Unlike some wines, distilled spirits dont age or mature in the bottle. Your unopened bottle of scotch thats been on the shelf for 20 years will taste the same as it would have the day it was bottled. However, once you open a bottle, some liquors will go bad, and others will lose their character over months or years.
How long the liquor in your bar stays fresh depends on its alcohol content, sugar, and other ingredients. For instance, a high-proof schnapps will last longer than one with less alcohol but the same amount of sugar. Cream and fruit liqueurs are also susceptible to spoiling after several months. Hard liquor like vodka and whiskey has an indefinite shelf life, even when opened, though you may notice that the flavor begins to fade after a year or so.
When determining the shelf life of liquor, its essential to break it down into the major categories found in the average liquor cabinet. And, while there are some storage guidelines you can follow, your instincts are the best indicators of freshness.
Hard Liquors
The base liquors (brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey) are the most shelf-stable distilled spirits. These average 40 percent alcohol by volume (80 proof—though some are stronger) and typically do not contain added sugars, so you can store these bottles for a very long time.
- Unopened, these hard liquors have an indefinite shelf life.
- Once opened, they will lose certain flavor qualities over a few years but will never really spoil.
- The exceptions are flavored spirits, which may have sugar and additives that lower their shelf life. If you have a flavored vodka, rum, or tequila below 80 proof, it may contain sugar. Also, look for lower-proof flavored brandies and whiskies that have “liqueur” on the label. Treat all of these like liqueurs.
You may notice a diminished character, particularly in the aroma and subtle taste nuances of complex spirits like brandy, gin, whiskey, and aged rums or tequila. Since its relatively neutral in flavor, vodka is the least susceptible to flavor loss. Rather than waste them, these older liquors will be best served in mixed drinks rather than enjoyed straight.
Nonalcoholic Spirits
Alcohol is an excellent preservative, but its not present in nonalcoholic spirits, such as Seedlip, Three Spirits, and Optimist. This modern sub-market of the cocktail world comes with a different set of shelf life standards. The formulae and ingredients are widely varied, so each brand is different; on average, an opened bottle will keep for six to 12 weeks. Most do not need to be refrigerated, and you can typically find storage recommendations on the label.
Simple Homemade Liqueurs: Peach Liqueur or Schnapps
Can you eat peach schnapps before the date?
You can use the best before date as a safe benchmark and try to consume your peach schnapps before the date. However, if it does not come with a best before date, it is best to follow some general guidelines. Unopened peach schnapps may last you for years in the pantry. Just make sure to keep it in a cool place, away from direct heat.
What drinks go with peach schnapps?
Here are four of the most popular cocktails with Peach Schnapps. Vodka 40ml / 1.4oz. Peach Schnapps 10ml / 0.3oz. Cranberry Juice 120ml / 4.1oz. Add Ice, Vodka, Peach Schnapps, and Cranberry Juice to a Highball Glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Can you drink expired peach schnapps?
Drinking bad peach schnapps may not get to the point of causing serious health issues. Expired peach schnapps may only lose their flavor over time and become flat. However, that doesn’t mean you should continue drinking expired peach schnapps. Unlike other food items, it is quite complicated to tell if peach schnapps has gone bad.
How long do peach schnapps last?
However, if it does not come with a best before date, it is best to follow some general guidelines. Unopened peach schnapps may last you for years in the pantry. Just make sure to keep it in a cool place, away from direct heat. When it comes to opened peach schnapps, it can last for a couple of months or even up to a year.