While unopened alcohol has an almost-indefinite shelf life, opened liquor does, in fact, expire. They won’t spoil in the same way that milk does, but liquors lose their flavor, coloring, and potency over time, leading to undesirable drinks for your customers. The lifespan of your alcohol bottles is going to depend on the type of liquor, its storage temperature, and light exposure. Most bottles are best if used within 6 months to 2 years after opening. As part of running a successful bar, it’s important to keep track of when liquor bottles are open so you are serving the highest quality drinks on your menu. Click below to learn more about the shelf life of a specific type of alcohol: 1. Vodka 2. Whiskey 3. Rum 4. Tequila 5. Bourbon 6. Gin 7. Brandy 8. Liqueurs 9. Wine 10. Beer Does Vodka Go Bad? Unopened vodka does not expire. Most vodkas have hardly any additives, so they can be stored almost indefinitely in a cool, dark place. Vodka producers will usually recommend using an unopened bottle within 30 to 50 years to experience its ideal potency and flavor. An opened unflavored bottle of vodka is shelf stable for about 10 to 20 years before the potency starts to break down with oxidation. This makes vodka a great option for well drinks. Flavored vodka has a shorter shelf life of around 3 months because the sugars in the liquid cause it to oxidize faster. Instead of using flavored vodka, pair your straight vodka with delicious flavoring syrups to customize your drink menu. Unopened Vodka Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Vodka Shelf Life: 10 - 20 years; 3 months (if flavored) Does Whiskey Go Bad? Regardless of the type of whiskey, an unopened bottle will not expire. After barrel-aging, whiskey is securely bottled to keep air from altering the liquid. Its high alcohol by volume (ABV) protects it from bacteria and flavor depletion if stored in a cool, dry place. Although it is a durable spirit, an opened bottle of whiskey will start to expire within 6 months to 2 years after it is opened. The rate at which the flavors break down will depend on how much air is in the bottle. If the bottle is only half full, you can expect it to remain rather unchanged for 1 to 2 years. If it is only a quarter full or less, the flavors will break down within 6 months. Unopened Whiskey Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Whiskey Shelf Life: 6 months (when 1/4 full) - 2 years (when 1/2 full) Does Rum Go Bad? If kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool setting, unopened rum can be stored almost indefinitely. It is considered a stable liquor with a high ABV to preserve its integrity while in storage. Once opened, a bottle of rum should be used within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the additional flavors in the liquor. While straight rum will typically retain its flavor profile for about 2 years, the sugars and spices in a flavored rum will interact with oxygen once the bottle is opened. You may notice the color, flavor, and potency shifts within 6 months of breaking the seal on your rum bottle. Rum can even develop a vinegary smell and slightly sour taste if used too long after opening. Unopened Rum Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Rum Shelf Life: 6 months - 2 years Does Tequila Go Bad? Made from the agave plant, tequila is a stable alcohol that won’t go bad if left unopened. When stored in a cool, dark place, this Mexican liquor can maintain its flavor and strength for decades. If you’re running a tequila tasting, it is very important to know when your bottle was opened. Opened tequila should be used within a year of opening or else the flavor profile will be altered, creating an undesirable tasting experience. Tequila that has been open for too long will develop a sour taste and smell, so it is best to check the quality before serving it to your customer. Unopened Tequila Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Tequila Shelf Life: 6 months - 1 year Does Bourbon Go Bad? Bourbon is a type of whiskey made from corn. It is shelf-stable indefinitely as long as it remains unopened. Once opened, the speed at which bourbon breaks down will depend on the amount of liquid in the bottle. The more air in the bottle, the shorter the shelf life. Use your open bottles of bourbon within 6 months to 2 years after breaking the seal. To help preserve its integrity, you can transfer some of the bourbon into smaller bottles to reduce its contact with oxygen and help stretch its shelf life after opening. Unopened Bourbon Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Bourbon Shelf Life: 6 months - 2 years Does Gin Go Bad? Gin is made from botanicals like juniper, coriander, and angelica. Left unopened, gin can be stored for decades without change to its complex flavor profile or ABV. Because the flavor of gin relies heavily on its botanicals, you’ll want to use a bottle of gin within 6 months to a year after opening. Despite both being clear liquors, gin will lose its flavor more noticeably than vodka. Opened gin will lose its bold aroma and flavor profile as it oxidizes, leading to subpar martinis and tonic cocktails. Unopened Gin Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Gin Shelf Life: 6 months - 1 year Does Brandy Go Bad? With an ABV of 35-60%, brandy remains shelf-stable for decades. Its high alcohol level keeps bacteria from growing in the liquor and protects its integrity when stored in a cool and dark environment. Open brandy won't go bad but it will lose its potency and flavor complexity within 6 months to 2 years of the seal being broken. Because brandy aficionados look to experience the full spectrum of the liquor's aroma and flavor, you’ll want to serve newly opened brandy bottles when performing a brandy tasting. Though brandy doesn’t really expire, it can be described as “going flat” if served too long after opening. Unopened Brandy Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Brandy Shelf Life: 6 months - 2 years Do Liqueurs Go Bad? Liqueurs and cordials are usually strong and flavorful, featuring an array of ingredients. Their 40% or higher ABV keeps them from expiring as long as they remain unopened. Once exposed to air, the additional ingredients expedite the oxidation process, limiting their shelf life. Each liqueur is different, so adhere to the instructions on the bottle when looking for an expiration date and storage instructions. Most liqueur should be used within 6 months to a year after opening. While stable liquors mainly lose their potency and flavor after their seal is broken, liqueurs can spoil and grow bacteria over time. The more sugar in the beverage, the faster it will spoil. Keep your liqueur bottles out of direct sunlight and away from heat to preserve those bold flavors. Cream liqueurs should be stored in the refrigerator after opening to extend their shelf life. This also ensures that the cream liqueur is chilled and ready to serve. Always check your open liqueurs for discoloration, sediments, and any odd smells before serving to guests or you’ll risk an unpleasant after-dinner drink experience. Unopened Liqueurs Shelf Life: Indefinite Opened Liqueurs Shelf Life: 6 months - 1 year Does Wine Go Bad? We’ve all heard the expression, “aged like a fine wine,” but that doesn't mean that all wines have an indefinite shelf life. A wine that is pressed and prepared with the intent of being stored for decades undergoes a specific bottling process that helps preserve it for 20 to 50 years to come. Fine wines need to be stored in temperature-controlled dark cellars to maintain their peak flavor and aroma before being opened. This is why fine wines come with a high price tag. The average bottle of wine that is purchased at a distributor or grocery store will only retain its integrity for approximately 2 to 5 years because of its sugar content and lower ABV. Fortified wines will act more like liqueurs, having nearly indefinite shelf lives because of their high alcohol content. Once a bottle of wine is opened, it is a race against the clock before its flavor starts to turn. Oxygen opens up the tannins in wine, releasing a bacteria called acetobacter, which leads to the vinegar flavor. The darker and more full-bodied the wine, the longer it will last. You’ll still only get approximately 5 days out of an opened bottle of full-bodied red wine before it turns. To preserve the flavor of your open wine bottles for as long as possible, reseal the bottle after each pour and store it in a cool, dark place. Unopened Wine Shelf Life: 2-5 years (for standard wines); 20-50 years (for fine wines) Opened Wine Shelf Life: 1-5 days (depending on the color and body); 20-30 days (if fortified) Does Beer Go Bad? The shelf life of unopened beer will depend on whether it is pasteurized and how it is stored. If a beer was pasteurized before bottling, the flavor will keep for approximately 6 months to 1 year past its use-by date. Unpasteurized beer will only have a 3-month shelf life, making it essential not to overstock on craft beer. To make the most of its shelf life, beer should be kept in refrigerated storage. An open bottle or can of beer will go flat within a day of being opened. However, most beer connoisseurs don’t have any trouble finishing a glass of beer to be worried about the deterioration of a beverage. Knowing the freshness of a beer keg would be more of a concern in a bar setting. Unpasteurized kegs that are appropriately chilled and pressurized retain their freshness for only 6 to 8 weeks, while pasteurized kegs can last 3 to 4 months. Keep your keg lines clean to preserve the flavor quality of the beers you have on tap in your bar with every pour. Unopened Beer Shelf Life: 3 months (if unpasteurized); 6 months - 1 year (if pasteurized) Opened Beer Shelf Life: 1 day (for bottles and cans); 6-8 weeks (for unpasteurized kegs); 3-4 months (for pasteurized kegs) Back to Top How To Store Alcohol Properly To make sure you get the most time out of your alcohol, follow these alcohol storage tips: Control light and temperature: Keep bottles of alcohol in temperature-controlled storage areas away from sunlight. Heat and light cause the liquid in the bottle to evaporate, creating more room for oxygen to come in contact with the beverage. Oxygen breaks down an alcohol’s flavor and aroma. Don’t open a bottle until you’re ready to use it: Alcohol will start to deteriorate when it comes into contact with oxygen, so avoid opening the bottle before you need it. Reduce exposure to oxygen once opened: Once a seal is broken, don’t leave the bottle open. Remove liquor pourers from their bottles when you put them in storage to keep air from flowing into the bottle. Refer to the bottle or manufacturer: When in doubt, follow the instructions provided by the producer. Some liqueurs are best if refrigerated after opening, which should be specified on the bottle. Alcohol Expiration FAQs We answered some of the most common questions surrounding liquor expiration to help you manage your inventory. Does Unopened Liquor Go Bad? Most unopened bottles of liquor can remain in storage indefinitely without impact on their flavor and potency if stored in the proper condition. Base liquors like whiskey, vodka, rum, brandy, gin, and tequila usually don’t have a high enough sugar content in them to kickstart oxidation. Their high-alcohol levels keep bacteria from growing in the unopened bottles. If stored in a cool and dark place, sealed base liquors will be good for years to come. Once opened, base liquors will lose their integrity after about 6 months to 2 years. Consider using your older open liquor bottles for happy hour specials. What Happens If You Drink Expired Alcohol? Drinking expired alcohol won’t necessarily make you sick but it will lead to weak or oddly flavored drinks. There are some instances, like with liqueurs, where bacteria or mold may grow in the bottle which can lead to an upset stomach. Spoiled liquor may develop a vinegary smell and sour flavor. Always inspect the contents of a bottle before serving it to make sure the color looks correct and that there are no sediments in the liquid. If it looks or smells off, dump it. If you’re looking to open a bar, understanding the shelf life of the alcohol in your inventory is vital to the success of your business. Use our alcohol expiration guide to ensure that you’re serving top-quality drinks to turn your customers into regulars.

A mangonada, or chamoyada, is a popular Mexican frozen beverage made from ripe mangoes, lime juice, chamoy sauce, and chili-lime salt seasoning, like Tajin. It combines sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors for an exotic, refreshing taste, perfect for serving on hot summer days. What Is Chamoy? Chamoy is a saucy Mexican condiment made with chili peppers, lime juice, and dried fruit, typically either apricot, plum, or mango. It has a spicy, sweet, and tangy flavor that makes it popular for topping fresh fruit, mixing into cocktails, and glazing meats. How to Make a Mangonada Watch our video tutorial to learn how to make a mangonada with chamoy or read our recipe below: <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZQLoF4lLpUU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Mangonada Recipe Mangonadas are easy to make and packed with bold flavors. The sweetness from the mangos, tartness from the lime, savoriness from the chamoy, and the spiciness of the chili powder make this exotic drink great for your next Cinco de Mayo celebration! Mangonadas can be made kid-friendly without alcohol or can be mixed with the spirit of your choice (we love rum, tequila, or mezcal the most!) to serve a refreshing summer cocktail at your seaside bar. If you want to make a larger batch size, use our recipe converter to adjust the mangonada recipe ingredients to meet your quantity needs. Yield: (2) 16 oz. servings Total Time: 10 minutes Mangonada Ingredients: Drink: 2 cups frozen mango 1 cup mango nectar 2 limes, juiced 1 cup ice Garnish: 2 Tablespoon chamoy 1 Tablespoon chili-lime salt seasoning 1 fresh mango, diced Tamarind candy straw (optional) Directions Add lime juice, mango nectar, ice cubes, and frozen mango into blender. Cover and blend on medium speed. Blend until smooth, approximately one minute. Prepare glass rimmer. Add chili-lime salt seasoning to one small plate and 1 Tablespoon chamoy to another. Dip glass edge into chamoy, then salt seasoning Swirl 1 Tablespoon chamoy on sides of cup. Pour mixture into cup when done blending. Garnish with fresh-diced mango and tamarind candy straw, thick straw, or spoon, and serve. Editor’s Note: If you would like to make it a frozen cocktail, add 3 oz. of liquor into the blender with the other ingredients. Mangonada Origins The mangonada originated in Mexico, where it is commonly sold by street vendors and ice cream shops. It has become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the last few years and presents an easy opportunity to bring unique flavors onto your menu. Are Mangonadas Spicy? Mangonadas are typically mild in spice. However, depending on the spice level and the amount of chamoy used, mangonadas can be made spicy. This drink can be easily customized to make it as mild or spicy as you'd like it to be by controlling the amount of chamoy and chili-lime salt seasoning used. Whether you're expanding your juice bar's menu or creating on-trend beverages for your bar, this mangonada recipe is sure to please your guests. Get ready for the warmer months by adding this refreshing drink to your offerings.

Hosting a tequila tasting is an excellent way to attract guests to your restaurant, bar, or pub. Much like wine tastings, tequila tastings give customers a chance to sample several different types of tequila, comparing them and deciding which one they like the most. When executed correctly, a tequila tasting can be a successful promotion. However, if you’ve never organized a tequila tasting, you may not know where to start. Below, we’ll investigate the different types of tequila, how you drink them, and how to host a successful tequila tasting. How to Taste Tequila Watch the video below to learn how to taste tequila the right way: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LMO6YkVRUQs?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> What Is Tequila? Tequila is a type of distilled beverage and one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. It was first produced in the 16th century and its origins can be traced back to the city of Tequila, Mexico. There are several different varieties of tequila, and it is a key ingredient in popular cocktails such as the Margarita, the Paloma, and the Tequila Sunrise. Although the alcohol content can vary, most tequilas are somewhere between 35%-55% ABV (alcohol by volume). What Is Tequila Made Of? Tequila is made from the Weber blue agave plant. Blue agave, or tequila agave, is local to the western regions of Mexico and can typically be found growing in rich, sandy soils. This succulent is known for spiky leaves that can grow to over 7 feet. These leaves protect the pina, the heart of the plant. In some instances, the blue agave plant can be topped with yellow flowers. Of the 125 different species of agave that are native to Mexico, only one has been determined suitable for tequila production. That species is known as Weber blue agave. Classified by German naturalist Franz Weber in 1902, Weber blue agave has a fast-growing time and high sugar concentration, making it the most sustainable and easy-to-produce source for tequila. Because of this, the Mexican government passed a law in 1977 making it the only plant allowed to be used for tequila production. Types of Tequila There are five different types of tequila, each distinct and easy to identify from the next. The varying barreling techniques, aging times, and ingredients used in the production process result in each type featuring unique characteristics. The five types of tequila are: Blanco tequila: Also known as silver tequila, this type is the least aged. Its clear color derives from the fact that it is freshly distilled rather than being up through the aging process, though some blanco tequilas may still be aged for a limited amount of time. Joven tequila: Also referred to as gold tequila, joven tequila gets its gold color from flavoring agents and other additives such as caramel color, oak natural extract, and sugar syrup. In many cases, joven tequila is made from a blend of blanco and reposado or anejo tequilas. Reposado tequila: To be classified as reposado, a tequila must be aged in oak barrels for anywhere from two months to a year. This aging process is responsible for its golden color and can add hints of vanilla, nuts, or even coffee flavor to the drink. Some companies even choose to age reposado tequila in bourbon barrels, adding additional flavor. Anejo tequila: To qualify as anejo, a tequila must be barrel-aged for anywhere between one and three years. During this time it begins to lose some of its agave characteristics. This results in a richer and smoother drink compared to its counterparts. Extra anejo tequila: An extra anejo tequila is aged for a minimum of three years. It must also be aged in a container with a maximum capacity of 600 liters. Its color resembles that of whiskey or brandy, and it features a smooth, complex taste. How to Drink Tequila People around the world enjoy tequila in a variety of ways. Some choose to drink it alongside other ingredients, while others prefer drinking tequila on its own. Below, we’ve listed the three most common ways that people drink tequila: Tequila shots: Straight tequila can be taken as a shot on its own or accompanied by salt and lime. Tequila flights: Some individuals prefer drinking tequila over a longer period. A tequila flight allows you to sip on the drink rather than finish it in one shot. Doing so encourages the drinker to take in its flavor, scent, and several other characteristics. Cocktails: As one of the most popular forms of alcohol in the world, tequila is a prominent ingredient in several different cocktails. Whether you’re preparing a Margarita, a Tequila Sunrise, or experimenting with a new mixed drink recipe, adding additional ingredients can create new ways to serve the drink. Tasting Tequila It’s important to note that there isn’t one specific way to go about tasting tequila. As long as your guests can take in the different flavors, aromas, and physical traits of your drinks, your tequila tasting will be a success. However, if you wish to conduct your tequila tasting more traditionally, follow these steps: Fill glass: Begin by pouring your tequila into a long, narrow tequila glass or champagne flute. Observe the color and body: Take a moment to observe the color and consistency of the tequila, swirling it gently in the glass and taking note of how it moves. Take in the aroma: To best take in a tequila’s aroma, you must tilt the glass on its side so that the drink is close to the edge. Once this is achieved, you can take in its aroma. Observe differences: Compare the glass of tequila you have to the others in the selection. Note the differences in color, aroma, and consistency to grow a better appreciation for the tequila you are about to taste. Taste: Take a small sip of your tequila and make an effort to distinguish its flavor compared to other drinks, as well as any additional hints you may taste in it. How to Host a Tequila Tasting Whether you're entertaining a large group, hosting a holiday celebration, or just looking for new ways to expand your business, a tequila tasting can be an informative and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. If you've never attended or hosted a tequila tasting before, it may be difficult to identify a starting point. Below, we've included a list of steps to help you organize a successful tequila tasting in your restaurant or bar. 1. Buy Supplies To host a successful tequila tasting, you’ll first have to invest in the proper supplies for the event. Not only does having the right supplies help your event run smoothly, but when picked correctly, they can leave a positive impression on your guests. Below, we’ve included a list of supplies to help take your tequila tasting to the next level: Flight paddles: Sometimes referred to as flight boards or flight carriers, flight paddles are an excellent tool for transporting and organizing your tequila flights. Flight glasses: Quality glassware is essential to hosting a successful tequila tasting. A flight glass is specifically designed for samplings and tastings. They are available in several different sizes and typically feature a simple design, allowing for more focus on the drink itself. Dinnerware: A tequila tasting isn't completed without food to serve. Consider investing in quality dinnerware such as plates, bowls, and tasting dishes to create a presentable table setting for your guests. 2. Determine Tequila Selection Once you’ve gathered the necessary supplies, you’ll have to choose what tequilas to serve. Make an effort to feature a variety of tequilas in your selection to get the best results from your tasting. Be sure to choose tequilas that vary in age, allowing you to highlight each different stage of the aging process. Depending on your preferences, you can choose tequilas from one producer or several. You can even choose tequilas from different regions of Mexico. 3. Decide On a Menu Curating a menu is an essential part of organizing a tequila tasting. While tequila is a versatile drink, it generally pairs well with citrus or lime as well as dishes that contain white meat, fish, or pork. To create a more authentic tequila-tasting experience, you should make an effort to provide Mexican food at the event. Below, we’ve listed some popular tequila-tasting foods to offer on your menu: Chicken tacos Pork tacos Ceviche Grilled asparagus, green peppers, or corn Nachos Flan Whether you're a tequila lover or are just looking for a new way to promote your business, tequila tastings are an excellent way to attract guests. By understanding what tequila is, the different varieties of the drink, and how to organize a tequila tasting, you’ll be able to host a memorable event for your customers.

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