Creme de cacao is a chocolate-flavored liqueur that can add a sweet, indulgent flavor to cocktails and desserts. But like any liqueur, creme de cacao won’t last forever once opened. Here’s a look at how long creme de cacao lasts, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and how to extend its shelf life.
Quick Answer
An unopened bottle of creme de cacao will generally last 2-3 years past its printed expiration date. Once opened, creme de cacao will last around 1-2 years stored in a cool, dark place. Keeping the bottle tightly sealed and free from oxidation will help extend its shelf life. If stored improperly, creme de cacao may start losing its flavor within 6-12 months.
How Long Does Unopened Creme de Cacao Last?
An unopened, commercially packaged bottle of creme de cacao liqueur will typically last 2-3 years past the printed expiration date on the label. The shelf life can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and alcohol content.
Like any liqueur, creme de cacao contains a high enough alcohol content to act as a preservative and prevent microbial growth. As long as the bottle remains factory-sealed, the liqueur will remain safe to consume for years after the printed date.
However, some change in quality is inevitable over years of storage. While creme de cacao won’t exactly “expire” if unopened, it may start to slowly deteriorate in taste and aroma over time. The flavors can start to fade, while the color may dull or darken slightly.
For best quality, try to use unopened creme de cacao before 3 years past its expiration date. But even after this time, it is likely still safe and suitable for cooking and mixing – the taste just may not be at peak freshness.
Does Creme de Cacao Go Bad?
Yes, creme de cacao can eventually go bad once opened if left for too long. Exposure to air causes oxidation and evaporation of the volatile flavor compounds. Sunlight and heat speed up this process.
Signs that opened creme de cacao has gone bad include:
- Faded, dull color
- Flat or distorted aroma
- Off tastes such as yeasty, sour, or bitter
- Formation of sediment
- Bottle bloating due to gas byproducts
If you notice any of these changes in your opened creme de cacao, it’s best to dispose of it rather than try to salvage it. But with proper storage, you can extend the shelf life significantly.
How to Tell if Creme de Cacao Has Gone Bad
Here are some common signs that your opened creme de cacao liqueur has gone bad and needs to be discarded:
Appearance
- Fading of the rich brown color to a dull tan, gray, or yellow tone
- Separation, causing cloudiness
- Growth of mold
Aroma
- Flat, chemical-like smell instead of rich chocolate notes
- Sour, vinegar-like smell
- Yeasty or spoiled smell
Flavor
- Bitter, chemical taste
- Weakened chocolate flavor
- Vinegary, acidic taste
- Soapy or moldy flavor
Texture
- Grainy, lumpy, or watery appearance
- Increased viscosity or thickness
- Formation of solid sediments
If your creme de cacao shows any of these signs of spoilage, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace it with a fresh bottle.
How Long Does Opened Creme de Cacao Last?
Once opened, creme de cacao will typically last around 1-2 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place. The shelf life depends largely on storage conditions and how often the bottle is opened.
Here are some general guidelines for how long opened creme de cacao will last:
- Refrigerator: 6-12 months past printed expiration date
- Pantry or Liquor Cabinet: 1-2 years past printed expiration date
- Bar: 1-6 months
Thefridge helps extend creme de cacao’s shelf life due to the cool, stable temperature. Keeping the bottle away from light prevents oxidation and fading.
Minimizing oxygen exposure by keeping the bottle sealed when not in use can also prolong freshness and prevent evaporation.
For serving creme de cacao at a bar or in cocktails, try to use within 6 months for best quality. The frequent opening introduces more air each time that speeds up deterioration.
Does Creme de Cacao Go Bad Once Opened?
Yes, opened creme de cacao can eventually go bad due to oxidation, evaporation, and possible microbial contamination once exposed to air.
Signs that your opened creme de cacao has spoiled include:
- Faded color
- Flat or rancid smell
- Off flavors
- Grainy or lumpy texture
- Growth of mold
If you notice any of these changes, it’s safest to discard the creme de cacao. But with proper storage and care, an opened bottle can last up to 2 years at home.
Does Creme de Cacao Need to be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of opened creme de cacao, but is not strictly required. An unrefrigerated, sealed bottle will keep at room temperature for up to 1-2 years when stored in a cool, dark cabinet or liquor collection.
Some reasons refrigeration can help prolong freshness of creme de cacao include:
- Cool temperatures slow oxidation and flavor deterioration
- Prevents evaporation and loss of aromatics
- Slows potential microbial growth like mold
However, chilling can cause creme de cacao to become thick and syrupy, while warmth returns it to the ideal liqueur consistency. Adjust the temperature before serving for best pourability.
Ultimately, the fridge provides some additional shelf life for opened bottles, but isn’t essential. Focus more on keeping creme de cacao sealed tightly in a cool, dark place.
How to Store Creme de Cacao
Here are some tips for properly storing creme de cacao liqueur to extend its shelf life after opening:
- Keep bottles sealed tightly to limit air exposure.
- Store in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry away from heat and sunlight.
- You can refrigerate for up to 1 year to prolong freshness.
- When refrigerated, take the bottle out and allow it to come to room temp before using.
- Transfer to a smaller bottle if the liqueur level gets low to reduce oxidation.
- Keep liqueur inserts/pour spouts cleaned and sanitized.
- Wipe down bottles to remove stickiness and dust buildup.
- Don’t store creme de cacao anywhere hot like near a stove or in direct sun.
With proper storage and limited exposure, an opened bottle of creme de cacao can retain optimal taste and aroma for 1-2 years at home.
Can You Freeze Creme de Cacao?
Creme de cacao can be frozen to extend its shelf life nearly indefinitely. However, chilling to such low temperatures is not necessary for moderate shelf life extension. The extreme cold can also alter the liqueur’s texture and disrupt its flavor balance when thawed.
If freezing creme de cacao, follow these tips:
- Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- Allow to fully thaw in the refrigerator before opening to prevent separation.
- Mix well upon thawing to re-emulsify any components that separated.
- Use within 6-12 months for best quality and freshness.
Freezing can prolong creme de cacao’s shelf life almost indefinitely. But for short term storage of 1-2 years, the fridge or a cool, dark pantry is ideal.
How to Make Creme de Cacao Last Longer
Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of creme de cacao liqueur after opening:
- Store the bottle upright and tightly sealed to minimize oxygen exposure.
- Keep away from light sources and don’t store on countertops.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below – but allow to come to room temp before using.
- Use a wine preserver spray to protect opened bottles from oxidation.
- Transfer creme de cacao to a smaller bottle if the liquid level gets low.
- Keep liqueur inserts and pour spouts clean to prevent contamination.
- Don’t mix old creme de cacao with a fresh bottle.
Proper storage and care is key for extending the shelf life of creme de cacao. Follow best practices, and an opened bottle can retain optimal flavor and aroma for up to 2 years at home.
How to Store Creme de Cacao After Opening
To properly store creme de cacao after opening for maximum freshness:
- Replace the bottle’s lid or cork tightly after each use.
- Keep the bottle upright in a cool, dark cabinet or liquor collection away from heat and sunlight.
- Consider transferring to a smaller bottle if the liquid level gets low, to minimize oxygen exposure.
- For long term storage, refrigeration around 40°F can prolong freshness and shelf life.
- Always seal the bottle with a wine stopper or parafilm if storing for extended periods.
- Wipe clean the rim, lid, and pour spout regularly for sanitation.
- If sediment develops, decant into a clean bottle using a coffee filter or fine sieve.
Follow these tips, and an opened bottle of creme de cacao liqueur can last around 1-2 years at optimal quality. Always inspect and sniff before consuming to check for any spoilage. Enjoy this chocolate liqueur in cocktails and desserts before its indulgent flavor fades.
What Happens if You Drink Expired Creme de Cacao?
It’s generally not dangerous to drink expired creme de cacao liqueur, but the taste and quality may diminish over time. Here’s what to expect if drinking creme de cacao past its prime:
- Muted chocolate flavor – Notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and cocoa fade
- Unbalanced taste – Sugar becomes cloying as other flavors deteriorate
- Off flavors – Can take on a bitter, chemical taste
- Aroma is less potent
- Possible separation and sediment
- Higher alcohol taste from evaporation
- Hangover may be more severe due to oxidation byproducts
Consuming expired creme de cacao isn’t dangerous if properly stored, but it’s best to replace bottles that are over 2-3 years old for best flavor. Watch for any odd textures, smells, or mold growth before drinking. When in doubt, stick to using creme de cacao liqueur before its expiration date.
Does Creme de Cacao Expire?
Yes, creme de cacao does eventually expire and has a limited shelf life. Like any liqueur, the quality and flavor of creme de cacao will diminish over time after bottling.
- Unopened bottles last around 2-3 years past the printed expiration date when stored in a cool, dark place.
- Once opened, creme de cacao will start expiring within 1-2 years.
- Properly stored in the fridge, opened bottles typically last 6-12 months at peak quality.
- The liqueur can expire quicker if kept somewhere hot, humid, or exposed to lots of light.
The high alcohol content helps preserve creme de cacao. But its delicate chocolate and spice flavors will eventually fade and the aroma dulls.
For best taste and to prevent oxidized flavors, it’s recommended to finish opened bottles of creme de cacao liqueur within a year or two of opening. Discard any bottles with sediment or off smells.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does creme de cacao last after opening?
After opening, creme de cacao will typically last around 1-2 years if stored sealed in a cool, dark cabinet or liquor collection. Refrigerating can extend the shelf life up to 6-12 months. But opened creme de cacao kept at room temperature can start deteriorating in flavor within 6-12 months.
Can you get sick from expired creme de cacao?
You’re unlikely to get sick from drinking expired creme de cacao if it was properly stored. However, creme de cacao that is several years past its expiration date may have an off taste or cause more hangover symptoms due to chemical changes over time.
Can creme de cacao go bad if unopened?
Properly stored in a cool, dark place, unopened creme de cacao can last around 2-3 years past its printed expiration date before the color and flavor start to fade. It likely won’t make you sick if consumed after that time, but will be inferior in taste.
How do you know if opened creme de cacao is bad?
Signs that opened creme de cacao has gone bad include changes in appearance, aroma, taste, and texture such as a dull color, rancid smell, bitter flavor,Separation, graininess or sediment development, and bloating of the bottle. If you notice any of these, throw it away.
Does creme de cacao need to be refrigerated after opening?
Refrigeration can help prolong the shelf life of opened creme de cacao by 1-2 years. But it’s not strictly required – an unrefrigerated, sealed bottle will keep for up to a year at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate if planning to store an opened bottle longer than 6-12 months.
How long does homemade creme de cacao last?
The shelf life of homemade creme de cacao depends on the recipe, but it generally lasts 2-3 months when properly stored. To extend its shelf life up to 6 months, keep homemade creme de cacao refrigerated in an airtight container and don’t introduce extra air exposure. Adding some vodka or brandy can also act as a preservative.
Conclusion
Like any liqueur, creme de cacao has a limited shelf life once bottled and opened. But you can maximize its freshness by 1-2 years if you follow proper dark, cool storage. Keep bottles away from heat and light. Refrigeration can also prolong the shelf life of opened bottles up to a year before its indulgent chocolate flavors fade. With just a little care, you can continue enjoying creme de cacao in cocktails and desserts long past its printed expiration date.
