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If you’re someone who appreciates a great homemade cocktail now and then (hey, we’re fans too), you’ve likely got a couple of bottles of booze in your freezer, a few on your bar cart, and are iffy on where to store the rest. Can alcohol go bad? What types of alcohol do you need to refrigerate? What’s the shelf life of that bottle of vermouth? We’re here to answer your questions and assuage your fears of alcohol spoilage with some professional advice.
We chatted with Meaghan Montagano, beverage manager at NYC’s Nat’s on Bank, and John deBary, author of Drink What You Want, to find out how to store liquor, what alcohol you need to refrigerate—and ways to use it up more quickly. (Hint: It involves more drinking. A hardship.)
While refrigeration is not necessary, cream liqueurs taste great when they are well chilled, and for most of us, the most convenient cool place of storage is our refrigerator. We would also recommend that cream liqueurs should be consumed within six to twelve months of opening.
What types of alcohol do you not need to refrigerate?
DeBary puts his alcohol into two categories: If it’s processed through timed fermentation—think vermouth, sherry, or other wine-based booze—an open bottle will likely benefit from being stored in the fridge (more on this below!). But if it’s distilled (think gin, vodka, and other base spirits that you would consider “hard liquor”), it’s already gone through a process that relies on big temperature fluctuations and likely okay stored at room temperature. These spirits have a super high alcohol content that will protect them from oxidation or from developing any funky flavors (especially if they’re unopened).
But this is not permission to store them year-round on top of your radiator or on your windowsill in the sunlight. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to store your bottles of liquor—even the ones with the highest alcohol content—in a cool, dark place, like a designated liquor cabinet away from direct sunlight or drastic temperature fluctuations. You don’t need to go so far as to store base spirits in your freezer—but it’s a great option if you prefer to serve them chilled (and are running out of room on your bar cart).
What is Schnapps?
FAQ
Does schnapps go in the fridge?
How long is schnapps good for after opening?
Should I chill schnapps?
Should schnapps be served cold?
How should schnapps be stored?
To ensure the longest shelf life and best quality for your schnapps, it is important to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keeping the bottle tightly sealed and upright can also help prevent contamination and oxidation.
Does schnapps have a long shelf life?
Generally, high-proof schnapps such as brandy, grappa, or eau-de-vie have a long shelf life compared to other types of schnapps. These types of schnapps have a higher alcohol content and are often aged for several years, which helps to preserve their quality and flavor.
Can schnapps be frozen?
As schnapps contains a high concentration of alcohol, it is unlikely to freeze solid, but it may become thick or syrupy, which can affect its taste and quality. It is best to store schnapps at room temperature or in a cool, dark place to preserve its integrity. How can I tell if my schnapps has gone bad?
Does Butterscotch Schnapps need to be refrigerated?
Butterscotch schnapps (on its own) does not need to be refrigerated. After you have opened the bottle, reseal and store in a cool, dry place, away from light. It should store indefinitely when stored correctly. However, schnapps will lose its flavor over time. If it develops a bad odor, it should be discarded. Does vodka go bad if not refrigerated?