As a sommelier and brewer, I can certainly shed some light on the topic of alcohol and its impact on the safety of eggnog. It is important to note that while adding alcohol to eggnog can help inhibit bacterial growth to some extent, it cannot be solely relied upon to kill bacteria, especially when it comes to raw eggs.
Eggs can potentially harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. To ensure the safety of eggnog, it is recommended to cook the eggs to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as this temperature is known to kill bacteria. By cooking the eggs, any potential bacteria present in the raw eggs will be effectively eliminated.
If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be considered safe from a bacterial standpoint. Adding alcohol to eggnog may slow down the growth of bacteria, but it does not have the same sterilizing effect as cooking. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when consuming eggnog made with raw eggs, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children.
That being said, alcohol can have some antimicrobial properties and can help inhibit the growth of bacteria. Adding alcohol to eggnog can potentially reduce the risk of bacterial contamination compared to a non-alcoholic version. However, it is crucial to understand that alcohol alone may not be sufficient to completely eliminate or kill bacteria that may be present in raw eggs.
In my personal experience, I have always preferred to err on the side of caution when it comes to consuming raw eggs in any form. I have encountered situations where individuals have fallen ill due to consuming eggnog made with raw eggs, and it is not a pleasant experience to go through. Therefore, I tend to opt for recipes that involve cooking the eggs or using pasteurized egg products to ensure the safety of eggnog.
While adding alcohol to eggnog can help inhibit bacterial growth to some extent, it cannot be relied upon to kill bacteria, especially when it comes to raw eggs. Cooking the eggs to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective way to ensure the safety of eggnog. If your recipe calls for raw eggs, it is important to be cautious, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. It is always better to prioritize safety when it comes to consuming raw eggs.