How Long Does Unopened Alcoholic Eggnog Last?
Unopened bottled alcoholic eggnog (the shelf-stable kind sold with the spirits) keeps until the "best by" date on the label; USDA has no entry for it, and its closest entry, cream liqueurs, gives 6 to 8 months unopened in the pantry. Dairy-case eggnog is different: the USDA says commercial eggnog keeps 3 to 5 days in the fridge (6 months frozen) and homemade eggnog 2 to 4 days (do not freeze), with or without alcohol added.
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Eggnog storage times at a glance
| Type | Fridge | Freezer | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial eggnog (dairy case) | 3 to 5 days | 6 months | USDA FSIS |
| Homemade eggnog | 2 to 4 days | do not freeze | USDA FSIS |
| Cream liqueurs, unopened (closest USDA entry for bottled alcoholic eggnog) | 6 to 8 months in the pantry | USDA FoodKeeper | |
| Bottled alcoholic eggnog | follow the “best by” date and storage line on the label | the maker | |
Does alcoholic eggnog go bad?
Yes. Eggnog contains milk, cream and eggs. Adding alcohol does not change the USDA storage times above, and we found no official source that gives a longer time for eggnog with alcohol added at home. Throw it out if it smells sour, has separated into curds, or has passed the times above.
Do you need to refrigerate alcoholic eggnog?
- Bottled, shelf-stable alcoholic eggnog: follow the label; many say to refrigerate after opening.
- Any eggnog from the dairy case, and any homemade eggnog: yes, always keep it in the fridge.
Can you freeze eggnog?
The USDA says commercial eggnog can be frozen for 6 months, but homemade eggnog should not be frozen.
Making it at home safely
The FDA lists eggnog that is not thoroughly cooked among raw-egg foods to avoid, especially in pregnancy, and recommends pasteurized eggs or a cooked recipe. Its holiday eggnog recipe heats the milk-and-egg mixture until a food thermometer reads 160°F (71°C), then cools it quickly. Do not count on alcohol to make raw eggs safe.
How strong is your eggnog? Enter the spirit and amount in the standard drink calculator.
People also ask
Does alcoholic eggnog expire?
Yes. Bottled alcoholic eggnog has a best-by date; dairy eggnog keeps 3 to 5 days (commercial) or 2 to 4 days (homemade) in the fridge, per the USDA.
How long does alcoholic eggnog last after opening?
Follow the bottle label for shelf-stable alcoholic eggnog; for dairy-case eggnog the USDA gives 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
Can you freeze alcoholic eggnog?
The USDA says commercial eggnog can be frozen for 6 months, but homemade eggnog should not be frozen.
Sources
- USDA FSIS: Shell eggs from farm to table (storage chart: eggnog), read 4 Nov 2026
- USDA FoodKeeper data (FSIS, data version 128): eggnog, commercial; cream liqueurs, read 4 Nov 2026
- FDA: Holiday goodies (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be), safe eggnog recipe, read 4 Nov 2026
- FDA: Dairy and eggs (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be), read 4 Nov 2026
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