Does Vodka Go Bad?  

Whether you bought a bottle of vodka for a gathering or you’ve been gifted a bottle of vodka that’s now gathering dust in the back of your cupboard, you might be wondering if it’s still good to drink.  

If you’re asking yourself, “Does vodka go bad?” You’ve come to the right place. While vodka does have a long shelf life with proper storage, this guide will dive deeper into how long vodka is good for.  

While vodka doesn’t necessarily spoil like other perishables, you may notice the quality is affected in certain conditions. How long vodka is good for depends on a few factors. To enjoy vodka at its best, drink it within two years of opening. You may notice more of a change with flavoured vodkas, as the flavour may become dull. 

Jump to:

• Does Vodka Expire or Deteriorate Over Time?
• What Does ‘Going Bad’ Mean for Vodka?
• The Shelf Life of Unopened Vodka
• The Shelf Life of Opened Vodka
• How to Store Vodka for Maximum Shelf Life
• Best Practices for Unopened Bottes
• How to Store Open Vodka
• Does Vodka Evaporate
• What About Storing Vodka in the Freezer?
• So, Can Vodka Actually Expire?
• Vodka Expiration FAQs

Does Vodka Expire or Deteriorate Over Time?

Yes, once a bottle of vodka has been opened, and if it is not stored in a fridge, it can deteriorate over time. From a change in its colour to losing its ABV (Alchohol by Volume), there are a few characteristic changes that can affect vodka once opened.  

The reason vodka might deteriorate is due to air entering the bottle, which slowly oxidises the vodka, causing changes. 

As vodka is 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), it is inhospitable to mould and bacteria. So, while you can rest assured that vodka won’t be toxic, it may still have some variations in taste.

What Does ‘Going Bad’ Mean for Vodka?

When we ask if vodka has gone bad, we’re really asking if it’s still good, or okay, to drink. Vodka doesn’t really go off – or bad – in a classic way like bread or milk does. Instead, over time, the quality from the first day of opening would have declined.  

Some signs to see if vodka has gone bad include: 

• Smell – You may notice a smell when you open the bottle. This can be a sour, musty or unusual smell. 
• Bitter – If the flavour tastes harsh or differs from usual, it may have “gone off”, in the sense that its quality has diminished. 
• Discoloration & Cloudiness – If you notice yellow or brown colouring, or the clear vodka has become cloudy or murky, this could be a sign of oxidation or contamination. 
• Floating particles – Vodka shouldn’t have anything floating in it. If this happens, it could be because elements have come out of solution. 

If you do spot any of these signs, it’s recommended to discard the bottle as soon as possible. 

The Shelf Life of Unopened Vodka

The shelf life of a bottle of vodka, stored in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight, can last 30 to 50 years. Exposure to heat and sunlight can affect vodka’s quality, but if it is stored correctly, it can keep almost indefinitely.

The Shelf Life of Opened Vodka

Just like unopened vodka, opened vodka can also last years (albeit not as long). While it won’t be rotten, an open bottle of vodka can lose its taste, and its ABV will reduce. Also note that some flavoured vodkas have a shorter shelf life. 

Open vodka can deteriorate more quickly due to air entering the bottle. The oxygen then slowly reacts with the vodka. As air and moisture enter the bottle, the quality can start to drop, and evaporation can occur.  

How to Store Vodka for Maximum Shelf Life

Keeping vodka stored correctly is the key to its longevity. Read on to find out the best way to store vodka.

Best Practices for Unopened Bottles

To best prolong your unopened vodka’s shelf life, keep it in a cool, dark environment with a stable temperature. Some places you could store vodka include:  

• Pantry 
• Cupboard 
• Basement  
• Closet.  

Vodka should be kept at a steady temperature between 12-15°C. This can help it maintain its quality. To keep it at a steady temperature, avoid placing it in areas where the temperature fluctuates, such as your kitchen. 

Location isn’t the only thing to consider when storing vodka; you also need to think about position. Keep the vodka bottle upright so the liquid doesn’t interact with the cap or cork. This can lead to contamination.

How to Store Opened Vodka

Vodka degrades once it’s opened, and oxidation causes chemical changes. There are ways you can prevent it from going bad too soon after opening: 

• Close the cap securely  
• Store it upright 
• Keep it away from direct sources of heat and sunlight 
• Store at room temperature. 

Does Vodka Evaporate?

Yes, vodka can evaporate under certain conditions. The ethanol (alcohol) in the vodka can become a gas when exposed to air – even at room temperature.  

Evaporation isn’t exclusive to open bottles either. If stored in a warm location, an unopened bottle of vodka can also evaporate. It’s worth mentioning that evaporation is a slow process, but it does come down to the humidity, storage and temperature. To put this into perspective, less than 1% would be lost per year of alcohol; this will rarely affect the vodka’s flavour or strength. 

What About Storing Vodka in the Freezer?

While you can freeze vodka, it can affect its viscosity and temperature, possibly altering the flavour. Some people prefer to freeze vodka, enjoying the taste and texture, and it’s common in some cocktails and one way to prepare it. But the quality in premium vodkas, including Absolut, can be affected by freezing.  

So, Can Vodka Actually Expire?

No, vodka doesn’t really expire in the traditional sense, but the quality can. Knowing how to store vodka properly can help it maintain quality and last much longer.  

Learn more about the vodka basics with our handy hub.