Add The Right Amount – Here’s your golden ratio for pop-up holiday cheer: Combine 1 part of your selected spirit to 5 parts prepared eggnog. Want us to make it even easier on you? If you buy a 1-quart container of eggnog, you should use 6.5 ounces of liquor, total.
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What is the ratio of alcohol to eggnog?
How to Spike Store-Bought Eggnog – Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol. If you’re mixing up a larger quantity in a pitcher of punch bowl, stir together a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four-and-a-half shots, or a half-gallon carton with about none shots.
How much eggnog per person?
Eggnog likely got its start as a mixture of milk, sugar, spices, and alcohol called posset, which was popular as a drink and a remedy for cold and flu symptoms in medieval England. It found its way to America with the colonists, and eventually evolved to become the celebratory beverage we drink during the holiday season.
For many people, its rich and distinctive flavor is irresistible. Last year, more than 15 million gallons of the stuff were sold in the U.S., according to figures from the Department of Agriculture. More on Healthy Holiday Eating Perhaps it’s a good thing, though, that eggnog is available only for a short time each year.
Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And there’s an additional health concern with eggnog: If it’s made with raw eggs, it can be a food-poisoning risk.
But this doesn’t mean you need to take a pass on this holiday cup of cheer. Just check out these nutrition and safety facts before you raise your glass. 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 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.
The nutritional content of different brands varies, but not by much. In our review of 20 eggnogs, the regular dairy versions had 170 to 210 calories, 9 grams of fat, 5 to 9 grams of saturated fat, and 13 to 16 grams of added sugars. Adding an ounce (a little less than a shot glass) of rum, brandy, or other type of spirits tacks on 65 calories.
When you’re scanning the selections of premade eggnog at a store, you’ll see several takes on the traditional recipe. Those labeled “low fat” or “light” typically contain about 140 calories and less than 4 grams of fat (about half from saturated fat) per half-cup serving. But the added sugars content is similar to or only slightly lower than regular eggnog’s.
For example, Hood’s Golden Eggnog has 180 calories, 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, and 16 grams of added sugars. Its Light Eggnog has 140 calories, 4 of grams fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 17 grams of added sugars. Among the ones we looked at, the dairy eggnogs with the least added sugars were Trader Joe’s Light Eggnog (11 grams per half-cup) and Bolthouse Farms Holiday Nog (9 grams per half-cup).
Holiday nog made from nut, oat, or soy milk will give you the flavor of the season, and it tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat because it doesn’t contain cream, eggs, or milk. Many of the ones we looked at are also lower in added sugars than dairy versions. Califia Farms Almond Holiday Nog (50 calories) and Good Karma Flaxmilk Holiday Nog (45 calories) have 0 grams of saturated fat and 8 grams of added sugars per half-cup.
Elmhurst Oat Nog (made with oats and cashews) has 100 calories, 0 grams of saturated fat, and 8 grams of added sugars. Homemade eggnog can be even higher in calories, fat, and sugars than commercial versions. A half-cup serving of a traditional eggnog recipe spiked with bourbon or rum contains 265 calories, 17 grams of fat (half of which is saturated), and 18 grams of added sugars, but depending on the recipe it could have more.
Still, you can lighten up a recipe by substituting half and half for heavy cream and using about half the sugar called for. Another advantage to making your own is that you can avoid processed ingredients, such as artificial and natural flavors, artificial colors, and thickeners such as gums or carrageenan.
(“Natural flavors” must come from a natural source but can be highly processed with chemicals and include many ingredients that don’t have to be disclosed.) All the eggnogs we looked at had more than one of these, except for Elmhurst Oat Nog, which has only natural flavors, and Kalona Supernatural Organic Eggnog, which has none of these ingredients.
Classic eggnog recipes call for raw eggs. “Eggnog made with raw, unpasteurized eggs can contain salmonella, a leading cause of food poisoning,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports. The bacteria can make anyone sick, but young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable.
You can ensure that you and your guests are sipping safely, though, Rogers says. Almost all the eggnog sold in stores is pasteurized, which kills bacteria, but he says to be sure to check that the carton or bottle is clearly labeled as such. If you make your own, use pasteurized liquid eggs, which are sold in a carton. Sally Wadyka Sally Wadyka is a freelance writer who contributes to Consumer Reports, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Yoga Journal, and the Food Network on topics such as health, nutrition, and wellness.
Does eggnog with alcohol need to be refrigerated?
Deck the Halls With Cups of Eggnog – Most eggnog that’s kept in your grocery store’s refrigerated section will last for around one week if kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Once opened, it will last for about five days. For eggnog with a longer shelf life, purchase canned eggnog, which doesn’t require refrigeration and lasts for up to five months, unopened, in a cool pantry.
How many grams is 1 cup eggnog?
There are 224 calories in a 1 cup ( 254.000g ) serving size of Eggnog. The calorie breakdown is 43% fat, 37% carbs, and 21% protein.
Is homemade eggnog worth it?
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Eggnog Are you planning to celebrate with this creamy classic this holiday season? Do you buy it in the carton or make your own? Which is the better way to go for this holiday treat? What is Eggnog? A decadent concoction of cream and milk along with eggs, sugar and nutmeg – it’s easy to see how the calories and fat in eggnog can soar.
Commonly spiked with rum, brandy or whiskey, the “adult version” will pack in even more calories (about 100 for every shot of booze). Store-bought You’ll find festive cartons of chilled nog in the refrigerator section of the grocery store from Halloween through New Years. Made with the typical ingredients (minus the alcohol), you’ll also find thickeners and stabilizers, artificial colors and flavors; some are also sweetened with,
One-half cup typically has 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. Homemade Making your own eggnog will spare you the additives found in store-bought varieties but a traditional recipe will be similar in calories and fat. You can lighten things up using low fat dairy products and going light on the sugar.
- Low calorie flavorings like orange zest, vanilla and cinnamon can also give your homemade eggnog a boost.
- Bottom Line : Make your own eggnog so you can control the quality and the amount of the ingredients – especially the high calorie ones.
- Recipes to Try: (above) TELL US : Which do you prefer – homemade or store-bought eggnog? : Homemade vs.
Store-Bought: Eggnog
Why do I feel sick after drinking eggnog?
Alcohol content – If alcohol is used, the type of alcohol added may vary by country and recipe. George Washington’s recipe famously calls for a rowdy mix of Jamaican rum, sherry, rye whiskey, and brandy. On the other hand, Peruvian renditions, add only pisco, a type of Peruvian brandy.
Meanwhile, the Mexican version calls for brandy. Therefore, the alcohol content can vary, especially in homemade recipes. Brandy — a common choice in spiked eggnog — contains just over 9 grams of alcohol per ounce (30 ml). Many recipes call for twice this amount per serving ( 5 ). For context, in the United Kingdom, one standard drink contains 8 grams of alcohol, while in the United States, a standard drink is defined as containing 14 grams of alcohol.
These definitions were developed to provide guidance on safe consumption limits ( 7, 8 ). This means that one 4-ounce (120-ml) serving of eggnog spiked with 1 ounce (30 ml) of brandy is considered one full drink in the United Kingdom, but not in the United States ( 5, 7, 8 ).
- Moderate drinking is defined as one standard drink per day for women and two for men ( 9 ).
- Summary Eggnog is a hefty drink, especially when alcohol is added to the mix.
- Its alcohol content can vary depending on the type of alcohol added, as well as the amount.
- Vegan nogs are typically lower in calories.
Raw egg yolks and egg whites are key ingredients in traditional eggnog recipes. They thicken and emulsify the beverage. However, raw egg products may pose a health hazard, as they could be contaminated with Salmonella, Foodborne illnesses can especially be a concern for people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with HIV/AIDS ( 10, 11 ).
Salmonella is a family of rod-shaped bacteria. It’s a major contributor to foodborne illnesses, especially the Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium strains ( 10, 11 ). Raw egg products are the most common culprits of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella, However, it’s worth noting that only an estimated 1 in 20,000 eggs produced per year could be contaminated in the United States ( 12 ).
It’s believed that the alcohol content in eggnog can protect against these pathogens. Yet, there is not enough scientific evidence to support this ( 10 ). One very informal study conducted by two microbiologists found that the alcohol content in spiked eggnog killed off Salmonella after the beverage was aged for 3 weeks under refrigeration below 40°F (4°C).
The same effect was not observed when it was stored for less time. However, it’s worth noting that the scientists deliberately added copious amounts of the bacteria, roughly that of several contaminated eggs. To be safe, it’s recommended to heat your eggnog before drinking it. A safe minimum cooking temperature for eggs is 140°F (60°C).
Blending the egg yolks with sugar will allow you to heat this mixture to 160°F (71°C), which is thought to kill off most pathogens ( 13 ). Other options are to use pasteurized, or heat-treated, eggs — or to opt for vegan versions. Note that store-bought versions of eggnog are pasteurized and do not require heating.
Summary Traditional eggnog includes raw eggs, which may be contaminated with Salmonella — a common cause of foodborne illness. To be safe, warm up your homemade eggnog before drinking, use pasteurized eggs, or opt for vegan alternatives. Eggnog is a festive holiday drink that’s enjoyed around the world.
Its roots reach as far back as medieval Europe. It’s typically made with raw egg yolks and egg whites, heavy cream, sugar, and spices. It may also have notes of vanilla, warm spices, or coconut, depending on the recipe. Oftentimes, eggnog is spiked with distilled spirits like brandy, rum, and whiskey.
- These affect both its flavor and nutritional profile.
- While alcohol is believed to kill off any potential pathogens in the raw eggs, there is not enough evidence to indicate that this is the case.
- If foodborne illness is a particular concern of yours, consider heating your homemade eggnog mixture, using pasteurized eggs, or drinking vegan alternatives.
Whatever your choice, may you find the best way to toast in the holidays around those you cherish.
Is eggnog drunk cold?
Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? – Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say “to each your own!” Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.
Can kids drink store bought eggnog?
Can Babies Have Eggnog? Eggnog,, and other beloved milk punches of the world have been enjoyed at celebrations for centuries. Naturally, this time-honored tradition is one that many caregivers look forward to sharing with children. But eggnog doesn’t quite fit the bill for a baby-friendly drink thanks to its raw eggs, high sugar content, and optional alcohol.
So how about for toddlers? Let’s dig in. After 12 months of age, if the eggnog is pasteurized and free of alcohol. While we generally recommend waiting until age 2 to introduce sugar into a toddler’s diet, a small taste of pasteurized, alcohol-free eggnog on a special occasion after a child’s first birthday is just fine.
Babies under 12 months of age should not be given eggnog, or any drink other than breast/human milk, formula, or small amounts of, For more on when babies can have cow’s milk, see our, Eggnog recipes typically feature whole, heavy cream, raw,, spices (such as, nutmeg, and cloves), vanilla extract, and hard liquor (like brandy, rum, or bourbon).
If the child is 12 months of age or older, and if the eggnog is pasteurized and alcohol-free, yes. Before purchasing, just look at the ingredients list to make sure both the eggs and milk used are pasteurized and that there are no alcoholic ingredients (rum, etc.) Vanilla extract is fine. Yes. While you may have heard that nutmeg can be harmful, nutmeg is recognized as safe by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, when used in small amounts for culinary purposes. When it comes to eggnog, the amounts of nutmeg and other spices used are generally small and safe for young children. Just remember that babies under 12 months of age should not have any drink other than breast/human milk, formula, or small amounts of water.
No. Raw milk is not safe for babies or toddlers. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria and contaminants that can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can be severe or even fatal. Pasteurized milk and milk products, on the other hand, have been heated to high temperatures to kill off unfriendly germs, making the milk or milk product safe for consumption.
If the eggs are fully cooked in the preparation, yes. See our recipe below. Raw or undercooked eggs pose an increased risk of Salmonella, a common bacterium that can lead to foodborne illness and symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Children under the age of 5 are especially susceptible, since their immune systems are still developing.
For this reason, avoid eggnog featuring raw eggs. If you’re concerned about sugar and are making your own eggnog, you can certainly modify the recipe to feature less sugar. That said, try not to view the holidays as a time where you need to dramatically alter your family’s traditions and dietary habits.
While we generally recommend waiting until age 2 to introduce sugar into a toddler’s diet, small tastes of pasteurized, alcohol-free eggnog during a family celebration after a baby’s first birthday is just fine. Any type of eggnog that’s been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours (which can happen easily at a family party) is not safe for anyone to consume, due to the possibility of bacterial growth and the heightened risk of foodborne illness.
- Yield: 6 cups (1 ½ liters)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes + overnight chill
- Age: 12 months+
- Ingredients:
- 6 large
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters)
- ¼ teaspoon (½ gram) kosher
- 1 stick (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) whipped cream per person (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon (½ gram) nutmeg (optional)
This recipe contains common allergens: dairy (whole milk, whipped cream) and egg. Only serve to a child after these allergens have been, Directions:
- This is a good recipe to make when the kids are sleeping. Read Step 5 to learn why!
- To begin, grab a kitchen thermometer and a heavy-bottomed saucepan, which helps evenly distribute heat on the stovetop and keep the eggs from scrambling. If you don’t have these tools, just cook on the lowest heat setting and make sure to stir consistently. See video for a manual trick to test for doneness.
- Whisk the eggs, half of the milk, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Make sure the egg whites and yolks are fully combined with no remaining streaks of egg white. Go ahead and use a non-dairy milk if you like; just be sure to select one with ingredients that have been,
- Add the cinnamon stick. This step is optional. You can skip the spice or use whatever spices that you like—allspice, cardamom, clove, and nutmeg are all delicious!
- Place the saucepan on low heat and cook, stirring consistently with a whisk, until the mixture thickens. This process takes time, between 15 and 30 minutes depending on your stovetop, and unfortunately, there is no way to rush it. Warming the mixture over higher heat curdles the eggs. It’s also best to stay at the stovetop, whisking consistently and pushing the whisk to the edges of the saucepan so that the eggs do not scramble.
- Keep a close eye on the eggnog and do not let it simmer or boil—keep whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The eggnog is ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon and running your finger over the spoon leaves a trail. To test that the eggs are safely cooked, use a kitchen thermometer to check that the mixture has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Whisk the remaining milk into the eggnog. Cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container to store in the refrigerator. Eggnog tastes best after a day or two of rest.
- When you are ready to serve, pour a small amount (under ¼ cup / 60 milliliters) into a child-friendly open cup and scoop a dollop or two of whipped cream on top.
- Pour yourself some eggnog, and if you like, spike it with brandy or rum.
- Serve the eggnog and if you like, invite the child to garnish the drinks with a pinch of nutmeg. Drink alongside your child to model how it’s done!
- To Store: Homemade Eggnog to Share with Toddlers keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reviewed by:
- V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP
Dr.R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP. Board-Certified General Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastroenterologist : Can Babies Have Eggnog?
How Long Will homemade eggnog last?
How long does each type of eggnog last? – Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40 degrees or less under the, 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. Photo courtesy of pixabay.com
Do you serve eggnog warm or cold?
What Is Eggnog? – In simplest terms, it’s a delightfully creamy sweet drink made with eggs, cream and a variety of spices. It has a fun history—and a fun name. “Nog is a word for a kind of beer that was brewed in England, and that’s where the drink originated,” says Very Merry Cocktails author Jessica Strand.
What percentage of eggnog is water?
Breaking Down the Nog – Whether you’re making it from scratch or buying it in a carton, the main ingredient is almost always milk. Eggs (especially yolks) are in there, too, as is sugar, cream, and probably a dash of nutmeg and other spices. It’s the milk, however, that is the clotty culprit.
Milk is roughly 87 percent water, The other 13 percent is composed of fats, sugars, and other compounds, including proteins—and the proteins are what make milk so interesting in a mixture. Eighty percent of the protein in milk is casein (the other 20 percent is whey). Casein molecules float around in tiny clusters called micelles.
These micelles are not attracted to each other under normal milky circumstances—but eggnog is not a normal circumstance.
What percent of eggnog is milk?
§ 131.170 Eggnog. – ( a ) Description. Eggnog is the food containing one or more of the optional dairy ingredients specified in paragraph (b), one or more of the optional egg yolk-containing ingredients specified in paragraph (c) of this section, and one or more of the optional nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners specified in paragraph (d) of this section.
One or more of the optional ingredients specified in paragraph (e) of this section may also be added. All ingredients used are safe and suitable. Eggnog contains not less than 6 percent milkfat and not less than 8.25 percent milk solids not fat. The egg yolk solids content is not less than 1 percent by weight of the finished food.
The food shall be pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized and may be homogenized. Flavoring ingredients and color additives may be added after the food is pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized. ( b ) Optional dairy ingredients. Cream, milk, partially skimmed milk, or skim milk, used alone or in combination.
- C ) Egg yolk-containing ingredients.
- Liquid egg yolk, frozen egg yolk, dried egg yolk, liquid whole eggs, frozen whole eggs, dried whole eggs, or any one or more of the foregoing ingredients with liquid egg white or frozen egg white.
- D ) Nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners.
- Sugar (sucrose), beet or cane; invert sugar (in paste or sirup form); brown sugar; refiner’s sirup; molasses (other than blackstrap); high fructose corn sirup; fructose; fructose sirup; maltose; maltose sirup, dried maltose sirup; malt extract, dried malt extract; malt sirup, dried malt sirup; honey; maple sugar; or any of the sweeteners listed in part 168 of this chapter, except table sirup.
( e ) Other optional ingredients. ( 1 ) Concentrated skim milk, nonfat dry milk, buttermilk, whey, lactose, lactalbumins, lactoglobulins, or whey modified by partial or complete removal of lactose and/or minerals, to increase the nonfat solids content of the food: Provided, That the ratio of protein to total nonfat solids of the food, and the protein efficiency ratio of all protein present shall not be decreased as a result of adding such ingredients.
- 2 ) Salt.
- 3 ) Flavoring ingredients.
- 4 ) Color additives that do not impart a color simulating that of egg yolk, milkfat, or butterfat.
- 5 ) Stabilizers.
- F ) Methods of analysis.
- The following referenced methods of analysis are from “Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists,” 13th Ed.
(1980), which is incorporated by reference. Copies are available from the AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Ave., suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html,
1 ) Milkfat content—As determined by the method prescribed in section 16.059, “Roese-Gottlieb Method (Reference Method) (11)—Official Final Action,” under the heading “Fat.” ( 2 ) Milk solids not fat content—Calculated by subtracting the milkfat content from the total solids content as determined by the method prescribed in section 16.032, “Method I—Official Final Action,” under the heading “Total Solids.” ( g ) Nomenclature.
The name of the food is “eggnog”. The name of the food shall be accompanied by a declaration indicating the presence of any characterizing flavoring as specified in § 101.22 of this chapter, If the food is ultra-pasteurized, the phrase “ultra-pasteurized” shall accompany the name of the food wherever it appears on the label in letters not less than one-half of the height of the letters used in the name.