How to Properly Store Alcohol at Home

If your bottle has a cork closure, as is the case for many whiskeys,aged rums, and tequilas, moisture is also important. While wine is typically cellared horizontally to keep corks hydrated, the best way to store liquor is upright, so the cork isn’t exposed to harsh alcohol that can cause it to degrade or crumble. Opened wine bottles should be resealed with a cork or specialized wine stopper and stored in a cool, dark place. Re-corked wine will generally stay fresh for a few days to a week, depending on the type.

“Like any high-proof distilled spirit, rum has a very long shelf life—you don’t have to worry about an expiration date,” says Conley. “Most people store spirits at room temperature and upright, and it’s a good idea to keep unopened bottles sealed tightly.” At the ideal cool but not too cold temperature, your wine will become more complex, if you choose to age it. Better still, it’ll not go off, if you’re hanging on to it for a later date.

The 3 Rules of Storing Wine at Home, According to Wine Experts

“Unlike wine, whisky does not change in the bottle, so as long as it’s stored correctly, there is no expiration data,” says Raquel Raies, national brand ambassador for The Macallan. And that a decanter is a beautiful way to showcase whisky, but not a suitable way to store whisky for longer periods of time as it will expose it to air and light. It’s considered an alcoholic liqueur, which means that Campari can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. “It is not necessary to refrigerate liqueurs which are spirit-based, and they usually have a high enough sugar content so they will not oxidize,” says Daniel Warrilow of Campari America.

1. A bar tray will serve your guests just as well as a bar cart while taking up a fraction of the space, meaning you’ll have more room for the post-cocktail dance party that will inevitably ensue.
2. Learning about all kinds of liquor storage cabinets and shelves will help find what works best to display liquor in your bar.
3. Their in-house tests suggested that heat can change the way a spirit tastes, by breaking down its organic molecules, and that light can fade the color of a spirit.
4. At BrüMate, our drinkware is made to fit your lifestyle and elevate any occasion.
5. Using a piece of furniture in a way other than its intended use is not only a pro move, it also guarantees a one-of-a-kind look that can only be found in your home.

Here, we’re going to share 4 ways to store your liquor at home and some of our favorite barware to help you along the way. Her other culinary mission in life is to convince her family and friends that vegetarian dishes are much more than a basic salad.She lives with her husband, Dave, and their two sons in Alabama. However, strong odors from certain foods might be absorbed by the alcohol, potentially affecting its taste. It’s best to keep strong-smelling foods separate from your alcoholic beverages. For everything you can’t fit in your home (like the collection of vinyl records and shoes you moved to make room for your liquor display, #priorities), use Clutter. If you have an old sewing table you’re no longer using, transform it into a one-of-a-kind storage space.

“Vodka can be kept at room temperature (and often is),” says Jonathan Hemi of Crystal Head Vodka. He prefers to store his bottle in the freezer “so it is always cold and ready to use.” Kirsten Nunez is a writer who focuses on food, health, nutrition, and DIY. She has a master’s degree in nutrition, and has been writing professionally for nearly 10 years for digital and print publications, such as Martha Stewart, Shape, Real Simple, Healthline, and SELF.

Liquor Storage Shelves

By selecting an appropriate storage area that meets the requirements of darkness, coolness, stability, and accessibility, you set the foundation for maintaining the quality and taste of your liquor bottles. Unopened spirits and wine can theoretically keep for years if stored properly. But unless you’re having a party, or you only buy nippers, chances are you’re going to be storing some opened bottles for a while. Spirits like vodka don’t exactly go bad once they’re opened, but they will deteriorate in quality over time.

How to Store Wine-Based Apertifs

If you’ll be enjoying a glass of white (these are our favorites under $20) or rosé with say, a fresh salad, just stick it in the fridge for about twenty minutes prior to serving. From timeline to temperature, here’s everything you need to know about how to store wine at home. Because vermouth is actually a fortified wine, even though it’s often not categorized that way in liquor stores. Essentially every liquor mentioned in this post on stocking your home bar–with the notable exception of already-opened vermouth–can and should be stored without refrigeration.

Conversely, too much humidity can cause the corks to grow mold or damage the label of the wine. 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. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to expand and can evaporate more quickly. While it won’t hurt you healthwise to consume, storing in a warm place can cause the liquor to oxidize more quickly and change flavors over time.

How to Display Liquor Bottles: Liquor Storage Ideas

If the cap shows signs of wear or damage, it’s advisable to replace it with a new one to ensure a good seal. While storing some spirits, like vodka, in the freezer can enhance their taste, it is not recommended for all alcoholic beverages. Freezing can potentially alter the flavor and texture of wine and other delicate spirits. When it comes to storing your alcoholic beverages at home, finding the right spot can be crucial.

For those of you who’ve been hanging on to that good bottle of bourbon for years, it’s time to get sipping. And like Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work The Pet-Human Bond regular wine, it will eventually oxidize, so it needs to remain in the fridge once it’s been uncorked. There’s no need to refrigerate or freeze hard liquor whether it’s still sealed or already opened. The Rocks Tumbler is designed to maintain that “perfectly chilled” temp for all of your spirit favorites. Our BevGuard™ insulation technology ensures you have a comfortable sipping experience, free from condensation and lukewarm sips.

If a wine is “light struck,” it has been subjected to bright light for an extended period of time and will taste “numb and dumb,” says Robinson. Although most bottles are made from tinted glass, which offers some UV protection, there’s still a risk of exposure. A liquor storage cabinet is a classic way to hold a large amount of liquor in an organized, aesthetically pleasing way. The options range from cabinets made specifically for liquor, to standard bookcases and shelves, to custom options. Before you decide how to display the different liquor bottle sizes in opening a bar, it’s good to know the best general practices for displaying and storing bottles. Remember to periodically dust and clean your display area and bottles to maintain their pristine appearance.