Storing vodka in the Freezer 

Vodka is one of the world’s most oved spirits with a deep cultural significance. People have enjoyed it for centuries. From the Bloody Mary, and Cosmopolitan to the Moscow Mule and Espresso Martini, vodka has created an entire world of cocktails.

But one vodka storage question is a sticking point for bartenders and spirit consumers alike: can you freeze vodka?  And, if so, what happens? Does it last longer? Taste better? Pour smoother?

Find out what happens to vodka once it gets below a certain temperature and whether freezing changes its signature characteristics.

Jump straight to:

• Should you keep vodka in the Freezer?
• Can vodka actually Freeze?
• Does freezing vodka change its characteristics?
• Best Advice for Storing vodka
• Cool your vodka to taste
• FAQs

Should you keep vodka in the freezer?

Many people store vodka in the freezer, but is this actually best practice? Let’s explore the science behind freezing vodka and its impact on quality.

Why people freeze vodka

There are a number of reasons why people freeze vodka:

• Taste. When you freeze vodka, you reduce the harshness of the alcohol. This is particularly apparent when drinking it straight.
• Numbness. Likewise, very cold vodka has a tendency to lightly numb the throat, which also reduces the burning sensation from the alcohol.
• Viscosity. Freezing vodka creates a more viscous texture. It becomes softer and smoother to drink.
• Mixing. As well as ice, using a freezer-cold vodka can act as an additional chilling agent to a cocktail like a Martini, which is traditionally served at a bracingly cold temperature.

However, it’s worth noting that not all vodkas are best enjoyed at low temperatures. In fact, higher quality vodkas are often served closer to room temperature, allowing the drinker to appreciate their subtly.

Vodka’s freezing point

The freezing point of vodka is around -17°F (-27°C), much lower than the standard freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C). Certain higher-proof vodka has a lower freezing temperature thanks to the increased alcohol content.

Can vodka actually freeze?

Standard freezer temperatures are not low enough to completely freeze vodka – no matter how long you wait. While vodka stored in a standard freezer will chill, it will remain liquid. It won’t freeze unless it cools to -17 F (-27°C). This is called freezing point depression.

Why doesn’t vodka freeze

Vodka doesn’t freeze due to its alcohol percentage. 40% ABV is standard across base liquors, like vodka, gin and whiskey. This means that these spirits remain liquid in most freezers.

In very cold freezers, the vodka may become slushy in consistency. This occurs when the water molecules in the drink start to crystallize but are prevented from freezing completely by the alcohol.

What happens if vodka freezes?

If vodka freezes or becomes slushy, it can cause water content to expand. This may cause the bottle to crack – especially if it’s glass. It’s important to leave some headspace in the bottle to prevent this from happening.

Does freezing vodka change its characteristics?

The temperature of vodka affects a number of key characteristics.

Taste and aroma

Freezing temperatures can mute some of the subtle flavors and aromas in vodka. The colder the vodka gets, the more muted it becomes. But as most vodkas are distilled until they’re almost odorless and neutral, the character of most vodka is unlikely to change much.

Texture and viscosity

As the temperature drops, vodka becomes more viscous and ‘thick’, due to the different freezing points of water and alcohol. Very cold vodka has a richer and smoother feel in the mouth.

The optimum drinking temperature for vodka is between 32- and 39-degrees Fahrenheit. This means for some vodka, refrigeration, pouring over ice, or mixing in a cocktail shaker with ice may be preferable to freezing.

Considerations for different types of vodka

While freezing might be suitable for neutral types of vodka, it’s not always ideal for its unique flavor profile. If it gets too cold, it could affect the nuances of its flavor.

It’s best to be delicate when cooling vodka with multiple ingredients, so refrigerating flavored vodka may be preferable to freezing.

Absolut vodka offers the same great quality, even when frozen. If your bottle freezes, just shake it gently.

Best advice for storing vodka

Proper storage ensures that your vodka maintains its quality and taste. Your vodka bottle should be stored in an upright position. This prevents the alcohol interacting with the cap, which could affect the taste.

If you’re not freezing your vodka, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Absolut vodka should be stored at room temperature.

To freeze or not to freeze

When considering the big freeze debate, refer to the vodka type. Flavored vodka or brands with multiple ingredients tend to need more delicate cooling measures.

We recommend storing Absolut vodka at room temperature. However, it comes down to personal preference. And don’t worry, freezing shouldn’t affect the quality of your Absolut vodka.

Alternative chilling methods

Rather than freezing your vodka, there are other techniques of chilling it to your preferred temperature. You could keep it in the refrigerator or use an ice bath, which can quickly cool the vodka, without the risk of over freezing it.

Cool your vodka to taste

While vodka is unlikely to freeze in standard freezers, if your bottle does freeze, it shouldn’t negatively affect the quality of the vodka. Very cold temperatures increase the viscosity of the vodka, which may lead to a smoother mouthful.

Remember there are other ways to cool your drink to your preference, including refrigerating or shaking with ice in a cocktail mixer.

Enjoy your drink, your way.

FAQs

Is alcohol safe in the freezer?

Yes, certain alcohol can be stored safely in the freezer, namely spirits with an ABV of 40% or above. Vodka and various batch cocktails can be kept in the freezer before serving.

Does vodka go bad in the freezer?

Freezing vodka will not harm the quality, but it can have an effect on the viscosity and taste. If your Absolut vodka has started to freeze, gently shake the bottle.

Why did my vodka turn to slush in the freezer?

While most standard freezers operate at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C), sometimes they may be a little colder than this. So, it’s unlikely but not impossible that vodka may start to freeze when stored in a freezer.

Should I store my alcohol in the fridge or freezer?

This is ultimately down to personal preference. Freezing vodka can lead to a smoother mouthful, but it also affects the nuances of flavor of some brands. Absolut vodka can be enjoyed from the freezer or refrigerator.

Does vodka expire?

Unopened vodka does not expire. Absolut Vodka Original can last for years if correctly stored.

How can you tell if vodka is off?

If your Absolut vodka tastes different than usual, please contact us immediately.

Vodka is very unlikely to spoil, but if it does, you may notice a flat taste, off-putting odor or discoloration.

What happens when you chill vodka?

When vodka cools, its viscosity increases. This can lead to a softer and smother texture. Chilled temperatures can also help to enhance the flavor.

Does alcohol expand when frozen?

Yes, the water content within alcohol expands when frozen. Beverages with a higher quantity of water, like wine and beer, freeze much faster than spirits.

Can you freeze vodka in a glass bottle?

If you freeze vodka, be mindful to leave some headspace at the top of the bottle. This acts as a buffer if it expands and may help to prevent the glass from cracking.

How long does vodka last in storage?

Absolut vodka can last for many years, if stored in the correct conditions. Flavored Absolut vodka is more sensitive, so it’s best to enjoy these within two years.