Storing Alcohol: Fridge Or Not?

Alcoholic beverages can be broadly categorized into two types: fermented and distilled. Fermented drinks, such as wine, beer, and cider, typically have a lower alcohol content and are best kept in the fridge. On the other hand, distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, and brandy can usually be left at room temperature, although some people prefer them chilled. The preference for chilled spirits may be due to health reasons or personal taste, and chilling can be achieved by adding ice or storing the bottle in the refrigerator or freezer. The type of alcohol, its alcohol content, and personal preference all play a role in determining whether it's okay to put a particular alcoholic beverage in the fridge.

Wines, ciders, and beers are best kept in the fridge

Wines with a lower alcohol content, such as port, Fino & Oloroso sherry, dry Marsala wine, Madeira wine, Sauternes, Vin Santo/Vinsanto, Commendaria, and Muscat de Beaumes, should be refrigerated after opening. These wines are more volatile and spoil more quickly than wines with higher alcohol content. For instance, a delicate variety of sherry like Fino could spoil after a week if not refrigerated. In contrast, wines with a higher alcohol content, such as passitos, Vin Santo/Vinsanto, Commendaria, and other dessert wines, do not need to be refrigerated. Instead, they should be kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Similarly, ciders and beers are best kept in the fridge. Beer is not typically served with ice and is not pleasant when warm, so it is best stored in the fridge. Cider, like other fermented beverages, is also best kept in the fridge.

Spirits can be left out or chilled, depending on preference

Spirits with a high alcohol content, such as vodka, gin, whiskey, brandy, rum and tequila, can be left out at room temperature or chilled, depending on personal preference. These spirits have a super-high alcohol content that will protect them from oxidation or from developing any funky flavours. However, they should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and drastic temperature changes.

Vodka, for example, can be kept at room temperature or stored in the fridge or freezer, as it has an alcohol content of over 35%, which means it won't freeze. Many people prefer vodka chilled, and some bars even run their Jagermeister through a bar-top chiller to serve it chilled.

Whisky is another spirit that can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on the drinker's preference. Ice can be added to a whisky to bring it down to an ideal serving temperature, and to allow the flavours of the barrel to be more prominent. However, for veteran whisky drinkers, ice may not be necessary, as it dilutes the whisky and brings it below 40% alcohol content.

In general, distilled drinks, such as spirits, can be left out, whereas fermented drinks, such as wine, beer and cider, are best kept in the fridge. However, there are exceptions, such as sweet liqueurs like Baileys, Kahlua and Limoncello, which are best kept in the fridge. Aperitifs like Campari, which have a lower alcohol content, are also best chilled.

Vodka can be kept in the freezer

Freezing vodka will not affect its flavour, as it is pretty much odourless and flavourless. However, if your vodka is premium and nuanced, you may want to avoid storing it in the freezer, as the cold temperature can dull its flavour. If you are a vodka connoisseur, it is recommended to store premium vodka on a bar cart and then stir with ice to serve.

On the other hand, if you are a casual vodka drinker, there is no reason not to keep it in the freezer. Storing vodka in the freezer will keep it ice cold and save you from using up all your ice. It can also be a good way to mask the flavour of cheap vodka, hiding any "aggressive, burning notes".

Ultimately, how you store your vodka is a matter of personal preference. If you like your vodka ice cold, the freezer is the place for it. If you prefer to taste the nuances of a premium vodka, store it at room temperature or on a bar cart.

Aperitifs and liqueurs with <15% ABV spoil at room temperature

Alcoholic beverages with a low alcohol content tend to spoil faster at room temperature. Aperitifs and liqueurs with less than 15% ABV are more susceptible to decay and are therefore best stored in the fridge.

Aperitifs, such as Campari, both sweet and dry vermouth, Aperol, Lillet, and sherry, have low alcohol content, typically ranging from 16% to 25% ABV. When left at room temperature, these drinks can spoil within a couple of days, as they are highly prone to oxidation. Oxidation occurs due to the interaction of oxygen with various chemical compounds in the drink, resulting in off flavours. By storing them in the fridge, their lifespan can be extended, with some refrigerated Campari lasting for several years.

Liqueurs, such as Italian Cocchi Americano, also fall into the category of beverages with less than 15% ABV. While most liqueurs have a high enough alcohol content and sugar that preserves their flavour, some fruit liqueurs and aperitivi, like Aperol, are more susceptible to spoilage at room temperature. Storing them in the fridge can help maintain their freshness and flavour.

It is important to note that while refrigeration is recommended for these low-ABV beverages, they should be allowed to return to slightly below room temperature before serving for optimal taste. Additionally, distilled spirits, such as gin and vodka, typically have a higher alcohol content and can be safely stored at room temperature.

Vermouth, sherry, and port are fortified wines that spoil quickly

Vermouth, sherry, and port are fortified wines, which means that a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added to them. Fortification is done to preserve wine, as ethanol is a natural antiseptic. Fortified wines have a higher alcohol content than regular wines, but they are still volatile and spoil more quickly than one might expect. Once a bottle of fortified wine is opened, it will only last a few months, and even when stored in the fridge, it shouldn't be kept for longer than a month because the flavours will change.

Fortified wines are made from a base of wine, infused with wormwood and other herbs, and fortified with a little hit of high-proof alcohol. Vermouth, for example, is made from wine flavoured with wormwood, which was originally used to mask the raw flavours of cheaper wines, giving it a slightly medicinal "tonic" flavour. Other herbs and spices used in vermouth may include cardamom, cinnamon, marjoram, and chamomile.

Sherry is produced in a variety of styles, ranging from dry, light versions such as finos to much darker and sometimes sweeter versions known as olorosos. Fino, a delicate variety of sherry, could spoil after a week, whereas other heartier varieties could last a couple of months. Port wine, on the other hand, is fortified halfway through its fermentation, which stops the process so that not all of the sugar is turned into alcohol. This results in a product that is usually rich and sweet, with a range of styles such as tawny, ruby, white, and rose port.

Fortified wines with an alcohol content of under 15% or 20% should be refrigerated after opening to slow oxidation and prolong their shelf life. However, it is important to note that even when stored in the fridge, these wines will eventually spoil, and their flavours will change over time.

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