Generally, there's a simple rule to follow when storing alcoholic drinks. If the alcohol content is lower than 15%, you need to keep it in the fridge. This applies to things like beer, wine, and the like. On the other hand, anything like vodka and rum that has a much higher alcohol content doesn't have to be refrigerated. But of course, this rule alone may not leave you feeling confident in your decision on how to treat your gin after opening it.
Today, let's talk about gins and what to expect after you've opened a bottle of gin:
Will Gin Evaporate If Opened?
Not in the way that you might think. Gin itself will not evaporate if opened. In fact, it's a normal practice to leave a bottle of gin out for a bit before consuming it. This way, you have time to pour the gin into a glass, add your tonic, and garnish it. However, just remember, the longer you let the gin sit out, the more it will lose its flavour.
How Long Does The Gin Last After Being Opened?
Generally, once you've opened the bottle, you have about a year to drink it. This is true with any other distilled spirits. The only issue is that the flavours can change over time, and usually, for the worse. So, while your gin may last a year after you've opened it, you may not want to keep it in that state for too long.
Must I Refrigerate Gin?
You should! Many experts suggest that the best way to store gin is in the fridge, especially if you do not have ice to keep your drinks cool. Of course, since they have a lot of alcohol, you don't have to put them in the fridge. However, for the sake of taste and the fact that gin is best served cold, you should simply store them in the fridge until you want to drink it again.
Can I Freeze Gin?
It depends on the gin you have. If you have gin liqueurs, you can freeze them as they have a much lower alcohol volume. On the other hand, if you have pure gin, you can freeze them, given they're stored at -27 degrees Celsius.
But that said, should you freeze gin in the first place? Well, you don't have to. In fact, if you're planning to drink it often, it might be wise not to freeze your gin. That's because frozen gin can turn into a slush, and letting it thaw can be annoying at times. But of course, if you do plan to freeze gin, allow the drink to thaw first before you do any pouring.
Conclusion
All in all, if you're planning to store your gin later for a drink, remember to close it soon after you open it and put them in the fridge if you can. That way, they can last as long as possible, maintaining the flavours you love and ensuring that the next time you pour a drink, you won't be disappointed!
Jim and Tonic is a gin distillery that offers an online shop, along with three co*cktail bars in London for anyone fancying a drink.
FAQs
Both unopened and opened bottles of gin should ideally be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. That cupboard next to the oven may seem tempting, but it's not the best place for gin storage.
How to store gin after opening? ›
How should you store gin? Whether opened or unopened, gin should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dry place that is away from heat sources (such near radiators or above cookers) and away from direct sunlight. Do not store gin in the bottle with a pourer attached.
Are you supposed to refrigerate gin? ›
Must I Refrigerate Gin? You should! Many experts suggest that the best way to store gin is in the fridge, especially if you do not have ice to keep your drinks cool. Of course, since they have a lot of alcohol, you don't have to put them in the fridge.
How long after opening can you drink gin? ›
Similarly, an opened gin bottle if stored in optimal conditions can last about one to two years or longer though there are some 'buts' (see Do's and Don'ts below). Your gin won't go “off” like traditional non-alcoholic drinks; it just may not taste as good or over long periods of time.
Does gin have a shelf life? ›
While unopened gin can last indefinitely, it's worth noting that the flavors and botanical complexities are often at their best within the first few years after production. Over an extended period, subtle changes may occur in the gin's characteristics, potentially leading to a slightly different tasting experience.
Is a bottle of gin a week too much? ›
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks: men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week.
How to store alcohol after opening? ›
Cap open bottles tightly and store them upright.
“Stick the stopper on the bottle, absolutely keep it out of the heat and sunlight, and try to store it in cool, dark conditions.” He also advises keeping spirit bottles stored upright, not on their sides. This is particularly important for those with cork closures.
Is gin best kept in the freezer? ›
Putting your gin in the freezer doesn't ruin the gin. In fact, it's the best way to maintain the quality of the spirit. You can keep gin in the freezer as long as you like. However, you must ensure it's in an airtight bottle as oxygen can impact the taste of the spirit.
Do you chill gin for gin and tonic? ›
As previously mentioned, it is essential that your gin and tonic is served ice cold. Whilst we advise chilling the gin first to make your drink cooler, you must also get the glass as cold as possible. To do this, simply add lots of ice - and we mean A LOT.
Is gin supposed to be warm or cold? ›
The low temperatures suppress certain flavours in gin, while the higher temperatures accentuate the botanical notes and give gin a more intense flavour. And yes, we already thought that you were going to ask: how can I, then, make a hot gin?
Once opened, distilled spirits like whiskey and gin won't expire or become unsafe to consume, but they may start to taste “off” after 1–3 years. Liqueurs, opened, will usually last 6 months–1 year. Vermouths and other wine-based spirits like vino amari should be refrigerated and consumed within 6–8 weeks.
What to mix with gin? ›
Top Ten Gin Mixers
- Tonic Water: Let's kick things off with a timeless classic – tonic water. ...
- Elderflower Tonic: For a floral and fragrant twist, consider pairing your gin with elderflower tonic. ...
- Ginger Beer: ...
- Cucumber Tonic: ...
- Grapefruit Juice: ...
- Lavender Syrup: ...
- Cranberry Juice: ...
- Mint Leaves:
I'm afraid it's not just your bottle, or a faulty batch, it's a consequence of how these gins are being coloured and flavoured. The good news? It's because producers are using natural colourings, so there's no need to worry about artificial nasties, and there's also an easy way to slow the fade…
How is gin best stored? ›
How to store gin after opening. To slow the process of oxidisation down, keep your opened gin bottles in a cool dark place, away from heat and sunlight, and make sure the cap is screwed tightly on (if it's a screw top bottle).
Do you need to refrigerate gin? ›
Where should I keep my gin? If possible, keep your gin in the fridge or, even better, the freezer. When you serve gin very cold, the mouthfeel is softened, and the texture becomes somewhat silkier, making it an even more pleasurable drinking experience.
Is it safe to drink 30 year old gin? ›
Gin has a long shelf life. As long as it is kept unopened, a bottle of it can sit on a shelf for years without going bad. If the bottle or cork seal is undamaged, alcohol that is sealed in this way should taste perfectly fine after it is opened.
Can you keep gin and tonic in the fridge? ›
Bartender Nacho Zamora – of Gin Club in Madrid – says one of the most important things is to keep it cold. “Keep both your gin and your tonic in the fridge so that the ice isn't immediately watered down,” he says. That also means using large ice cubes as these will hold their temperature for longer.
Does gin or vodka go bad? ›
Unopened liquor of all kinds will generally keep indefinitely if stored properly. Store out of direct sunlight, tightly sealed, in a stable room-temperature environment. Once opened, distilled spirits like whiskey and gin won't expire or become unsafe to consume, but they may start to taste “off” after 1–3 years.
Can infused gin go bad? ›
Infused spirits are best enjoyed within three months, but they will never go bad. See our co*cktail recipes for ideas on how to use your infused alcohol.
How do you store vodka and gin? ›
For common distilled spirits, such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum and tequila, the general rule of thumb is to store them at room temperature. Though some experts say the ideal range is slightly lower, between 55 and 60 degrees. Keeping them in a relatively cool place preserves them longer.
