Signs That Your Eggnog Has Gone Bad

In Christmas Vacation, when Clark Griswold asks Cousin Eddie, "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?" he might have had something as nefarious as spoiled eggnog in mind. Hopefully, Griswold wouldn't really serve his cousin eggnog after it spoiled, and you shouldn't be taking any chances with risky nog either. Eggnog contains raw eggs that can carry Salmonella bacteria, and consuming spoiled eggnog could lead to food poisoning and not-so-happy holidays (via CDC).

According to Spoon University, there are a few different eggnog options, including homemade, store-bought, and canned, and they each have their own expiration guidelines. Homemade eggnog can last for two to three days if stored at 40 degrees or lower. If refrigerated, store-bought eggnog lasts for five to seven days from opening, and canned eggnog lasts for four to five months before opening and five to seven days after.

But, you don't have to be a food scientist to figure out if your eggnog has gone bad. If it is lumpy (ew), has a sour and unpleasant odor, or if it has lost its color and has turned from beige yellowish to another hue, it's time to throw it out. But, don't be disheartened if you do have to pitch your box of nog. We've got you covered when it comes to drink backups; there's no use crying over spoiled eggnog.

If your eggnog is spoiled, it's time to whip out some other holiday options. if you don't feel like making your own version — or just don't have the right ingredients — don't worry, there are plenty of choices. The holidays are one of those special times of the year when there's no shame in being extra — in fact, we encourage it! So, why not bring that pizzazz to your cocktails? 

If you're looking to make something with just a few ingredients, Kitchn's Poinsettia Fizz is perfect. It only requires cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and Champagne or prosecco (and fresh cranberries if you're looking to add that jingle-jangle). Just fill a Champagne flute with an ounce or two of cranberry juice, add an ounce of orange liqueur, and top it off with Champagne or prosecco and cranberries, and you'll have yourself an oh-so-sophisticated tipple sure to bring about a little holiday cheer.

Another on-theme option, especially if you'd rather make a batch at a time to free up your schedule for more merriment, is Winter Citrus Sangria. This drink is made from white wine, vodka, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and triple sec. It can even do double-duty as decor when it's served in a big punch bowl and topped with cinnamon sticks and slices of navel and blood oranges (via Kitchn). A few glasses of this one, and you'll be rocking around the Christmas tree in no time!