Easy Homemade Eggnog is So Underrated (2024)

FAQs

Why does aged eggnog taste better? ›

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

It's sweet, rich, and very creamy. Think of a glass of custard or melted vanilla ice cream! But it also has a slightly spiced flavor thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

“For a lot of people, it's the richness of the fat and flavor of the custard that gives eggnog its sensory appeal.” Some companies sell eggnog bases, which are pre-formulated mixtures of ingredients with specifically designed flavor qualities.

How long does each type of eggnog last? Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days after opening if it has been refrigerated. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.

The difference between the two varieties is that “old fashioned” eggnog is creamier and more strongly spiced than “classic,” Darigold spokesperson Erin Byrne said. “Classic” eggnog has 6% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, whereas “old fashioned” eggnog has 7% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

Every shop, café, and restaurant advertise this holiday spiced beverage beloved by some and hated by many. It's definitely an acquired taste, and for people like me it's an atrocity to the holiday spirit. Traditionally, eggnog is a popular drink of choice around Christmas time.

Canadian chef Heidi Fink states that one of the reasons people are making less homemade eggnog is that the beverage is expensive to make, due to its use of substantial quantities of cream, eggs, and spirits. Concerns about the safety of raw eggs may be another reason for the decline in homemade eggnog making.

Eggnog is too heavy.

A lot of people grossed out by eggnog have at some point had way too much of it and, soon after, felt the mass of dairy sloshing around in their stomach like an ominous blob of regret. I've been there. If you have a single glass of eggnog, you can avoid this feeling.

Is it OK to drink eggnog everyday? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

Why don't dairy manufacturers make eggnog all year long? It doesn't sell. Demand for eggnog follows traditional consumption patterns that date back hundreds of years. The drink was a wintertime favorite of the British aristocracy, who took it warm, mixed with brandy or sherry to prevent spoilage.

This eggnog actually gets better the longer the nog ages in your fridge, even up to a full year! While I personally prefer the fresh stuff, as it ages in the fridge complexity of flavor just grows. Every year we try to save a small amount for a year to enjoy before or next year's batch is ready.

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Alternatively, give eggnog a good shake and pour it into ice cube trays by the tablespoon. Once the eggnog is frozen, pop the cubes into a zip-top plastic freezer bag. Eggnog will keep indefinitely if properly frozen but will taste best if used within six months.

While fresh eggnog is simple, smooth, and, well, fresh-tasting, aged eggnog is much more aggressive. The booze comes out stronger, and there are medicinal, almost minty flavors that people will pick up on—almost as if you've spiked your eggnog with an herbal liqueur, like Fernet-Branca.

Boozy eggnog will also continue to thicken in the fridge as it ages.

Golden eggnog is similar to regular eggnog but may have a slightly different flavor profile due to the addition of spices like nutmeg and vanilla. The “golden” in the name may also refer to the color, which can be a rich, golden hue.

As kids get older, their immune systems stabilize and most become capable of digesting dairy. Eggnog becomes a potentially reasonable treat as kids hit the 18-month mark (best to leave a bit of a buffer). But that doesn't mean parents should start pouring pasteurized nog like water.