Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol does freeze, but the temperatures required are usually much lower than those of a conventional freezer. The freezing point of pure alcohol, or ethanol, is around -173°F (-114°C to -117°C). However, most alcoholic beverages aren't pure ethanol; they're a mixture of alcohol and water, and sometimes sugars and other additives. This means the freezing point of alcoholic drinks is somewhere between that of pure ethanol and water (32°F or 0°C). The higher the alcohol content, the lower the freezing point, so while beer, wine, and low-proof liquor can freeze in a standard freezer, spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey rarely will.
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What You'll Learn
The freezing point of pure alcohol
Pure ethanol alcohol has a freezing point of -173 degrees Fahrenheit (-114 degrees Celsius). This is the alcohol that people drink, and it is much colder than the average temperature that people encounter in daily life.
Alcoholic beverages, on the other hand, are a mixture of alcohol, water, and other components, and their freezing point is somewhere between that of pure alcohol and water. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). The exact freezing point of an alcoholic drink depends on its alcohol content by volume (ABV or proof). The lower the alcohol content, the higher the freezing point, and the quicker the drink will freeze. Conversely, the higher the alcohol content, the lower the freezing point, and the longer the drink can stay in the freezer. For example, a 24 proof (12% alcohol) liquor freezes at -6.7°C (20°F), while an 84 proof (42% alcohol) liquor freezes at -34.44°C (-30°F).
The temperature of an average home freezer attached to a refrigerator is 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), which is not cold enough to freeze the average bottle of 80-proof liquor. However, a chest freezer can become much colder, and there is a chance that 80-proof liquor will freeze, although 100-proof liquor likely will not. Beer and wine, which have significantly lower alcohol content than liquors, will freeze in a home freezer.
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Alcohol proof and freezing point
The freezing point of an alcoholic beverage depends on its alcohol content. Pure alcohol, or ethanol, freezes at -173 °F (-114 °C). However, most alcoholic drinks are a mixture of alcohol and water, with some containing sugars and other additives, so their freezing point will be somewhere between that of pure alcohol and water. Water freezes at 32 °F (0 °C).
The rule of thumb is that the higher the proof, the lower the freezing point. For example, a 24-proof (12% alcohol) liquor freezes at 20 °F (-6.7 °C), while an 84-proof (42% alcohol) liquor freezes at -30 °F (-34.44 °C). Beer and wine have significantly lower alcohol content than liquors and will freeze more easily. Beer typically freezes at around 28 °F, while wine freezes at approximately 16-21 °F (-4 to -6 °C).
Liquors with a proof higher than 50 will not freeze in a conventional freezer. For example, 80-proof liquor will likely not freeze in a standard home freezer, but it may freeze in a chest freezer that can reach lower temperatures. Vodka, which typically has a proof of 80 or more, will not freeze in a standard home freezer set at 0 °F (-18 °C). However, it may become cloudy and thicken, a phenomenon known as freezing point depression. Lower-proof liqueurs or cocktails, on the other hand, may become slushy or thicken in a freezer due to their sugar and lower alcohol content.
When making frozen treats with alcohol, such as poptails or spiked granitas, it is important to keep the alcohol content low to ensure proper freezing. For ice pops, a mixer-to-alcohol ratio of 4-to-1 or lower is recommended. For spiked ice cream, the general guideline is to use 1/4 cup of 80-proof liquor per 1 1/2 quarts of ice cream.
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Freezing points of different alcohols
The freezing point of an alcoholic beverage depends on its alcohol content. Pure ethanol alcohol freezes at -173 °F (-114 °C), while water freezes at 32 °F (0 °C). The freezing point of a beverage with alcohol in it falls somewhere between these two temperatures. The higher the alcohol content, the lower the freezing point. For instance, a 24-proof liquor (12% alcohol) freezes at 20 °F (-6.7 °C), while an 84-proof liquor (42% alcohol) freezes at -30 °F (-34.44 °C).
Beer and wine have significantly lower alcohol content than liquors and will freeze. Beer typically has an alcohol content of 4-10%, while wine is usually around 12-14%. However, the freezing point of beer and wine is not always consistent due to variations in alcohol content.
Liquors with high alcohol content, such as whiskey and other barrel-aged spirits, are not typically stored in freezers because the flavour compounds are most noticeable at warmer temperatures. Vodka, on the other hand, can be stored in the freezer because it has fewer flavour compounds, and some believe that it tastes better when served very cold.
When storing alcoholic beverages in the freezer, it is important to be cautious. Beer, wine, and soda can burst when frozen, creating a mess. Limoncello (30% ABV) and other liquors with similar alcohol content can be safely stored in the freezer, but it is recommended to set a timer to avoid accidentally leaving them in too long.
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Freezing alcohol in a freezer
The freezing point of alcohol depends on its proof, which is calculated by multiplying the alcohol percentage by two. For instance, a 12% alcohol beverage is 24 proof and freezes at -6.7°C (20°F). The higher the proof, the lower the freezing point.
Most alcoholic beverages will not freeze in a conventional freezer. A standard home freezer is generally set at 0°F (-18°C), which is not cold enough to freeze alcohol. However, beer, wine, and low-proof liquors can freeze in a standard freezer if left for long enough. Beer will freeze in about 90 minutes, while wine will take about five hours.
Liquors with a proof of 50 or higher will not freeze in a conventional freezer. This includes most hard spirits, such as whiskey, which is rarely stored cold because its complex flavors are best at warmer temperatures. Vodka, which is typically 80 proof, will not freeze in a home freezer but may become cloudy and thicken.
If you are aiming to create a frozen alcoholic drink, it is best to consult a recipe. For example, a slushy strawberry margarita requires four hours of freezing in a non-metal container, stirring the mixture halfway through. It is important to note that the more alcohol in the mixture, the less likely it is to freeze.
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Freezing alcohol in recipes
The freezing point of alcohol depends on its proof, or alcoholic concentration, which is double its alcohol percentage. Pure ethanol alcohol freezes at -173°F (-114°C to -117°C), but most alcoholic beverages are not pure ethanol. The freezing point of your alcoholic beverage will be somewhere between the freezing points of ethanol and water (32°F or 0°C). The higher the proof, the lower the freezing point, and the longer it can stay in the freezer.
When it comes to freezing alcohol in recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type and proof of the beverage you are using are important. For example, Grand Marnier is 40% alcohol (80 proof), while Chambord contains 16.5% alcohol (33 proof). The quantity of alcohol you use in your recipe may depend on its proof – a higher proof alcohol may require a smaller quantity.
Secondly, the ratio of mixer to alcohol is crucial. For ice pops and spiked granitas, a ratio of 4-to-1 or lower is recommended. For ice cream, a good rule of thumb is to never add more than 20% alcohol by weight to the base. This will ensure that your ice cream has a good texture and scoopability.
Thirdly, it's important to understand the desired alcohol content of your final product. If you're making liquor-infused popsicles, or "poptails", a lower alcohol content is usually used to ensure a proper freezing texture. On the other hand, if you're making a boozy ice cream, you may want to add a higher percentage of alcohol, but still keep it below 20% of the total weight.
Finally, it's worth noting that some spirits, such as whiskey and rum, are not typically stored in the freezer as it may lessen their taste. For these spirits, it's recommended to skip the freezer and store them at room temperature to fully appreciate their flavours.
In summary, when freezing alcohol in recipes, it's important to consider the type and proof of the alcohol, the mixer-to-alcohol ratio, the desired alcohol content, and the potential impact on taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, alcohol freezes at very low temperatures. The freezing point depends on the alcoholic concentration or proof, which is double the alcohol percentage.
Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), while pure alcohol or ethanol freezes at much lower temperatures, approximately -173°F (-114°C) to -178°F (-117°C).
Wine typically freezes at temperatures between 16°F and 23°F (-6.7°C) to -5°C. It takes about 5 hours for a standard 750ml bottle of wine to freeze completely.
Yes, each type of alcohol has a unique freezing point that depends on factors such as alcohol content, ingredients, and container. For example, vodka with 80 proof freezes at -16.5°F (-27°C), while 64-proof liquor freezes at -10°F (-23.33°C).
To raise the freezing point of alcohol, you can reduce the alcohol content or proof. Additionally, the presence of other ingredients like sugar or flavouring will increase the freezing point.
