Some people love Eggnog so much, they buy Eggnog Jelly Beans or Taffy! But Eggnog is customarily sipped at the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas to be specific. But when exactly does Eggnog come out in stores and restaurants?
Eggnog is a popular drink for Thanksgiving and Christmas, popping up on store shelves and restaurant menus during November and December. Nutmeg, milk, sugar, and whiskey, main Eggnog ingredients, evoke warmth on cool nights, though easily available all year for those who wish to make Eggnog from scratch.
Eggnog, a staple at winter holiday events, has become synonymous with the festive season. However, while most people know that this drink is traditionally associated with the holiday season, there is some debate over when exactly it is appropriate to enjoy this creamy beverage or find it at stores and restaurants.
Contents
- 1 Overview of Eggnog
- 2 When Does Eggnog Come Out?
- 2.1 Eggnog in Restaurants
- 2.2 Why Is Eggnog Only Sold In Stores At Christmas?
- 3 How Can You Get Eggnog All Year Round?
- 4 Wrapping Up Eggnog In Stores And Restaurants
Overview of Eggnog
So what is Eggnog? I admit as a child, I detested it. The name alone makes most kids gag; but once, I tried a sip from a store-brand and gagged for real. Even today, I’m not a big fan and neither is anyone in my family, so it’s not usually something I even think about. That being said, what is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a thick, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based drink. It is usually made with milk, sugar, cream, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks, though there are many recipes. Even though ‘egg’ should be a primary ingredient given the name, the USDA specifies that a minimum of 1 percent egg is acceptable.
Another name for Eggnog is milk punch.
As debatable as the love of Eggnog is, so is it’s history. Most historians agree that it came from early/medieval Britain. Then monks from the 13th century popularized it, adding in spices and booze. And the tradition of Eggnog came to the New World with our founding father, George Washington, legend has it.
This drink was easily used in the 18th century American colonies where eggs, dairy, and rum were readily available for farmers. Nowadays, Eggnog pops up on shelves and menus only in November and December-for most places. But even then, over 130 million pounds of Eggnog are sold each year! That’s quite a feat with such limited buying and selling time!
For more articles like these from ‘Hopeful Holidays’, I suggest:
- When Does Easter Candy Go on Sale And Clearance?
- Turkey Day Vs Thanksgiving: Which Should We Say?
- Where Is Whoville In Real Life? (Revealed)
When Does Eggnog Come Out?
Many people are surprised to learn that Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink only in the United States-with a few exceptions, of course. And even those areas tend to blend it with other popular traditions.
Though it’s possible to drink Eggnog all year, you can get Eggnog in most places from Thanksgiving onwards through New Year’s Day. Before that, it’s rare to find Eggnog on store shelves and even rarer on restaurant menus. Likewise, after New Year’s, Eggnog pretty much vanishes, til next November.
It‘s possible to get it prior to Thanksgiving. Stores like Kroger and Wegmans will stock it end of October in preparation for Thanksgiving feasts. You can even find Eggnog at Walmart and Target, during the holiday season that is. Businesses and companies often have ‘pre-Thanksgiving’ company dinners, so sometimes Eggnog is desired for those events.
As well, I’ve found that if you talk to store managers directly, they’ll often order items especially for you. So if you want Eggnog in September, simply check with your local store buyers to see if it’s possible.
Note: Eggnog is sometimes associated with Easter, too. This is common in Britain and Australia particularly, though not so much in the states.
Eggnog in Restaurants
Eggnog is typically a seasonal drink. As already mentioned, it mainly starts coming out for the holidays at the end of October or for sure in November. However, some bars and restaurants might make exception, especially if they make it from scratch and aren’t dependent upon merchandise or product from others. To find out, you’ll need to check with your local bars or restaurants if interested.
Eggnog will pop up at restaurants during the winter holidays just like it does at grocery stores. It’s common to find Eggnog on menus at sit-down restaurants catering to holiday traditions. Yet, even McDonald’s serves Eggnog, though it varies as to when it’s available at different franchises.
Again, check ahead if you are purposely wanting Eggnog at your restaurant meal.
Sometimes, you can even make special request for this beverage at your favorite restaurant. They are more agreeable at holidays to make this possible, but depending on the restaurant and your patronage to it, you might even find they’ll make it outside of the holidays, too!
At the holidays, there are many restaurants that put Eggnog on the menu in some form or another:
- Starbucks’ Eggnog Latte
- O’Brien’s serve an Eggnog pie
- Lucky 32 has a spiked Eggnog drink.
- Chili’s puts an Eggnog Shake on their menu.
Why Is Eggnog Only Sold In Stores At Christmas?
Despite Eggnog sales constantly rising in the last 50 years, it is only widely accessible for two months of the year. A well-known libertarian, Homer J. Simpson, blames the government for its sudden absence. So why don’t manufacturers produce Eggnog all year round?
Eggnog is only sold during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season, though it doesn’t have to be that way. Essentially, it is tradition dating back hundreds of years that has kept this as a winter-seasonal drink.
Therefore offseason, Eggnog simply does not sell well, so manufacturers stick to making it when the market is large enough to cover all the production costs involved. It’s kind of like candy canes. I mean, people like candy canes, and can eat them anytime of the year, but traditionally, it’s a Christmas candy and has just stuck that way.
And the same can be said of gingerbread and all-things-pumpkin related. Sure, you can eat gingerbread men and drink a Pumpkin Spice latte in April, but that just doesn’t happen much. Gingerbread, candy canes, pumpkin ‘stuff’, and yes, eggnog are flavors preferred in winter months.
So it doesn’t make financial sense for Eggnog makers to produce the product during months when it’s not popular to drink, nor does it make sense for stores to stock it on their shelves when lemonade, Iced tea, and fruit punch sell better.
How Can You Get Eggnog All Year Round?
If you enjoy this drink all year round, it is possible to stock up on some eggnog during the Christmas holidays or after Thanksgiving if you prefer (like Homer does). Or you could just make your own! From scratch!
To get Eggnog all year, you can either stock pile it from the holidays and keep it cold enough to last several months or you can make your own, which most everyone agrees is the preferable Eggnog. The good thing is that the ingredients for Eggnog are easily available anytime of the year.
There are many recipes online to try, but I prefer Chef John from FoodWishes.Com.
Ingredients common in Eggnog recipes: eggs; sugar; nutmeg; milk or cream; and some sort of whiskey or alcohol like bourbon, rum, or sherry.
Homemade eggnogs are incredibly easy to make, and you don’t need an excuse like Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday to get started. Once you learn to make it, you can easily have it at Valentine’s, Easter, or even on Memorial Day! In fact, Eggnog makes a great summer drink since it’s delicious iced or warm!
There are many other ways to incorporate Eggnog into your home menu, such as Eggnog pie, shakes, cake, or even Eggnog flavored cookies.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely not want to have any other kind of Eggnog either. You’ll be able to tailor it to your own preferences too. I’ve learned that making things from scratch not only gives me a sense of pride or confidence, but it’s much better knowing exactly what’s in it! No weird chemicals or mystery ingredients when you make it yourself!
You can also get eggnog substitutes or other holiday drinks that will give you a similar feeling without actually being made of egg and milk from stores or by making it yourself. If you prefer non-dairy or even Vegan style Eggnog, it’s possible (albeit, it’s not going to taste as good and yummy as traditional Eggnog!).
Wrapping Up Eggnog In Stores And Restaurants
To wrap it up, know that Eggnog is mostly available in stores and restaurants during the Thanksgiving to Christmas season, usually disappearing right after New Year’s Day.
However, if you speak directly to store managers or restaurant owners, you might be able to specially order Eggnog ‘off season’. Better yet, learn to make it yourself if you really enjoy Eggnog, that way you can sip your favorite holiday drink even in July!
For more holiday articles from ‘Hopeful Holidays’, check out these:
- When Does Easter Candy Go on Sale And Clearance?
- Turkey Day Vs Thanksgiving: Which Should We Say?
- Where Is Whoville In Real Life? (Revealed)
Notable SourceDelish
FAQs
Is egg Nog in season? ›
Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.
Is eggnog a Christmas or Thanksgiving? ›Eggnog is a beverage based on egg and milk that is popular in the United States and Canada and is usually served from Thanksgiving through New Years Day. Eggnog is typically made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and brandy, rum, or whiskey. Additional spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla may be added.
Is egg Nog A Christmas? ›The custom of toasting to the new season with this festive cocktail actually began during Britain's early medieval years, and the drink later became popular in the American colonies by the 19th century. However, per TIME, eggnog has been associated with Christmas since the 1700s.
Where is the eggnog? ›| Eggnog with cinnamon | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Flavour | Custard |
| Ingredients | Milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, egg yolks, nutmeg |
| Variants | With alcohol |
If you're craving some eggnog on Christmas, you may be out of luck: The U.S. is facing a major shortage of the holiday drink this year. Record eggnog sales are leading to major shortages, the Wall Street Journal reports, because producers underestimated seasonal demand for the drink.
Is eggnog only sold during holidays? ›In both the U.S. and Britain, at the time, hot drinks were mostly served during cold months, and as a primarily hot drink, it just made sense to keep eggnog during those colder months.
How long is eggnog available? ›How long does each type of eggnog last? Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40 degrees or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days within opening if it has been refrigerated. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.
What is the official drink of Christmas? ›From eggnog and wassail to the Tom and Jerry and poinsettia, these classic Christmas drinks are as inherent to holiday celebrations as decorating the tree and yummy baked treats. The recipes have stood the test of time and are sure to keep your season bright.
Why is there no eggnog this year? ›If you're craving some eggnog on Christmas, you may be out of luck: The U.S. is facing a major shortage of the holiday drink this year. Record eggnog sales are leading to major shortages, the Wall Street Journal reports, because producers underestimated seasonal demand for the drink.
Why do people drink eggnog during the holidays? ›Milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health. Eggnog became tied to the holidays when the drink hopped the pond in the 1700s. American colonies were full of farms—and chickens and cows—and cheaper rum, a soon-signature ingredient.
Why do we only drink eggnog during Christmas? ›
The drink first made its appearance in the American colonies in the 18th century, where both eggs and rum were plentiful. Eggnog was particularly popular around Christmastime because of its warm temperature and the addition of flavors, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean, that embodied the winter season.
What's the difference between eggnog and holiday nog? ›(What's the difference between eggnog and Holiday Nog? Eggnog must have a minimum 6 percent butterfat and a minimum 1 percent egg yolk by weight; Holiday Nog, which Spangler called a flavored milk product, has 2 percent butterfat and less than 1 percent egg yolk by weight.)
Can you get drunk off eggnog? ›In addition to adding festive cheer to your celebrations, eggnog can certainly get you drunk — it just depends on how you like to drink it. While other drinks serve as good mixers by accident, eggnog's natural state is actually a boozy one.
Can you buy ready made eggnog? ›Original post, December 13, 2019: Eggnog fanatics now have yet another option when it comes to stoking up on boozy eggnog this year, and it's all thanks to Aldi. The supermarket chain joins Costco and Sam's Club in selling alcoholic eggnog that you can sip all holiday season long.
What alcohol goes with eggnog? ›Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.
Does Aldi sell eggnog? ›Every time I go to Aldi recently, their eggnog stares me down, just daring me to buy it. They had this boozy eggnog last year, and it was FABULOUS!!
What is the healthiest eggnog? ›Horizon Organic Low-Fat Egg Nog
If you like a dairy-based nog, but want something with less fat and calories, this one is your best bet. It's USDA certified organic and each half cup serving has 140 calories, 3 grams total fat and 15 grams of added sugar.
Best Overall: Turkey Hill Egg Nog
One sip of this eggnog from Turkey Hill and you'll immediately say, "Oh yeah, that's good eggnog!" It's like muscle memory of the taste buds, meaning that it tastes exactly like what you think eggnog should taste like, but you somehow forgot.
So is eggnog safe to drink? In most cases, yes. Most classic eggnog recipes call for raw eggs. "Eggnog made with raw, unpasteurized eggs can contain Salmonella, a leading cause of food poisoning," Lee Cotton, RDN LPN, tells Allrecipes.
How much eggnog should you drink? ›Usually, the serving size for a drink is 1 cup (8 fluid ounces). But for eggnog, the serving size on the nutrition facts panel is for just a half-cup. If you drink more than that, remember to double (or triple) the figures for calories, fat, and added sugars you see on the carton.
Can eggnog be frozen? ›
Eggnog may be frozen for up to six months. For best results, freeze eggnog in a container with a little extra room (about 1/2-inch of space from the top) to allow for expansion during freezing. Frozen egg nog should be good for about 6 months, whether it is store bought or home made.
How long will eggnog keep in fridge? ›When it comes to store-bought eggnog, it usually comes with a sell-by date. That date is usually a good estimate of how long the beverage will retain freshness. An unopened package should be fine for an extra two or three days, but not much longer. Once you open the carton, it should last for about 5 to maybe 7 days.
Is it OK to drink expired eggnog? ›All Eggnogs last for
But remember, egg nog, like a lot of other dairy products, usually has a sell by date which is simply the last date the product should remain on the store shelf. Because of this distinction, you may safely use it to compliment your favorite meals even after its sell by date has lapsed.
Eggnog can be a particular problem for people susceptible to digestive tract problems. Even without the rum, eggnog is rich and contains milk and cream. For millions who have trouble digesting milk sugar, this may lead to belching, bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and gas.
What is the most famous holiday drink? ›Eggnog is the most popular holiday drink in 27 states. Hot buttered rum is the next most popular, having been chosen as the favorite in six states.
What is the most popular holiday drink in America? ›Hot Chocolate is the most popular holiday drink in the nation.
What is the most popular drink in December? ›Hot chocolate is America's favorite holiday beverage | YouGov.
Why did Starbucks get rid of eggnog? ›1. Starbucks had dropped the seasonal drink—made with spiced eggnog, espresso and nutmeg—in an effort to streamline its menu, but because it has been a seasonal offering since 1986, fans were not ready to give up their holiday treat.
How do you order an Eggnog Latte at Starbucks? ›...
1. Eggnog Secrets From Baristas
- Order a grande latte.
- Ask for 2 pumps of vanilla.
- Ask for 1 pump of caramel.
- Ask for 2 pumps of chai.
- Top with whipped cream and sugar cookie sprinkles.
Taste-wise, the Egg Nog Latte is very much like a Starbucks Latte, but with a hint of egg nog flavor. It is probably my least favorite Starbucks holiday drink.
Is eggnog better served warm or cold? ›
Eggnog is usually served cold, but you may choose to heat it, especially if you're coming in from making snowmen or ice skating. And you can adult-it-up with brandy, rum or your spirit of choice, but it's also delicious simply spiked with vanilla or cinnamon.
When should you drink eggnog? ›Tips for Drinking Eggnog:
Eggnog is traditionally consumed throughout Canada and the US around Christmas, often from American Thanksgiving until the end of the Christmas season. Note it in your calendar: 24th December is National Eggnog Day!
Nobody seems to know the exact origins of eggnog, but it originated in England centuries ago. According to a food blog (which now appears to be defunct), written by Frederick Douglass Opie, a food history professor at Babson College, it originally was a wintertime drink for the British aristocracy.
What's the best way to drink eggnog? ›- Bourbon.
- Rye.
- Aged rum.
- Irish whiskey.
- Blended Scotch whisky.
- Brandy.
The Flavor Characteristics
Even though both eggnog and custard start with the same base of egg and cream, they taste quite different! Eggnog is warm and rich while custard offers a lighter flavor of vanilla! As a seasonal classic, everybody loves a good ole glass of eggnog.
Eggnog latte is not returning to this year. If you're looking for a nostalgic Holiday flavor, we recommend our new Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, in the US, for a modern twist on a Holiday classic!
What is eggnog slang for? ›What about the name — eggnog? Opie wrote that the term is a combination of two colonial slang words — rum was referred to as grog and bartenders served it in small wooden mugs called noggins. The drink first became known as egg-n-grog and later as eggnog.
Is eggnog good to drink before bed? ›Warm Eggnog
A full stomach can also make you very sleepy. Eggnog is widely available during the holiday season at grocery stores, or you can find a recipe and make it yourself. Homemade eggnog usually includes a few teaspoons of rum. The mixture of heavy, warm eggnog and rum induces sleep.
Unopened, shelf-stable bottled eggnog that contains alcohol can last up to 18 months without refrigeration. Once opened, the alcoholic beverage may last several weeks in the fridge. Homemade eggnog usually lasts for around three days if refrigerated; if at least 5 percent alcohol is added, it may last a few weeks.
How long can eggnog last? ›When it comes to store-bought eggnog, it usually comes with a sell-by date. That date is usually a good estimate of how long the beverage will retain freshness. An unopened package should be fine for an extra two or three days, but not much longer. Once you open the carton, it should last for about 5 to maybe 7 days.
Is it OK to drink expired eggnog? ›
All Eggnogs last for
But remember, egg nog, like a lot of other dairy products, usually has a sell by date which is simply the last date the product should remain on the store shelf. Because of this distinction, you may safely use it to compliment your favorite meals even after its sell by date has lapsed.