Do you also know Vodka for its crisp clear appearance and the neat high? The shelf life is one secret related to the spirit that raises questions.
If you are a Vodka lover and enjoy it in all its forms like neat, cocktails, or other culinary purposes, shelf life matters to you, right? Vodka’s shelf life can impact its flavor, aroma, quality, and also safety. Also, it’s relevant to understand the shelf life of something you are engaged with, be it regularly or occasionally.
Therefore, this comprehensive guide will dig deeper into Vodka’s shelf life, how long it lasts, how long can it last, factors affecting its shelf life, some tips, and more. Keep reading!
Also Read: Who Invented Vodka: A Look Into Its History
Starting from the Basics
To begin with, it would be safe to say that an unopened bottle of vodka can stay the same for almost two decades with no shift in its taste, quality, safety, or aroma. What about flavored Vodka? Its shelf life ranges somewhere between 6 months and 2 years. The reason is very simple, which is the artificial flavor and additives that can degrade. However, what about an open bottle? Can it go bad?
Debunking Myths About Vodka Expiry Date
If you have heard any of the myths mentioned below about Vodka’s expiry date, unlearn those now:
Myth #1: There’s No Expiry Date of Vodka
The Reality: Many people still tend to believe that there’s no expiry attached to the distilled spirit Vodka. Well, that’s not entirely true. Yes it’s true that the drink won’t degrade or go bad in the traditional way, but the quality can suffer with time.
Myth #2: If Vodka’s Alcohol Content is Higher, The Shelf Life is Going to be Higher
The Reality: It’s a common and famous assumption that the higher the alcohol content, the longer the shelf life. Though high alcohol content could mean slow bacterial growth, it cannot escape changes in taste or smell over time.
Myth #3: An Unopened Vodka Bottle Can Last Indefinitely
There’s no doubt that a properly sealed Vodka bottle can last for a really long time, but still, it’s hard to escape expiry and going bad. Major factors light different temperatures or light exposure can have a negative impact on its quality.
Myth #4: Vodka’s Taste Improves and Improves With Time
It would have been a right fact in the case of wine or whiskey, but with Vodka, No! Vodkas are meant to be enjoyed fresh and taste their best when fresh. Time can intervene in its taste profile.
Myth #5: It’s Safe to Consume Expired Vodka
Unless there are no clear signs of spoilage, it’s safe to consume Vodka. However, it’s not always safe to consume Vodka thinking it doesn’t expire because it does and can mess up with your health.
Myth #6: Freezing Vodka Keeps It Forever
Vodka’s flavor-affecting chemical processes can be slowed down, but not stopped, by freezing it. Oxidation can cause flavor changes in frozen vodka over time.
Shelf Life Of a Flavored Vodka
Alongside clear Vodka, a flavored Vodka adds just the right hint of twist in it that’s delightful, but also comes with questions about its shelf life. As discussed earlier, a flavored Vodka shelf life is less when compared with the non-flavored one.
Sealed Flavored Vodka
When a flavored Vodka bottle is sealed and not opened, its shelf life is similar to that of an unflavored Vodka if stored the right way, which is it can be in its original state for like 2 decades or more. But here’s something you should be aware of. Over time, the flavors may begin to deteriorate or change, particularly if natural flavorings or added sugars are used. It’s a good idea to always look for any manufacturer-recommended dosage instructions or expiration dates on the bottle.
Unsealed Flavored Vodka
Once the flavored Vodka bottle is open, the shelf life naturally starts to come down as compared to the non-flavored one. Especially if it has sugar or perishable flavorings in it, the expiration is something you should check before consuming it if it’s stored for longer. It will not spoil like perishable food items, however, after a few months, the flavors may begin to change or fade.
For the best taste and quality, six to two years is the right time to consume a flavored vodka, given that it’s stored the correct way. The correct way is to seal it tight, away from sunlight, and refrigerate.
Always check the manufacturer’s website or the label on the bottle for the right information. Varying production techniques and flavorings can cause differences in shelf life.
Also Read: Who Invented Vodka: A Look Into Its History
Vodka’s Ingredients and Its Quality Impacts Its Shelf Life
Is it possible for a Vodka to expire earlier because of the ingredients it has? Yes, that’s right! If the raw materials used to make the bottle of Vodka are of good quality, the shelf life is for sure going to be better, and vice versa. A Vodka high in quality means premium ingredients that ensure a pure and quality taste. Cheaper vodka with a lower shelf life that is distilled just once and prepared from poorer materials can degrade more quickly.
Is It OK to Freeze Vodka?
A common misconception about vodka storage is that it should be kept in the freezer. Nothing about freezing vodka is bad for it; in fact, it makes the drink much more enjoyable because it gives it a thick viscosity. However, different temperatures cause different molecules in alcohol to “die off.” This “masking flavors by freezing” method gained popularity since it is a useful tactic for subpar vodkas.
The ideal way to experience truly fine vodka is chilled, not frozen, even if there’s nothing wrong with freezing it and you may enjoy serving it as you choose.
Tips of Storing a Vodka The Right Way For a Better Shelf Life
Here are some useful tips for you to store Vodka the right way to improve its shelf life.
It Should be Sealed Properly
Sealing a Vodka bottle properly while storing is essential to reduce oxidation and contamination. Every time you are ready to store your opened Vodka bottle, ensure and double check the seal along with making sure that it’s stored somewhere away from any kind of heat source.
Avoid Sunlight
Always make it a point to store Vodka in a place with no access to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can produce a focal point in the liquid, triggering photons and starting a fire, even though it is uncommon, but you must be careful.
Store At Room Temperature
To keep the flavor of the Vodka intact, store the bottle at room temperature. Chilling Vodka can diminish the flavor, so why take a chance?
Signs of Spoiled Vodka To Watch For
Here are some signs of spoiled Vodka to watch for:
- Color Change: Keep an eye out for any cloudiness or strange colors in the vodka as these could be signs of spoiling you should not be taking light.
- Unpleasant Odor: Look for any unpleasant or sour aromas coming from the vodka as these could indicate spoiling.
- A Modified Taste That’s Not Familiar or Weird: Keep an eye out for any variations in the vodka’s flavor, such as sourness or bitterness, as these could be signs that it has gone bad.
- Trust your Senses: Make sure you’re drinking safe vodka by using your senses of taste, smell, and sight to spot any indications of spoilage.
What To Do With an Expired Vodka? Throw It Away? No!
Even after you take all the measures to preserve your Vodka and keep the quality intact, it can still go bad and you can do nothing about it. What in that case? Rather than throwing the bottle away, here’s something you can do:
- It can be used as a jewelry cleaner. It works!
- A mix of expired Vodka and water works as a great cleaner for mirrors and countertops.
- To help keep flowers fresher for longer, add a few drops of vodka to the water in your vase of flowers.
- Make your homemade hand sanitizer by combining unused vodka with aloe vera gel and fragrant scents.
Conclusion
So coming to the main question, “How long does Vodka last?” Well, the answer is it’s impressively longer. If stored the right way, the shelf life can impress you. Coming to whether it should be frozen or not, it’s more like a personal choice or preference rather than a rule or requirement. Coming to the most important eyes and nose test, trust these two while taking shots. If you can see and smell that there’s something wrong, throw it away.
Cheers to your Vodka shots and responsible drinking is the right way!