Many people would like to enjoy egg nog at times other than during the winter holidays. The question for many is whether or not egg nog can be frozen for use at other times of the year. Depending on the circumstances, it may in fact be possible to freeze egg nog and enjoy this sweet and creamy beverage. One of the main factors in the success of freezing egg nog is whether it is commercially made or prepared at home.
Store bought egg nog is generally available in two forms. Displays of canned egg nog usually begin to appear in supermarkets during the month of November, and require no refrigeration. Preservatives in this type of egg nog make it possible to store the beverage in a cool dark place for several months. In this instance there is no need to freeze egg nog. The contents of the can will keep well through the date stamped onto the can.
Along with canned versions of egg nog, there are also the containers of the beverage that are found in the dairy case. Purchased in cardboard or plastic containers, this form of egg nog is intended for use over a short period of time. However, it is possible to freeze an unopened container of this type of egg nog successfully. Depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer, it may be possible to freeze egg nog in paper and plastic containers for anywhere from two to six months. Check with the producer of the specific product for guidelines on how long the beverage can be preserved in the freezer.
Generally, it is not a good idea to freeze egg nog that is prepared at home. The reason for this is that there are relatively few preservatives in the mixture, so the rate of deterioration is faster than commercially prepared egg nog beverages. Even if the beverage is frozen, there is a definite chance of bacteria setting up during the storage period. The raw eggs used in most homemade recipes are one of the main factors that can make freezing fresh egg nog a risky business.
When it comes to the decision to freeze egg nog, feel free to freeze commercially produced items, but don’t waste time trying to freeze your own homemade recipe. Also, remember to thaw frozen egg nog in the refrigerator overnight, and shake well before opening the container. Even during freezing, the ingredients are likely to undergo some separation.