How Long Does Vodka Last (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 2 years

Vodka is a distilled alcoholic drink that is strong, clear, and colorless. It is said to have originated in Russia. “Water” is the Russian name for vodka. Water and ethanol make up the majority of vodka. Grain fermentation and distillation are the most common methods for manufacturing it. Vodka is built by fermenting any starch, potatoes or a sugar-rich plant component such as roots or tubers, and then filtering and distilling it. Sorghum, corn, rice, rye, wheat, and other grains are used in today’s new recipe. It is made of fruits or entirely of sugar. Vodka made from rye and wheat is assumed to be superior among the above grains.

Vodka is traditionally consumed “straight up,” without the addition of water, ice, or other mixers. If you take a beverage like vodka and add a recipe of herbs to it during the distillation process, you’ll obtain an appetizer or gin. Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, Caesar, Vodka tonic, and Vodka martini are some of the cocktails and drinks that contain it.

How Long Does Vodka Last?

One of the most demanded spirits, vodka, is a popular liquor for countless beverages. Vodka has a flavor that is more similar to burning than to anything else. But that’s why it’s a staple alcoholic beverage. In a dark spot at 41-61°F, unopened vodka will last for about 10 to 20 years. Vodka that has been opened will last for about 15 years; however, if the vodka contains tastes or additives, it will only last for 6 months due to oxidation. Many businesses, such as Absolute, make predictions about how long the drink’s best qualities will last. Once the vodka has been unsealed, they recommend using it within two years of purchase.

The most convenient way to consume vodka is to consume it all at once. It’s best to drink unsealed vodka bottles within two to three months of opening. When a vodka bottle is opened, the seal weakens, and oxidation increases, reducing the lifespan of the bottle. After six to eight months, a bottle of vodka begins to lose its taste. These minor flavor and smell changes may not be visible immediately, but after a year, you may notice them. Even at this point, the vodka is safe to drink; it just won’t taste as good as it once did.

Vodka is almost impossible to go bad. Because alcohol evaporates faster than water, vodka will not spoil. With time, it will deteriorate. Some alcohol will evaporate if you store an unsealed bottle in poor circumstances for several decades. If that’s the case, it’s technically positive that the liquid’s proof will drop low enough for some bacteria or yeast strains to thrive. If that happens, you can get food poisoning from the vodka. The standard indications of deterioration apply to vodka as well. For safety and quality reasons, you should discard your vodka if it has developed an off odor, strange flavor, or a different appearance.

Why Does Vodka Last That Long?

The shelf life of vodka is almost unlimited if left unopened. That’s because they’re low in sugar and won’t oxidize if left unopened. An unopened bottle of vodka will neither improve nor deteriorate due to the high alcohol content. Consequently, vodka can be stored indefinitely without being opened. Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading on the label, which could lower the value of the bottle for collectors who want to resale it.

Put the vodka in the fridge for a few hours if you want it cooled. Instead, you can use the freezer to speed up the procedure. Alcohol does not freeze. Vodka freezes at temperatures below -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 degrees Celsius), which your freezer is unlikely to reach. Consider pouring the leftover vodka into a smaller glass bottle if your bottle of vodka is less than half full. The oxidation process is slowed when there is less air in the bottle, which means the flavor lasts longer.

Storing vodka correctly will help it keep its flavor for longer. Keep vodka out of direct sunlight and in a dark room. Both wine cabinets and wine cabinets are suitable. Don’t put your vodka in the freezer or expose it to extremes of temperature, both hot and cold. Always use the original cap and tighten the seal. Replacement caps aren’t always as good as the originals. Also, never put a bottle pourer in place of a cap while storing liquors. The conditions in which vodka is stored can have a big impact on how long it lasts.

Conclusion

The alcoholic beverage vodka is very popular. Vodka doesn’t go bad or expire; instead, it loses its potency and flavor with time. When you discover a bottle of this spirit has been sitting in your bar for a couple of years, you are unlikely to worry. The flavor of your vodka will last longer if you keep it properly, and you’ll be set for the next 20 years or so.

References

1. https://www.pnas.org/content/112/2/442.short
2. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.92.12.1921