Vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages around the world. Its versatility, ability to mix with a variety of flavors, and smooth taste make it a go-to for many people. This clear and colorless alcoholic beverage is made by distilling fermented grains or potatoes and has a reputation for being long-lasting. Many people believe that vodka can last forever because it has a high alcohol content and does not have a lot of flavor or aroma. The question still stands; Can vodka expire?
DOES VODKA EXPIRE?
The short answer is yes, vodka can expire. A bottle of unflavored vodka has an indefinite shelf life. After opening, it will still be good for 10 to 20 years, though this is only if it is stored correctly. Although vodka has a relatively long shelf life, it is still a perishable product that can go bad under certain conditions, like these:
- Exposure to heat
- Subjection to light
- Exposure to air
- The quality of the raw materials used to make the vodka
In order to keep your vodka from expiring, be sure to maintain proper storage of your bottle.
CAN FLAVORED VODKA EXPIRE?
Flavored vodkas are the hottest trend in spirits. It’s essential to know flavored vodkas have a shorter shelf life due to the added flavors. Our flavored Switch Vodka Light is no different. When unopened, our vodkas can last up to 2 years. Once you open up your bottle, though, it’s best to enjoy it within 90 days. Doing so will ensure that you get the best-tasting vodka possible. You may wonder, “can I drink expired vodka?” If you notice a strange smell or discoloration in your vodka, dispose of the remainder of your bottle safely.
Vodka has been the top-selling spirit in the U.S. since the 1970s. The vodka market represents $7.3 billion in revenue.
HOW TO STORE VODKA
One of the primary factors that can cause vodka to expire is exposure to heat. Vodka should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, such as radiators or stoves. If vodka is exposed to heat for an extended period, it can lead to the evaporation of alcohol and a change in flavor and aroma. The ideal temperature for storing vodka is between 32 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Another factor that can affect the shelf life of vodka is exposure to light. Vodka bottles are usually made of clear glass, which allows light to penetrate the liquid. This exposure to light can break down the vodka’s flavor and aroma, and it can also cause discoloration. To prevent this, it is best to store vodka in a dark cellar or cupboard.
QUALITY INGREDIENTS MATTER
Can vodka expire because of its ingredients? The answer is yes. The quality of the raw materials used to make vodka can impact its shelf life. High-quality Switch Vodka is made from only premium ingredients and distilled multiple times to ensure a smooth and pure taste. Cheaper vodka made from inferior ingredients and distilled only once can spoil more quickly, leading to a shorter shelf life. We recommend that flavored Switch Vodka be consumed within 90 days of opening, as the added flavors can expire much quicker than the alcohol itself.
DOES VODKA GO BAD IN THE FRIDGE?
If a bottle of vodka is not stored in a refrigerator, it should be stored in a cool, dark place. Unflavored and unopened bottles of vodka which are stored at a moderate temperature and away from light can last for decades. At 30% to 40%, liquor is not a hospitable environment for bacteria. And if it’s not opened, you’ll deal with virtually no oxidation. But once you open a liquor bottle, oxidation begins, which can cause vodka to become discolored or cause crystallization to occur, at which point you should dispose of the expired alcohol. Opened bottles of unflavored vodka can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
HEALTH CONSCIOUS VODKA OPTIONS
Vodka is one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. That’s why we have created Switch Vodka Light which is the perfect choice for any occasion – without feeling much of the aftermath the next day. Many distillers offer low-carb, low-calorie, no-sugar, gluten-free, all-natural, and no-artificial flavors in their vodka.
However, at Switch Vodka we incorporate a modern approach to the distillation process which allows us much more control over distilling than ever before. Through the iStill distilling process with intelligent automation, we’re able to produce a very high-quality vodka with a near-perfect level of consistency. iStill even allows us to use vapor distillation to infuse real fruit and herbs straight into your drink. Switch vodka was designed for people who truly care about what they put in their bodies, and thus our gluten-free vodka is perfect for people living low-calorie lifestyles.
HEALTHIER FLAVORED VODKA CHOICES
Switch Vodka also comes in flavored varieties. Many vodka lovers enjoy sipping our flavored vodkas on their own or mixed in cocktails. Our low-carb, low-calorie vodka is an excellent pair for any Summer day or Winter night. Currently, our lighter vodka comes in these distinct flavors:
- Light Spirit – Our classic unflavored light vodka
- Peach Basil – A tasty combo using local Palisade Peaches and basil
- Pomegranate Lemongrass – A flavorful mix of two refreshing flavors
All of our flavors of light vodka are tasty and mix excellently in sub-100-calorie cocktails!
SWITCH YOUR VODKA TO SWITCH
Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, vodka has a relatively long shelf life, which leads many to believe that it lasts forever. However for those still wondering “can vodka expire?”, it’s important to understand that even though it is a spirit, vodka can expire under certain conditions. The most important things to remember for the preservation of your vodka are to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from light or air. It doesn’t hurt to choose a high-quality vodka, like Switch Vodka, as the premium ingredients also lend themselves well to a longer shelf life.
Now that you know that you can have crisp low-calorie craft vodka in multiple flavors, don’t you want to give it a try? Use this handy tool to help you find the closest place where you can buy Switch vodka near you, or buy it online now at 52eighty Distilling!
