Irish cream liqueur, such as the popular Baileys Irish Cream, is a cream and whiskey-based liqueur that has become a staple in many homes for celebratory drinks or just an evening treat. But once you open a bottle of Irish cream liqueur, how long does it last before it goes bad?
Quick answer
An opened bottle of Irish cream liqueur will generally last for about 12 months when properly stored in the refrigerator. The high alcohol content acts as a preservative to allow the opened bottle to keep for up to a year before expiring.
How to tell if Irish cream liqueur has gone bad
Here are some signs that your opened Irish cream liqueur has expired and should be discarded:
- Changes in color – Fresh Irish cream is a light brown color. If it darkens significantly or takes on a grayish tone, it has likely gone bad.
- Changes in consistency – The liqueur should have a smooth, creamy consistency. If it becomes chunky, watery, or curdled, it is time to toss it.
- Changes in aroma – Irish cream liqueur has a sweet aroma. If you detect sour or stale odors, it is past its prime.
- Changes in flavor – The liqueur should taste sweet and creamy. Sour, bitter, or unpleasant flavors are a sign it has spoiled.
- Mold – Check carefully along the sides and top of the bottle opening for any fuzzy mold growth which signals spoilage.
Factors that affect how long Irish cream liqueur lasts when opened
Several factors impact how long your opened Irish cream liqueur will remain fresh and drinkable:
Storage temperature
Temperature is one of the biggest factors. Irish cream liqueur should always be refrigerated after opening. The cold temperatures of the refrigerator (around 40°F or below) drastically slow down the growth of bacteria and other microbes that can cause spoilage.
Opening frequency
The more often a bottle is opened, the shorter the shelf life. Each time you open the bottle, more air gets in which can introduce microbes and cause the cream liqueur to deteriorate faster.
Bottle size
The shelf life depends partially on bottle size. A smaller bottle that contains less cream liqueur will generally have a shorter shelf life than a larger unopened bottle, because the product is exposed to more air over time compared to the amount of liqueur.
Fat content
Higher fat beverages like Irish cream liqueur tend to spoil faster than lower fat options. The dairy cream used gives it a higher fat percentage, which can turn rancid over time after opening.
Alcohol percentage
Irish cream liqueurs have a high alcohol content, usually around 15-20% ABV. This alcohol acts as a preservative. The more alcohol in the cream liqueur, the longer the shelf life will generally be after opening.
How to store Irish cream liqueur properly after opening
To get the most shelf life out of your opened Irish cream liqueur, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate immediately after opening – Keep the cream liqueur chilled at all times.
- Store upright – This prevents leakage and helps keep the seal tight.
- Use clean glassware – Always use very clean glasses free of food residues to avoid contamination.
- Keep tightly sealed – After each use, close the bottle as tightly as possible.
- Watch for signs of spoilage – Check regularly for any changes described earlier.
- Don’t mix with old liqueur – Avoid topping off with a newly opened bottle.
Does Baileys Irish cream go bad?
Yes, an opened bottle of Baileys Irish Cream does eventually go bad, although it generally lasts about one year when properly refrigerated and tightly sealed. The shelf life of unopened Baileys is typically around 24 to 36 months from the production date before quality starts to decline.
Like any cream liqueur, Baileys will start to exhibit signs of spoilage once it goes bad, such as changes in color, texture, smell, or taste. Make sure to watch for mold growth along the bottle opening as well. Any Irish cream liqueur that shows signs of spoilage should be discarded.
How to store unopened Irish cream liqueur
To maximize the shelf life of Irish cream liqueur before opening the bottle, follow these guidelines:
- Store in a cool, dark place – Avoid storing in hot spots like near appliances or in direct light.
- Refrigeration is optional – You can refrigerate unopened bottles for extra freshness.
- Keep bottles upright – Don’t store bottles on their side long-term.
- Watch the date – Check the “best by” or expiration date and don’t keep past that time.
Can you freeze Irish cream liqueur?
Yes, Irish cream liqueur can be frozen, whether the bottle is opened or unopened. This can significantly extend the shelf life. There are a few guidelines for freezing Irish cream properly:
- Use air-tight freezer bags or containers – This prevents freezer burn or absorbing freezer odors.
- Freeze in smaller portions if opened – Freeze in ice cube trays or muffin tins then transfer to bags.
- Thaw in refrigerator – Thaw slowly in the fridge before using.
- Use within 3-6 months – For best quality and taste, use frozen Irish cream within 6 months.
Freezing can cause some separation of the cream from the liqueur, so make sure to shake or stir well when thawed to recombine before drinking.
How to tell if frozen Irish cream has gone bad
Check frozen Irish cream liqueur for the following signs of spoilage:
- Ice crystals – Large ice crystals indicate freezer burn and weakened quality.
- Discoloration – Extreme darkening, graying, or unnatural colors.
- Separation – Excessive layering of cream and alcohol rather than recombining.
- Off aromas – Stale or sour odors when thawed.
- Off flavors – Soapy, bitter, or unpleasant tastes.
- Mold – Any fuzzy mold spots, especially around the bottle opening.
If you notice any of these warning signs, the frozen Irish cream liqueur should be discarded.
Does alcohol go bad when frozen?
Freezing does not make alcohol or liqueurs inherently go bad, as long as they are stored properly in airtight packaging. However, freezing can degrade the quality and taste over time. Signs that frozen alcohol has gone bad include texture changes, cloudiness, separation, strange aromas or flavors, and growth of ice crystals or frost internally.
Hard liquors like vodka and rum can last up to 10+ years frozen before major quality loss occurs. Cream liqueurs have a shorter shelf life and should be used within 6 months to a year for best taste.
Can you freeze and re-freeze Irish cream liqueur?
It’s best to avoid refreezing Irish cream liqueur whenever possible. The changes in texture and potential separation that occur during freezing and thawing can lower quality when done multiple times. However, Irish cream liqueur that is thawed but not fully used can be safely re-frozen once without major issues if done properly:
- Re-freeze immediately – Don’t leave thawed cream liqueur out for extended time before re-freezing.
- Use within 2-3 months – Consume re-frozen bottles soon for best quality.
- Check for signs of spoilage – Do not re-freeze if any off colors, textures, aromas or flavors develop.
- Mix well before re-freezing – Stir or shake thoroughly to blend any separated cream.
Keep the number of freeze-thaw cycles to a minimum whenever possible, and discard if you see any warning signs of spoilage after thawing.
How long does homemade Irish cream liqueur last in the fridge?
The shelf life of homemade Irish cream liqueur depends on the recipe and storage, but it typically lasts 2-4 weeks when properly refrigerated. The higher fat content and dairy ingredients make homemade versions very perishable. Here are some tips for maximizing freshness:
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Avoid introducing extra air into the liqueur.
- Use clean utensils when dispensing portions.
- Watch for separation, curdling, mold growth or other signs of spoilage.
- Discard liqueur if any off smells, flavors or textures develop.
For longer shelf life, homemade Irish cream can also be frozen in freezer bags or airtight containers for 2-3 months. Freeze in smaller portions if giving as gifts. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Can Irish cream liqueur be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, Irish cream liqueur should always be refrigerated after opening the bottle. The high fat and dairy content mean it is highly perishable once exposed to air. Refrigeration is critical for extending the shelf life to up to one year after opening. Make sure to seal the bottle tightly between uses.
Leaving an opened bottle of Irish cream liqueur unrefrigerated for even short periods can shorten the shelf life considerably. Always put it straight into the fridge after pouring a portion.
Can you get sick from bad Irish cream liqueur?
Yes, consuming Irish cream liqueur that has spoiled can potentially make you sick. Like any dairy-based product, Irish cream can harbor dangerous bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus when it goes bad. Drinking spoiled cream liqueur can cause food poisoning symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Fever
The effects can range from mild to severe depending on the pathogen, your age and health status. Very young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk for foodborne illness from spoiled liqueurs. If you experience concerning symptoms after drinking Irish cream liqueur, seek medical treatment.
Will expired Irish cream liqueur make you sick?
Drinking Irish cream liqueur that is past its “best by” or expiration date can potentially make you sick, but the risk depends on storage conditions. An unopened, properly stored bottle that is slightly expired is less likely to be dangerous compared to one that has been open for months.
If the Irish cream smells or tastes distinctly off, looks curdled, changes texture, or shows mold growth, it has very likely spoiled and ingesting it could lead to food poisoning. Use your best judgment, and if in doubt, do not consume Irish cream liqueur that is past date or appears degraded.
Can I use Irish cream liqueur to make ice cream?
Yes, Irish cream liqueur like Baileys can be used to make delicious boozy ice cream at home. The creamy, sweet flavor of Irish cream balances perfectly with the frozen ice cream base. Here are some tips for incorporating it into ice cream:
- Use up to 1⁄4 cup liqueur per quart of ice cream base.
- Whisk thoroughly into the base before freezing.
- For best results, choose recipes made with cream and egg yolks.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies or candy to complement the Irish cream flavor.
- Let ice cream soften slightly before serving if using more than 1⁄4 cup liqueur per quart.
The alcohol in the Irish cream liqueur helps give homemade ice cream a smoother, creamy texture. Store any leftover boozy ice cream in a sealed container in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Can you substitute Irish cream for milk?
Irish cream liqueur should not directly substitute for milk in recipes or beverages. The high alcohol, added sugar, and different liquid composition will throw off both the ratios and chemistry of recipes developed for plain dairy milk.
However, using a small amount of Irish cream to replace a portion of milk in recipes like:
- Milkshakes or smoothies
- Creamy soups
- Puddings or custards
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
Can impart subtle flavor and a touch of indulgence. Replace no more than about 1⁄4 of the total milk with Irish cream liqueur. The rest should come from regular milk, skim milk, cream or other dairy-based liquids.
Does Irish cream liqueur curdle in coffee?
Yes, the dairy cream used in Irish cream liqueurs can curdle and separate when added directly to hot coffee. The heat breaks down the cream proteins, causing curdling. To prevent this:
- Pour hot coffee into a cup then add a shot of chilled Irish cream liqueur.
- Add Irish cream to coffee after it has cooled slightly.
- Mix Irish cream with strongly brewed chilled coffee over ice.
- Add Irish cream to room temperature coffee instead of piping hot.
Stir gently after adding Irish cream to prevent excess separation. A small amount of flecks in the coffee is normal and safe to consume.
Conclusion
With proper refrigerated storage and an airtight seal, an opened bottle of Irish cream liqueur will stay fresh and usable for about one year past opening. Keep it chilled at all times, watch for signs of spoilage like changes in color, texture or smell, and discard if any mold develops or the flavor seems off. With care, you can enjoy Irish cream liqueur for months after opening without wasting a drop.
