Does Vodka Go Bad?  

If you come across a bottle of vodka that’s been sitting in the pantry for a while, you might wonder: does vodka expire?

Vodka has an extremely long shelf life, so it doesn’t exactly expire if it is unopened and stored properly. But while it doesn’t spoil like other perishables, exposing it to the air and certain conditions can affect the vodka’s quality.

How long vodka lasts depends on several factors, but ideally, it’s best if consumed within six months to two years after opening. Understanding vodka shelf life and keeping track of which liquor bottles are open and when can help you avoid waste and maintain quality. This is especially true with flavored vodkas.

Jump to:

• Does Vodka Expire or Deteriorate Over Time?
• How to Store Vodka for Maximum Shelf Life
• What About Storing Vodka in the Freezer?
• So, Can Vodka Actually Expire?
• Vodka Expiration FAQs

Does Vodka Expire or Deteriorate Over Time?

An open bottle of vodka that’s been sitting unrefrigerated for months may lose its ABV, color and characteristics over time. This is because the air in the bottle will slowly oxidize the vodka and diminish its character.

Most commonly vodkas have an alcohol content of 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), or 80 proof, which is unhospitable to bacteria and mold. Still, exactly how long vodka lasts will depend on a few factors.

What Does ‘Going Bad’ Mean for Vodka?

Vodka doesn’t go ‘off’ or ‘bad’ in a traditional sense. It’s more about a decline in quality, which may affect its aroma, taste, or appearance as opposed to it becoming toxic.

Signs of vodka ‘going bad’ include:

• A foul smell – A sour, musty or unusual smell can signal that the vodka is no longer fresh.
• A bitter taste – If the delicate flavor of the vodka tastes harsh or different from usual, it may have lost its quality.
• Discoloration – Amber, brown or yellow coloring suggests oxidation or contamination.
• Cloudiness – Cloudy or hazy vodka could be a sign of degradation, contamination, or oxidation.
• Floating particles – Vodka with floating particles could indicate that some elements have come out of solution.

If you notice any of these signs, safely discard the bottle as soon as possible.

The Shelf Life of Unopened Vodka

A properly sealed and stored bottle of vodka can last indefinitely – about 30 to 50 years, to be precise. While it has an exceptionally long shelf life, extreme heat or light can affect its flavor, aroma, and appearance over time.

Exposure to high temperatures can cause chemical changes within the vodka that may alter its natural taste and smell.

The Shelf Life of Opened Vodka

Opened vodka can last for decades without going “bad”, but its characteristics and ABV will degrade over time. Most flavoured vodka has a shorter shelf life of six months to two years.

When you open a vodka bottle, air enters, and oxygen slowly reacts with the liquid. This causes a loss of flavor. In terms of ABV, a poorly closed or sealed bottle allows more air and moisture in, which can speed up evaporation and reduce the alcohol concentration.

How to Store Vodka for Maximum Shelf Life

Storage practices can influence vodka’s longevity, so it’s important to know how to store both open and unopened vodka.

Best Practices for Unopened Bottles

Unopened vodka is best stored in cool, dark environments with a stable temperature. Find a cool, dark place such as a pantry, cupboard, basement or closet to shield it from direct sunlight and heat.

Vodka doesn’t necessarily go bad if it is opened and unrefrigerated. Ultimately, a bottle of vodka should be kept at a steady temperature between 55° and 60° Fahrenheit (12-15° Celsius) to maintain quality. That means avoiding places with fluctuating temperatures, such as kitchens or garages.

How you position the bottle is equally crucial. Store the vodka upright to prevent the liquid from interacting with the cap or cork, as this can lead to deterioration or contamination.

How to Store Opened Vodka

Vodka is prone to degradation once it’s opened, and chemical changes begin to occur through oxidation.

Always close the cap securely after each use to reduce oxidation and evaporation. We recommend that Absolut should be stored upright, away from direct sources of heat or sunlight, at room temperature.

Does Vodka Evaporate?

Vodka can also evaporate under certain conditions. The ethanol in vodka is a volatile molecule that readily becomes a gas when exposed to air – even at room temperature.

As opening a bottle of vodka for the first time will affect the quality of the seal, a small degree of alcohol evaporation may occur.

This isn’t exclusive to opened bottles. Vodka in an unopened bottle can also evaporate if stored in a warm location. High temperatures, in general, can increase the rate of evaporation and oxidation due to air exposure.

The rate of evaporation is extremely slow, but it depends on humidity, temperature, and storage. Typically, less than 1% would be lost per year of alcohol, which rarely affects the vodka’s taste or potency.

What About Storing Vodka in the Freezer?

Storing vodka in the freezer can affect its viscosity and temperature. This can alter how flavor compounds are perceived.

Some people store vodka in the freezer to improve its texture and mute the alcohol’s harsh flavors. But with premium vodkas, including Absolut, this can affect the subtle notes and minerality.

So, Can Vodka Actually Expire?

Overall, it’s fair to say that vodka doesn’t ‘expire’ – but storage matters.

Understanding how to store vodka can help preserve its quality over time. Remember, the ideal way to store it depends on whether you have an open or unopen bottle.

Unopened vodka:

• Keep the bottle upright at all times.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the original seal intact to prevent contamination.

Opened vodka:

• Seal the cap tightly after each use.
• Keep the bottle upright at all times.
• Store in the fridge to preserve its flavors and aromas.
• Consume within 1-2 years after opening, especially flavored types.

Curious about the wonderful world of vodka? Be sure to check out our related articles:

• • Types of vodka
  • Vodka and sugar
  • Vodka measurements