option.
With this method, you will need to place the container into a large bowl or sink of cold water. The water should be changed every 15 minutes, so that it stays cool and does not warm up too much.
Depending on how much eggnog was frozen, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to thaw.
Please Note: You should not defrost frozen eggnog on your counter top. This is a dangerous practice, as the eggnog can spoil quickly if left at room temperature for too long.
This can allow for the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Always defrost eggnog in the refrigerator or a cold-water bath.
Wrapping it up
Freezing eggnog is a great way to enjoy it all year round. No matter if you have store-bought or homemade eggnog, once it is stored properly, it can be kept in the freezer for month with no change in the drinks taste.
Now, I want to hear from you.
Why are you planning to freeze this drink and how do you plan to freeze it?
Leave a comment below and let me know.
