Vodka is a clear, high-proof alcoholic spirit that is made by distilling grains, vegetables, or fruits. It’s a versatile liquor that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for cocktails. But once you open a bottle of vodka, how long does it last before going bad?
Does vodka expire?
The short answer is: no, vodka does not expire or spoil after opening. Unlike wine, beer, and some other spirits, vodka has an indefinite shelf life. That’s because vodka is comprised mainly of water and ethanol (alcohol). Ethanol is a natural preservative, so vodka’s high alcohol content (usually around 40% ABV) prevents microbial growth. As long as the bottle remains sealed, vodka can maintain quality and drinkability for many years.
Why doesn’t vodka go bad?
There are a few key reasons why opened vodka does not spoil:
- High alcohol content – Ethanol is antimicrobial, meaning it prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms that can cause food and drinks to spoil.
- Lack of sugars and nutrients – Microbes need water, sugars, and other nutrients to survive and multiply. Vodka has very minimal sugars and nutrients, preventing microbial growth.
- Distillation process – The distillation process removes many impurities and congeners (flavor compounds) from the vodka, leaving behind relatively pure ethanol and water.
- Filtration – Many vodka brands also filter their vodka through activated charcoal. This removes additional impurities and results in a clean, smooth spirit.
How long does opened vodka last?
While vodka has no true expiration date, it’s optimal flavor and aroma will start to deteriorate over time after opening. An opened bottle of vodka will typically last:
- 2 years – If stored properly at room temperature, the vodka should maintain quality and taste for at least 2 years.
- 3-5 years – The vodka may start to lose some freshness and flavor after 3-5 years, but it will still be safe to consume if stored correctly.
- Indefinitely – As long as an opened bottle of vodka is tightly sealed and stored out of direct light, it should not pose any health risks no matter how old it is. However, extreme age will degrade the taste and aroma.
Of course, these timelines assume proper storage conditions. Exposing vodka to heat, moisture, and sunlight will accelerate deterioration.
How to tell if opened vodka has gone bad
Although vodka has no true expiration date, there are some signs that indicate it may have gone bad:
- Change in color – Vodka is clear. If it develops a yellow or brownish tint, that indicates oxidation and loss of quality.
- Cloudiness -Particles or haziness in the vodka can signal contamination.
- Off aromas – Fresh vodka has little to no discernible smell. An overly sweet, fruity or unpleasant smell means it’s gone off.
- Off flavors – Taste that is sharp, unpleasant, or chemical-like indicates spoilage.
- Bottle damage – Leaks, cracks, mold, or corrosion show improper storage conditions.
If your vodka exhibits any of these traits, it’s best to discard it rather than risk drinking spoiled alcohol.
Does flavored vodka go bad?
Flavored vodkas infused with fruits, herbs, spices or other essences will expire earlier than regular unflavored vodka. The additional ingredients provide more nutrients that can allow microbial growth over time. An opened bottle of flavored vodka will normally last:
- 6-8 months – Best consumed soon for optimal flavor.
- 1 year – Flavors start fading and vodka loses vibrancy.
- 2 years – Safe to drink but flavors significantly deteriorated.
Again, improper storage accelerates the expiration. Refrigerating flavored vodka extends its shelf life by a few months.
How to store vodka after opening
To get the most longevity out of your vodka after opening, follow these storage guidelines:
- Seal tightly – Always keep the bottle tightly closed.
- Store upright – Store vodka upright to prevent leaking and evaporating alcohol.
- Room temperature – Keep vodka at room temperature away from heat sources.
- Cool, dark place – Avoid exposing vodka to direct sunlight, which can cause flavor deterioration.
- No extreme cold – Don’t store vodka in the freezer long-term. Repeated freezing/thawing can compromise bottle seal and cause oxidation.
- Clean bottles – For decanted vodka, make sure containers are sterile to prevent contamination.
Following these tips, an opened bottle of vodka stored at room temperature can retain optimal taste for at least 2-3 years after opening. Refrigeration can extend shelf life a bit longer.
Does freezing vodka prolong its shelf life?
Putting vodka in the freezer is fine for enjoying icy cold vodka in chilled martinis or shots. However, freezing is not recommended for long-term storage, because it can compromise the bottle seal and lead to oxidation. Repeated freezing and thawing causes vodka to expand and contract, which can disrupt the seal. This allows oxygen to seep in over time, causing deterioration in flavor and quality. Storing at room temperature is best for long-term storage.
Can you preserve vodka in smaller bottles?
One way to potentially prolong the shelf life of a vodka bottle that’s been opened is to decant it into smaller bottles. This minimizes oxygen exposure since there’s less air in the bottle. However, it’s critical that the smaller bottles are sterile and sealed airtight to prevent contamination and evaporation.
When decanting vodka into smaller containers:
- Wash bottles thoroughly with hot water and let dry fully.
- Sanitize bottles by rinsing with vodka or steaming briefly.
- Use bottles designed for spirits, not other materials like plastic.
- Leave as little air space as possible.
- Seal lids tightly.
- Store upright and out of direct light.
With sterile bottles and proper sealing, decanted vodka can potentially last 6-12 months at room temperature. But it’s still best consumed within 2-3 years for best quality.
Does vodka need to be refrigerated after opening?
Refrigeration is not necessary to store vodka after opening. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature, around 60-70°F. Vodka will not spoil from not being refrigerated. However, some people prefer keeping their vodka in the refrigerator because they enjoy vodka chilled.
Pros of refrigerating vodka:
- Creates an icy, chilled flavor profile.
- Enhances flavors in vodka-based cocktails like martinis.
- Prevents dissipation of subtle aromas in premium vodkas.
Cons of refrigerating vodka:
- Risk of bottle seal compromise from repeated cooling/warming.
- Potential moisture build-up in bottle from condensation.
- Oxidation from compromised seal impacts flavor.
Overall, storing vodka at room temperature is the best way to maximize shelf life after opening. But refrigeration 1-2 days before serving is fine if you prefer your vodka chilled.
Can you freeze vodka in its original bottle?
It’s generally not recommended to freeze vodka in its original bottle, especially long-term. The main risk is that repeatedly freezing and thawing the vodka can disrupt the bottle’s seal. This allows air to enter, causing oxidation and flavor deterioration over time.
Putting vodka in the freezer briefly (1-2 days) before enjoying chilled shots is fine. But for long-term storage, room temperature is best to extend the shelf life.
Tips for making opened vodka last
Here are some helpful tips for making your opened vodka bottle last as long as possible:
- Use a bottle stopper or cap it tightly after each use.
- Store upright and out of direct sunlight or heat.
- Keep at room temperature – refrain from freezing.
- Consider decanting into smaller bottles to minimize oxygen exposure.
- If flavors start to fade, use vodka for mixed drinks rather than sipping straight.
- Write the opening date on the bottle to keep track of age.
- Inspect for changes in aroma, color, clarity before drinking.
FAQs
Does vodka need to be stored in glass?
No, vodka does not need to be stored in glass. While some spirits like wine can be affected by the container material, vodka’s lack of sugars, congeners and impurities make it resilient. Vodka can be stored in plastic, metal, glass, or ceramic without compromising quality or shelf life after opening.
Can you get sick from spoiled vodka?
It’s highly unlikely you would get sick from spoiled vodka. Because of its high alcohol content, vodka is inhospitable to microbial growth. The worst that is likely to happen if you drink spoiled vodka is an unpleasant chemical taste. As long as the seal hasn’t been compromised, there is minimal health risk to consuming very old vodka.
Does vodka evaporate if not sealed properly?
Yes, vodka can evaporate if not sealed properly after opening. The ethanol in vodka is volatile and can evaporate over time if exposed to air. Keeping the bottle tightly sealed when not in use will minimize alcohol evaporation and preserve the vodka’s quality.
Can you reconstitute evaporated vodka with water?
No, you should not try to reconstitute evaporated vodka with water. The evaporated alcohol will have changed the vodka’s carefully calibrated alcohol content and flavor profile. Attempting to add water creates the risk of contamination and over-dilution. Vodka that has evaporated significantly is best discarded.
The bottom line
An opened bottle of vodka has an indefinite shelf life. Thanks to its distillation process and high alcohol content, vodka does not require refrigeration and will not spoil after opening. For best quality, store vodka at room temperature out of direct light and keep the bottle tightly sealed. An opened vodka bottle stored properly will maintain optimal taste for at least 2-3 years and remain safe to consume indefinitely. With light, heat, and oxidation, vodka’s aroma and flavor can fade over time. But as long as the bottle is sealed, vodka does not truly expire.