If you’re a fan of liquor, chances are that you’ve got more than one bottle at home. Maybe you have a fully stocked bar, or perhaps you have bottles scattered around your house — in your cabinets, on your shelves, or even buried in the back of your freezer (hey, we don’t judge!) But if you want to know the best way to keep your liquor tasting its finest, then follow these three rules for storing your spirits.
1. Keep it at Room Temperature
Thanks to their high alcohol content, most distilled spirits — including whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila — do not require refrigeration. However, if the temperature gets too high, the alcohol will expand and evaporate. And while it won’t make the liquor “go bad,” heat — especially from direct sunlight — can increase oxidation rates, causing a change in flavors and loss of color.
What about freezing? Of course, some people prefer to chill clear liquors in their freezers before serving, but this might be a mistake, according to some experts. While there’s no risk of your spirit turning to ice (the alcohol content is too high to allow that to happen), storing spirits in lower temperatures can mute flavors that you would otherwise enjoy, like floral essences and other botanicals.
In fact, many co*cktails are enhanced by the room-temperature liquor melting the ice cubes in the glass. The ice melt creates a balance that enhances the flavors of the liquor. If you add ice to an already cold drink, it’s just not going to have the same effect.
Your best bet is storing your liquor at room temperature — but if you want to get really technical, experts recommend keeping it within 55 to 60 degrees.
2. Take Measures to Prevent Oxidation
Unopened spirits can last for years if stored properly, but once opened, they become more prone to oxidation. As mentioned previously, when the ratio of air to liquid increases, the flavors and color of a liquor can change. So when less than one third of your booze remains in the bottle, your best bet is either to finish it off or simply transfer it to a smaller container.
And while we’re here — skip the decanter. Your bourbon might look pretty in crystal, but it’s also likely to oxidize more quickly if kept in this container long term. Instead, opt for storing your spirits in the original bottle, and maybe saving the decanter display for special occasions.
3. Store Upright, But Don’t Forget to Wet the Cork
Although this goes against the rules for wine, liquor should never be stored on its side. When stored horizontally, constant contact between high-proof alcohol and the cork can spell disaster for your favorite spirit. If left unattended, this setup can actually disintegrate the cork over time, causing it to mix into your liquor. Yuck.
At the same time, you don’t want to leave the cork to dry out and crack, or you’ll have a similar problem. It’s best to leave your bottles upright, but flip the bottle upside down every once in a while to re-wet the cork. This way, you aren’t left with any unsavory surprises next time you decide to enjoy a glass or two!
Technically, liquor doesn’t ever really go bad — and storing it incorrectly won’t make you sick. However, it can affect how your beloved booze tastes and ages down the road. Our tip — buy smaller bottles of the spirits that you don’t drink as often and invest in a trendy bar cart or liquor cabinet. And don’t forget to enjoy!
FAQs
Keep it cool
Keeping them in a relatively cool place preserves them longer. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to expand and can evaporate more quickly. While it won't hurt you healthwise to consume, storing in a warm place can cause the liquor to oxidize more quickly and change flavors over time.
How do you store your spirits? ›
Keep it cool
Keeping them in a relatively cool place preserves them longer. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to expand and can evaporate more quickly. While it won't hurt you healthwise to consume, storing in a warm place can cause the liquor to oxidize more quickly and change flavors over time.
What are four things that should be done when storing alcohol beverages? ›
The Rules of Liquor Storage
There are three rules to liquor storage: cool, dark, and upright. Cool: Contrary to what most of us believed in college, the best way to store liquor is at room temperature. The exact temperature will depend on your liquor of choice.
How are you supposed to store liquor? ›
Cap open bottles tightly and store them upright.
“Stick the stopper on the bottle, absolutely keep it out of the heat and sunlight, and try to store it in cool, dark conditions.” He also advises keeping spirit bottles stored upright, not on their sides. This is particularly important for those with cork closures.
How can I secure my alcohol at home? ›
Tips for Locking & Securing Your Alcohol
- Lock up the area where you keep your alcohol.
- Count bottles/keep track of what you have.
- Store alcohol in safe places that are not seen or accessible to youth.
- Keep no more beer in the refrigerator than you drink in one sitting. see 0-‐1-‐2 guidelines).
Three Spirit botanical elixirs should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. They can also be stored in the fridge to ensure they're chilled and ready to serve, and if you're in a location with extreme hot weather, this may be the best storage. After opening, consume within 12 weeks.
How do you keep a good spirit? ›
How to Keep Your Spirits High
- Enforce boundaries.
- Give your brain a break.
- Focus on what you need to.
- Get your cardio in.
- Laugh.
- Make a list.
- Mini-meditation.
- Enforce the 24-hour rule.
Here are some tips on how to store drinks and beverages properly so you can keep them fresh longer:
- The Refrigerator Is King. ...
- Storing Milk. ...
- Storing Water. ...
- Storing Coffee. ...
- Storing Alcoholic Beverages. ...
- Use Glass Containers. ...
- Store Drinks Away From Direct Sunlight. ...
- Keep Away From Pets And Kids.
Luckily for you, it's totally possible to imbibe without getting drunk.
- Learn to stay within your BAC sweet spot. ...
- Eat something first. ...
- Sip, don't chug. ...
- Alternate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. ...
- Change your glass shape. ...
- Say no to shots. ...
- Remember, you don't need to ~feel~ drunk to be too drunk to drive.
According to flammables storage guidelines, isopropyl and ethanol alcohol should be stored in cool, well-ventilated spaces, away from sunlight.
Room temperature is fine, while slightly cooler (like a cellar) could be more optimal. Definitely avoid direct sunlight as this will speed up the evaporation and reduce shelf life. Storing vodka upright is also particularly important with Grey Goose as we cork each bottle.
How can I hide alcohol at home? ›
Common Places for Hiding Alcohol
- Inside closets, behind or underneath clothing.
- In kitchen cabinets or pantries behind food items.
- In the garage or storage areas, mixed among other belongings.
- In the attic or basem*nt.
- Inside empty or disguise bottles (e.g., water bottles, soda bottles)
Alcohol Proof Measurement
This terminology began in the the UK however in the US, currently the term Proof is determined by multiplying the alcohol % by volume (ABV) X 2. Thus an alcohol product labeled as 80 Proof is 40% alcohol by volume.
How long can spirits be stored? ›
Once opened, distilled spirits like whiskey and gin won't expire or become unsafe to consume, but they may start to taste “off” after 1–3 years. Liqueurs, opened, will usually last 6 months–1 year. Vermouths and other wine-based spirits like vino amari should be refrigerated and consumed within 6–8 weeks.
What spirits need to be refrigerated? ›
Spirits or liquors like vodka, tequila, rum, gin, brandy, and whiskey can be left out at room temperature, or chilled depending on personal preference, according to beverage expert Anthony Caporale. White wine, champagne, beer, and cider should all be chilled in the refrigerator prior to consumption, per Caporale.
Do you refrigerate spirits? ›
But first, what liquor doesn't need refrigeration? Basically, anything that has been distilled – like your whiskies, vodkas (though you can pop it in the freezer), tequilas and so on. They're all heavy on the alcohol, so won't oxidise or lose flavour.
Do spirits go in the fridge? ›
If the alcohol content is lower than 15%, you need to keep it in the fridge. This applies to things like beer, wine, and the like. On the other hand, anything like vodka and rum that has a much higher alcohol content doesn't have to be refrigerated.
