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.
The shelf life of eggnog is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the processing method and carton date, exposure to light and heat, and how the eggnog is stored. Eggnog is a very rich dairy product made with eggs, milk, sugar and cream (and usually alcohol in the homemade varieties).
When properly stored at or below 40°F (4.4°C), unopened canned eggnogs lasts for 4-5 months in the refrigerator and homemade eggnogs lasts for 2-3 days in the same condition. For all opened containers of eggnogs they last for 5 days in the refrigerator.
You can help eggnog keep fresh longer by keeping it away from light and by placing it in the back of your refrigerator immediately after use. Store eggnog on an interior refrigerator shelf rather than in the door, where the temperature fluctuates with frequent opening. In addition, opened eggnog should be stored tightly in its original closed container as the containers were specifically designed for this purpose.
You can also try this Ultimate Eggnog Recipe shared by Meredith Steele.
Learn more fun facts about eggnog here.