I have some bottles of liquer as well as wine that have been opened for awhile and I was wondering how long I could keep them before they go bad. I've heard that vodka last a long time, but that wine can go bad fast after being opened.
2006-08-21 04:07:59 · 12 answers · asked by charlie6385 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
*Warning: Chemistry Content*
alcoholic beverages, like all food, have inherit properties to go bad. There are sugars in alcoholic beverages that bacteria feed on and will turn something bad when the alcoholic beverage is first exposed to oxygen (IE opened the first time). Wine gets converted to vinegar (acetic acid) Beer changes due to the small yeast content that was used to ferment it in the first place. Alcoholic beverages of greater than 50 proof (25% alcohol content) inherently retard the growth of bacteria due to the high ethanol content. Therefore, the short answer is: It depends. Hard liquor will most likely last much much longer than the less alcoholic drinks.
A couple of things to watch for:
1) Different smell of the beverage, if it's got a different smell, its probably bad.
2) Precipitation, Also known as "floaties": If the liquid is no longer clear then its probably bad.
3) Taste: If its really old give it a sip to make sure it has the same flavor.
And, When in doubt, Buy more!
2006-08-21 04:22:23 · answer #1 · answered by howie4101 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your vodka will be fine as will most liquers. If they have a high sugar content they may crystallise around the neck of the bottle but should still be ok to drink. Baileys or any other cream liquer will go off faster. White wine is good in the fridge for about a week and red wine will be ok for around a week too.
2006-08-21 11:26:04 · answer #2 · answered by Galaxy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Liquor does not go bad. Wine and beer will not last a day before they will go bad once opened.
2006-08-21 14:30:58 · answer #3 · answered by fuellover2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indefinitely
2006-08-21 11:13:15 · answer #4 · answered by BookLovr5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hard liquor will not go bad if you reseal the bottle. Wine will go bad after a few days.
2006-08-21 12:22:45 · answer #5 · answered by dogglebe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its wine or beer it will deteriorate rather rapidly. All other liquors and liqueurs will be good indefinitely because of the alcohol content.
2006-08-21 11:56:07 · answer #6 · answered by COACH 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that after a day or two the flavor start to disolve and will turn to vineger
2006-08-21 11:14:09 · answer #7 · answered by athleticheart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kinda alchohol it it? if it is a liquir then it doesnt go bad
2006-08-21 11:13:42 · answer #8 · answered by PJ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for me, it's how long can i NOT drink it after it's opened!
2006-08-21 11:13:41 · answer #9 · answered by tirebiter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
forever
2006-08-21 11:14:25 · answer #10 · answered by herbs411_42719 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋