The Popular Costco Holiday Product Is Illegal In Some States

Regarding holiday traditions, my family and I always look forward to Costco’s Kirkland Signature boozy eggnog. This creamy, spiked treat is such a hit that it often sells out before December.

Every year, my mom keeps an eye out and alerts us when she spots it on the shelves—sometimes as early as September!

Eggnog’s long shelf life means it stays fresh until Christmas, making it a staple in our holiday celebrations. But recently, I discovered that not everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday drink.

In some states, Costco isn’t legally allowed to sell this festive favorite. Here’s why.

Why Is Costco’s Boozy Eggnog So Popular?

Costco’s Kirkland Signature eggnog has everything you’d want in a holiday drink: a rich, creamy texture, a hint of vanilla, and the perfect amount of holiday warmth, thanks to a blend of three types of alcohol.

Each bottle contains whiskey, spiced rum, and brandy, resulting in a 14.75% alcohol by volume (ABV), slightly stronger than your average Wine.

Despite its high alcohol content, eggnog doesn’t taste overly boozy. Much like a mudslide or a piña colada, the sweetness of the drink masks the alcohol, making it easy to sip. But here’s where things get interesting—its ABV is precisely what makes it illegal in certain states.

Which States Ban the Sale of Costco’s Eggnog?

Due to its alcohol content, Costco can only sell this eggnog in states with a license to sell spirits. However, some states have strict alcohol regulations that prevent Costco from offering this holiday drink.

Here’s a breakdown of where Costco cannot sell its boozy eggnog:

Beer and Wine Only: In Idaho, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia, Costco can only sell beer and Wine, so the eggnog is off-limits.
Low-ABV Beer Only: In Kansas and Utah, alcohol sales are limited to beer with an ABV of 6% or less, so Costco’s eggnog doesn’t qualify.
No Alcohol Sales: If you live in Pennsylvania or Maryland, Costco stores cannot sell alcohol, which means no eggnog for you.

If your state restricts Costco’s eggnog, don’t worry—you can still get in the holiday spirit with a homemade version!

How to Make Boozy Eggnog at Home

Just because your local Costco doesn’t sell boozy eggnog doesn’t mean you must miss out on this delicious holiday drink. Making it at home is easier than you might think, and you can customize it to your taste.

Here’s a simple recipe for homemade eggnog that captures all the festive flavors:

Ingredients

2 cups of milk
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Four whole cloves
Six egg yolks
3/4 cup of sugar
2 cups of heavy cream
1/2 cup of spiced rum
1/4 cup of brandy
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

Instructions

Heat the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves. Stir occasionally until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar, whisking until it’s fully incorporated.
Blend the Mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Pour everything back into the saucepan.
Cook and Thicken: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Don’t let it boil.
Strain and Chill: Remove from heat, strain the cloves, and let the mixture cool. Stir in the heavy cream, rum, brandy, and vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
Serve: Pour into glasses and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg.

This homemade version lets you enjoy a holiday favorite wherever you live. Plus, you can control the level of alcohol and sweetness to suit your taste.

Why Do Some States Have Such Strict Alcohol Laws?

Alcohol sales restrictions vary widely across the United States due to differing state laws. Some states regulate alcohol sales more heavily than others, affecting where and how products like Costco’s boozy eggnog can be sold.

For example:

Beer and Wine Only States: States like Texas and Virginia limit warehouse stores to selling beer and Wine, making it illegal for them to carry stronger spirits.
State-Controlled Liquor Stores: States like Pennsylvania and Utah operate state-controlled liquor stores, which means alcohol sales are highly regulated and limited.
Dry Counties: Even within states that allow alcohol sales, some counties prohibit it altogether. These “dry” counties have even more restrictions on what can be sold.

Because of these varying regulations, it’s always a good idea to check your local laws if you’re planning to purchase alcohol.

Conclusion

While it’s a bummer that not everyone can purchase Costco’s boozy eggnog, you can still enjoy this seasonal favorite by making your own at home. Whether you stick with the Kirkland Signature version or whip up your own, this creamy, indulgent drink will surely bring some holiday cheer.

So, wherever you’re celebrating, raise a glass of eggnog—homemade or store-bought—and toast to a happy holiday season!