Drinks

Can Tonic Water Go Bad?

January 11, 2018

Carbonated water, better known as tonic water, is often used to soothe an upset stomach or as a thirst-quencher. Since tonic water is carbonated, it is also used as a healthy substitute for sodas and soft drinks. But how different is the shelf life of carbonated water to regular bottled water?

Can Tonic Water Go Bad?

One might think that tonic water will keep forever like regular water but no, this product has a limited shelf life. And yes, it can go bad at some point especially if it’s been stored improperly! Tonic water has a long shelf life especially if the container is kept sealed and unopened during storage.

Image used under Creative Commons from Matthias Mueller

However, the shelf life of tonic water will be shorter if the product has been opened. That being said, sealed bottles of tonic water are safe to drink well beyond their expiry date. As long as you’re not seeing any changes in flavor and color, the product should be safe to drink.

Signs that Tonic Water Has Gone Bad

How can you tell if tonic water is no longer safe to drink? Start by checking for minor or significant color changes. Tonic water is usually clear but if it has taken on a light yellow color, err to the side of caution and toss the product in the trash. If the tonic water has lost its flavor or has gone flat, do not consume the product.

If the container has bulged or is misshapen in any way, the product may not be safe to drink anymore. Also, check the container for rust or leaks. Rusting and leaking will compromise the quality of the tonic water. If say, the tonic water has been kept in storage for years, discard the product.

How to Store Tonic Water?

Sealed and unopened bottles of tonic water can be kept in the pantry at room temperature while opened bottles of tonic water should be kept in the refrigerator. When storing tonic water at room temperature, keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Heat sources and humidity could ruin the drink, causing the tonic water to lose its flavor and fizz.

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If you’re storing opened bottles of tonic water in the fridge, make sure to keep the lid closed after every use. This way, the drink will not lose its flavor or fizz. When kept in the pantry, unopened bottles of tonic water will keep fresh 9 months after the manufacturing date. Opened bottles of tonic water will keep fresh for 9 months after the manufacturing date in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Tonic Water?

Tonic water does not require freezing and this method could ruin the flavor of the product. Freezing the tonic water means decanting the drink in a freezer-safe container. This could compromise the quality of the product. The tonic water is likely to become flat once it has been thawed too. Our advice is to store opened bottles of tonic water in the fridge and to consume the product as soon as possible.

Summary

Tonic water is a refreshing drink, a great substitute for plain water. However, it won’t keep forever! Just keep these storage tips in mind to maximize your supply and prevent wastage.

Can Soy Milk Go Bad?

January 5, 2018

Can soy milk go bad? Soy milk is a popular health drink that is high in lean protein. Since soy milk contains less cholesterol and hormones than cow’s milk, this product is often used as a milk substitute in vegetarian and vegan cooking. Soy milk has a creamy, delicious flavor too so it is also served as a drink and a milk substitute for shakes, smoothies, and other healthy beverages.

While soy milk has a decent shelf life, it won’t keep forever. In fact, soy milk could be just as sensitive to storage conditions as regular milk. If you are not careful, there is a good chance that your supply will go rancid. This goes especially if you left the soy milk sitting at room temperature for a while.

Image used under Creative Commons from Charles Haynes

Can Soy Milk Go Bad?

Yes, soy milk can go bad because it is sensitive to temperature changes. Soy milk is may not spoil similarly to cow’s milk but the manner in which the product is stored could affect its longevity. Sealed, unopened packs of soy milk will keep much longer than opened bottles of soy milk. Do note that soy milk is prone to mold growth. This is the reason why the product should be sealed at all times.

How the soy milk was processed affects its shelf life too. Shelf stable soy milk will keep much longer at room temperature. Sealed soy milk doesn’t require refrigeration at all. On the other hand, chilled soy milk or soy milk that’s been sold refrigerated has to be kept chilled to extend its shelf life. Never drink straight from the carton to prevent contamination.

Signs that Soy Milk Has Gone Bad

It is easy to see if say milk is no longer safe to use. Just check if the product emits an off-smell. Fresh soy milk has a mild, milky smell. Significant color changes are a sign that soy milk has gone bad. If the container becomes bloated for some reason, the product is no longer safe to drink. Finally, check for lumps or curds. If the product started clumping, take it as a sign that the soy milk has gone bad.

How to Store Soy Milk?

For shelf-stable soy milk, store the product in the pantry at room temperature. Keep the product in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Shelf stable soy milk is quite sensitive to rising temperature so keep it away from sources of heat.

Chilled soy milk or soy milk that’s been refrigerated prior to purchasing should be kept in the fridge. The same thing goes for soy milk that’s nearing its expiry date. The chilly temperature will slow down the degradation of the ingredients. Chilled soy milk won’t do well when stored at room temperature. The sharp changes in temperature could accelerate spoilage.

When kept in the pantry, sealed packs of shelf-stable soy milk will keep for 3 to 4 weeks. On the other hand, chilled soy milk will keep for 7 to 10 days in the fridge. The shelf life of soy milk will be much shorter if you drink straight from the carton, about a few days.

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Can You Freeze Soy Milk?

While freezing is not a recommended storage option, you can freeze the soy milk for later use. Just transfer the product in a freezer-safe container and stick it in the freezer. Ideally, you want to divide the product into manageable portions so you don’t have to thaw the whole container when you only need a small amount of the product.

Summary

Soy milk can be prepared in many ways so it pays to have a couple of packs in storage. You never know when you need soy milk! Can soy milk go bad? Yes, soy milk could go bad at some point but as long as you stored the product properly, there is no need to worry about spoilage at all!

Can Sherry Go Bad?

December 6, 2017

Sherry is a type of fortified wine made from white grapes. This fermented Spanish wine has a distinctively dry, nutty flavor. Sherry is also prepared in different styles with Fino being the driest and Oloroso being the richest-tasting. This wine is often served straight or as part of a cocktail mix. It can be used in cooking too!

Can Sherry Go Bad?

Since sherry is an aged wine, it boasts of a long shelf life. When kept in storage, the wine continues to ferment, developing a deeper, richer flavor. Despite its long shelf life, sherry will go bad at some point. That being said, the storage life of this wine depends on many factors including the type of sherry wine you bought.

Image used under Creative Commons from Dominic Lockyer

For example, cream sherry will keep for several years while Fino and Manzanillo will only keep for a year or so. Whatever type of sherry you love, it pays to store the drink properly to prevent spoilage. The bottle has to be tightly closed after every use to protect the wine from air exposure. Being mindful of how you store sherry helps extend the shelf life of the product.

Signs that Sherry Has Gone Bad

Sherry won’t spoil the same way as other drinks since it’s been aged. However, the longer the wine is stored, the more it loses its flavor. You see, the wine will start breaking down as soon as you opened a bottle of it. The changes may be subtle but again, the longer it a bottle of sherry sits in storage, the more obvious the changes will be due to oxidation.

Some of the most common signs that the wine has gone bad include a significant loss of flavor and richness. If you see black specks floating on the wine, the drink might have developed mold and needs to be discarded. If fungus starts growing within the cork, the sherry will develop a musty, moldy odor. Discard the sherry if it develops an off-aroma.

How to Store Sherry?

The best way to store an unopened bottle of sherry is to keep it in the pantry, at room temperature. Store the sherry in a cool, dark place away from sources of heat, light, and humidity. Wine needs the stable temperature to age so never place the product near the stove.

The proper way to store an opened bottle of sherry is in the refrigerator. The chilly temperature will delay the fermentation process and extend the shelf life of the wine. Just place the wine on the back of the fridge and you’re good to go. Always keep the bottle tightly sealed after every use to prevent oxidation.

Don’t wait too long to consume a bottle of sherry. This is the kind of wine that needs to be consumed right away. When kept in the pantry, unopened bottle of sherry will keep for 18 months to 2 years.

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Can You Freeze Sherry?

Because of its high alcohol content, sherry does not keep well in the freezer unless your freezer is extra cold. Fortified wine won’t keep well in a conventional freezer. So while you can store this wine in the freezer, there’s a good chance that you’re ruining the product by freezing it.

Assuming that you have a cold freezer, you need to transfer the product to a plastic container prior to freezing.

Summary

Sherry is the perfect wine to enjoy on special occasions or a party! Keeping a bottle on hand is always a smart idea. Now that you know how to store sherry properly, you can buy bottles of the wine and never worry about spoilage!

Can Ground Coffee Go Bad?

February 9, 2016

Coffee is probably one of the most universal pantry staples. So many people start each day with a nice hot cup brewed at home, or even a trip to the local coffee shop. Though despite how much coffee people drink on a daily basis, it seems that not much is known about storing this magic bean. Can ground coffee go bad? How should you store ground coffee, and for how long will it last?

Can Ground Coffee Go Bad?

Coffee is actually roasted beans, and like all beans, ground coffee can go bad. The roasting process actually eliminates the potential for many contaminants, as the moisture level of coffee becomes incredibly low. This means that you won’t really have to worry about mold or bacteria growing on your coffee grounds, unless too much moisture is introduced to the grounds while they’re being stored.

What typically happens to coffee as it ages, is the flavor compounds disappear over time. So, while the coffee might still be safe to drink, it won’t taste very good. The shelf life of ground coffee is three to five months at room temperature, whether or not the package has been opened. Unopened coffee can be stored in the freezer long term, and will have a shelf life of up to two years. Once the package has been opened, the shelf life reduces to five months, even in the freezer.

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How to Store Ground Coffee

If you’ve purchased whole beans, it’s best to keep them intact and only grind them until you plan on using them. Grinding the coffee increases the surface area, and therefore the exposure to oxygen, light and heat.

Of course, buying ground coffee is a lot more convenient for most people. The best way to store ground coffee is in an airtight container, away from moisture, light and heat. Preventing exposure to the air is important to keep the flavor compounds intact. A tightly sealing glass jar, or one of those airtight kitchen storage containers is ideal. If you don’t have a sealable container available, make sure to wrap up the bag tightly and secure it with a rubber band, or tape.

Contrary to popular belief, freezing is not actually the best way to store coffee for daily use. Repeatedly removing the ground coffee from the freezer and then replacing it will introduce excess moisture to the grounds. This moisture will impart a cardboard taste to the coffee, making for an unpleasant experience.

Freezing ground coffee or coffee beans is fine for long term storage, assuming the container won’t be regularly opened. If you’ve bought ground coffee in bulk and want to keep it fresher for a longer time, just grab a bunch of freezer bags and a permanent marker. Portion out a week’s worth of coffee into each freezer bag, tightly seal it, press out any air, then write the date on the outside of the bag. Now you can remove the bags as you need them, limiting the coffee’s exposure to air and moisture.

How to Tell If Coffee Has Gone Bad

Most of the time, there will be few visual signs that ground coffee has gone bad. Instead, it’s better to rely on your sense of smell to determine whether or not ground coffee has gone bad. Coffee beans contain oils, which can go rancid just like any other type of oil. If the coffee smells at all sour or unpleasant, the oil has likely gone rancid and the grounds should be discarded.

As the coffee ages, the flavor compounds will degrade, and the coffee’s pleasant aroma will begin to disappear. Once the smell of the ground coffee has significantly diminished, you likely probably won’t want to drink it. While the coffee is not unsafe to drink at this point, it certainly won’t have that delicious taste you’re expecting.

Can Gatorade Go Bad?

February 8, 2016

With electrolytes and quick burning carbohydrates, Gatorade and other sports drinks have become pretty standard hydration for workouts. Of course, if you buy too much on sale, the question always arises: can Gatorade go bad? How long should you store those bottles of sports drink, or even the powdered mix?

Can Gatorade Go Bad?

Like many flavored beverages, Gatorade (and other sports drinks) can go bad. Unopened sports drinks can stay shelf stable for up to nine months past the written expiration date. Once the bottle has been opened, the shelf life reduces to about five days in the refrigerator.

The dry powder that can be mixed with water to make gatorade can also go bad, after enough time passes. If the container is unopened, its shelf life is about two years past the written expiration date. Once opened, the product will begin to degrade in quality, and should be consumed within six months.

Like an open bottle of Gatorade, once the powder has been combined with water to make a drink, the beverage should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and should be consumed within five days.

Image used under Creative Commons from Mike Mozart

Signs That Gatorade Has Gone Bad

Bottles of gatorade that have been opened will begin to spoil after a few days, though visual signs might not be that obvious. Changes in color and texture are the main indicators. You may notice the drink begins to darken, form clumps, or form a crust near the opening of the bottle.

The taste and smell will also change, becoming less flavorful and a bit sour. Additionally, any sour or off-putting smell is an indication that the drink has gone bad and should not be consumed. Should you notice any mold growing in the bottle, the drink should not be consumed.

Once a container of powdered Gatorade has been opened, the quality will begin to decline fairly rapidly, depending on conditions. Though this degradation won’t necessarily lead to an unsafe product, the taste and texture can be significantly different. Gatorade can clump because of exposure to moisture. Some clumping is likely fine, but once the powder has formed a solid mass, the Gatorade should not be consumed.

Should you open the container of Gatorade powder to find any sign of insects, or mold (though it is highly unlikely that powdered Gatorade will grow mold), the drink mix should be discarded.

How to Store Gatorade

Bottled Gatorade, and other sports drinks, should be stored in a cool, dark place away from moisture or heat. The best place to store unopened bottles of gatorade is actually your pantry, or cellar. Storing unopened bottles of Gatorade in the refrigerator will not dramatically increase their shelf life. Similarly, freezing bottled Gatorade will not really increase the shelf life, and the process of freezing could burst the bottle. Once the bottle has been opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator.

Powdered Gatorade that has not been opened can also be stored in a cool, dark place away from light, heat or moisture. Once the container has been opened, the moisture in the air will start to degrade the product. While the plastic container has a lid to keep out insects, the moisture in the air can still seep inside.

To extend the shelf life of powdered Gatorade, you could transfer the powder to an airtight container, like a glass jar. Oxygen absorbers or food grade desiccant packets will help to keep the drink powder from clumping up. Heavy duty zip top freezer bags with an oxygen absorber will also help to keep the powder fresh, and can come in handy on long camping trips!

Can Cranberry Juice Go Bad?

January 17, 2016

The tart, bright flavor of cranberry juice makes it a refreshing beverage to drink in the summer, as well as a great cocktail mixer year round. Of course, after you’ve made a few drinks, you might realize that a good portion of the bottle is left over. Can you keep the opened bottle in the pantry, or can cranberry juice go bad?

What is Cranberry Juice?

Cranberry juice is made from cranberries, a very tart berry that typically grow in marshlike areas of Europe and North America. The berry is said to have medicinal properties, and so unsweetened cranberry juice actually plays a large role in folk remedies! For commercial purposes, unsweetened cranberry juice is too tart for many people to enjoy, and so sugar is added to make the drink more appealing.

Cranberry juice is the basis for many mixed drinks, but is also enjoyed as a beverage on its own. Many commercial brands mellow out the tart taste of the cranberries by blending the juice with other fruit varieties like grapes and apples. These juice cocktails are widely available in supermarkets, and tend to be on the sweeter side.

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Can Cranberry Juice Go Bad?

Like all fruit juices, cranberry juice can certainly go bad. An unopened bottle of cranberry juice will last up to nine months past the printed expiration date, at room temperature. However, as soon as the bottle is opened, the shelf life decreases dramatically. Once opened, a bottle of cranberry juice will remain fresh in the refrigerator for around three weeks.

Though some sources indicate that an open bottle of cranberry juice can stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, this is not recommended.

Canned cranberry juice concentrate will stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year.

How to Tell If Cranberry Juice Has Gone Bad?

Visual cues are a great way to see if cranberry juice has begun to spoil. Always look at the juice for signs of mold, or other contaminants. Like many other beverages, cranberry juice is likely to grow mold if left too long. Once mold has begun to grow, the juice has spoiled and should no longer be consumed

Little bubbles that float up are another sign that the juice may have spoiled. These bubbles can indicate that the juice has begun to ferment. If you suspect fermentation is occurring, smell the juice – if it smells sour, or like wine or vinegar, it has spoiled and should not be consumed. Similarly, if the bottle is bulging or appears to have puffed out, there is likely some fermentation present, and the juice should be discarded.

While sediment may seem to indicate spoilage, this is actually a normal part of many brands of cranberry juice, especially those found in health food stores. Check for other signs of spoilage before assuming the sediment indicates something has gone wrong!

Can You Freeze Cranberry Juice?

Freezing cranberry juice is an excellent way to extend its shelf life. Cranberry juice can be frozen in its original container, or any tightly sealing, freezer-safe container. Be sure to pour some out to leave room for expansion. Frozen cranberry juice will last in the freezer for up to a year, and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, with no noticeable taste or texture changes. As soon as the cranberry juice is thawed, you can drink it as normal.

Try freezing cranberry juice in ice cube trays, and then transferring the cubes to a sealed container. The cubes can be used to chill drinks without watering them down, as well as blended into smoothies for a little bit of extra flavor!

Can Brandy Go Bad?

January 6, 2016

Brandy holds a place in many liquor cabinets, but not everyone knows whether or not this spirit can go bad. After all, brandy is distilled from wine, and doesn’t wine eventually spoil if left open too long? Before you despair at that half open bottle that’s been lurking in your pantry since last New Year’s Eve, read on to find the answer to the question, “can brandy go bad?”

Can brandy go bad?

Because of the high alcohol content of brandy, this spirit won’t go bad in terms of food safety. In fact, unopened brandy can keep indefinitely if properly stored. Like other spirits, brandy should be kept in a tightly sealed container, away from heat, or light. Once a bottle of brandy has been opened, while it can still be stored pretty much indefinitely, there will be some changes to the taste and quality. Proper storage is very important to protect the flavor and quality for as long as possible.

Signs of Spoilage

As brandy doesn’t really spoil as in grow mold, or go rotten, safety is of less of an issue here. The high alcohol content of brandy is protective in a lot of ways. Mold, bacteria or other pathogens will not grow in a sealed bottle of brandy, so for the most part, it is safe to consume brandy that has been opened for a very long time. However, the high alcohol content does mean that brandy is susceptible to two natural processes which will degrade its quality: oxidation and evaporation.

Oxidation is a process that occurs when the compounds in brandy are exposed to oxygen, and the flavors degrade as a result. Further exposure to heat or light can speed up oxidation. While some individuals may still enjoy a slightly less flavorful bottle of brandy, eventually the taste will become quite flat. Oxidation will eventually occur, but this process can be slowed by proper storage.

As alcohol evaporates more readily than water does, brandy that is improperly stored can weaken over time as well as lose flavor. Storing brandy in a tightly sealed container, and in a cool, dark location should slow evaporation as well as oxidation, keeping your brandy in top shape as long as possible.

Storing Brandy Long Term

If you have an opened bottle of brandy that you aren’t going to consume for some time, the best option is likely to store the bottle in the darkest, coolest place of your basement or pantry. If you live in a particularly warm climate that experiences a lot of temperature fluctuations, you may want to store the bottle in either your freezer or refrigerator. In either case, be sure to keep the bottle far from the door (where it would be exposed to warmth and light), and keep the temperature somewhat constant. Remove the bottle to pour a drink, but replace it in the fridge or freezer quickly, so as not to allow the bottle to become warm. Temperature changes tend to oxidize spirits more rapidly.

Image used under Creative Commons from Richard Gailey

If your bottle of brandy has been in the cabinet for a while, and seems to have lost its flavor, you can still revive this spirit! Brandy is excellent when infused with either dried fruit or spices. Be sure that you are infusing the brandy with something low in moisture – vanilla beans, cinnamon, cloves and dried fruit all work wonderfully. Simply add the spices or dried fruit to a sealable jar, and fill most of the way with brandy (don’t leave too much air space). Seal the jar tightly, shake a few times and then leave in a cool, dark place for a few weeks to six months, and you will have a delicious infused brandy that can even be used as an extract in baking.

Can Bourbon Go Bad?

January 6, 2016

At one point in time or another, you’ll most likely find a bottle of bourbon in your possession. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur looking to try this corn-based, barrel aged spirit in a cocktail, or you happened to receive a bottle as a gift, odds are you won’t go through the whole bottle before it’s forgotten in the back of the liquor cabinet. Will the rest of the bottle go to waste? Can bourbon go bad? Read on to find out!

Can Bourbon Go Bad?

As bourbon is a spirit, spoilage in the traditional sense is unlikely, if almost impossible. The shelf life of bourbon is pretty much indefinite, when the spirit is stored properly. Proper storage of spirits is actually quite easy to accomplish. Simply keep the bourbon in a tightly sealed container, safe from light, heat or oxygen exposure. Unopened bourbon can last for years, or even decades, when stored like this. Opened bottles can still be safely stored indefinitely, but there will be some changes in quality.

Conventional wisdom states that bourbon, and other spirits, do not continue to age after they are removed from the barrels and bottled, but there are those that say there is a benefit to storing unopened bourbon a bit longer. After bottling, there are some changes that will take place in the whiskey, even when the bottle is unopened. The tannins in the whiskey (that come from the wooden barrels used to age the spirit) will continue to evolve, changing the taste ever so slightly over time.

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Signs of Spoilage

Spoilage of bourbon is not much of a concern, but rather the main issue you will encounter is the degradation of the spirit’s quality due to evaporation and oxidation. Oxidation occurs when an alcohol exposed to oxygen, and can change the flavor compounds, reducing the quality. Exposure to light and heat can increase the rate at which oxidation occurs, which is why storing a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dark place is so important.

Evaporation occurs when the bottle is not tightly sealed, and will increase with exposure to light and heat. Alcohol evaporates more rapidly than water, and so the spirit will certainly lose a bit of kick over time, if improperly stored. Be sure to tightly seal the bottle before replacing it in the cabinet.

Storing Bourbon Long Term

Because light, heat and oxygen are the primary threats to the quality of your bourbon, unless you are planning to drink the entire bottle quickly, a decanter (though cool looking) is not a recommended storage container. Instead, a dark glass bottle or jar is recommended.

For the most part, you can simply store bourbon in a cool, dark cupboard or your cellar to retain the quality. However, if you live in a particularly warm climate, or one with wide temperature ranges, you may want to keep your bourbon in the refrigerator or freezer. Bourbon can be stored in either your fridge or freezer to slow the oxidation and evaporation processes, just be sure to tightly seal the lid tightly and place the bottle deep inside (not on the door). Once stored in the freezer, the bottle should remain there, as fluctuations in temperature can speed up oxidation, and diminish the quality.

Another way to reduce the bourbon’s exposure to oxygen after opening the bottle is to transfer the spirits to a smaller bottle with each consumption. The air in the bottle will oxidize the bourbon over time, so if you’ve consumed half the bottle, and don’t plan on drinking the rest for quite a while, slowly pour the contents into a jar where there will be very little extra space. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Darker glass containers work the best, but as long as the bourbon is kept in a dark place, clear glass should be fine.

Can Apple Juice Go Bad

January 5, 2016

Apple juice is delicious and refreshing, but sometimes you might find yourself buying far too much. That gallon jug seemed like such a good deal at the store, but you can only drink so much juice at one time. As you stare at the remaining 80% of the bottle, you may find yourself wondering, “can apple juice go bad?”

Can Apple Juice Go Bad?

Like other fresh juices, if left too long, apple juice can go bad. The shelf life of the juice depends on the type of apple juice, as well as storage conditions. Fresh juice that has not been pasteurized can be stored for up to seven days in the refrigerator past the printed expiration date, whether or not it has been opened. You should always check fresh juice for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Juice that has been pasteurized will have a longer shelf life. Apple juice that is boxed or kept in a sealed bottle may be stored in a cool, dark place for around two to three months past the printed expiration date. Canned apple juice, or fruit juice concentrate will last for up to nine months, if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place like your pantry or the refrigerator.

Once opened, pasteurized juices should be stored in the refrigerator, and should be consumed within ten days.

Image used under Creative Commons from Mike Mozart

Signs of Spoilage

Typically, when apple juice spoils, it has begun to ferment a bit. A good way to check for fermentation, is simply smelling the apple juice. If the odor is in any way sour, or is like beer or wine, than the juice has started fermenting and should be discarded. Small bubbles in the apple juice, or a slightly cloudy appearance are also indicators that the apple juice is fermenting and should not be consumed.

A change of color over time can also indicate that the apple juice is starting to ferment. If the juice becomes darker, you should definitely check for other signs of spoilage. Another visual indicator that apple juice has gone bad is mold growth. If there is any mold growing in the juice, it should not be consumed.

If the bottle becomes swollen or puffy, this is a clear sign that the juice has spoiled, and should be immediately discarded. Similarly, if the lid makes a popping noise when opened, as if gas is being released, the juice should not be consumed.

Freezing Apple Juice

Because of the high sugar content, apple juice will actually freeze quite effectively. If you’re trying to extend the shelf life of apple juice that is in your refrigerator, you may want to freeze the juice into popsicle molds, for a quick treat. You could also freeze the juice in ice cube trays, later transferring the frozen cubes to an airtight container, for use in smoothies or to chill a drink without watering it down.

If you’d like to freeze juice in a large container for later consumption, be careful not to freeze the juice in the original container. The juice will expand a bit while freezing, and may explode if there isn’t sufficient space. Be sure to open the juice and drink at least a glass before freezing. To thaw the juice, pull out the frozen bottle and let sit overnight in your refrigerator. Frozen juice can be stored up to a year in the freezer, but should be consumed within a week once thawed.

Another way to re-use apple juice that’s in danger of going bad is to turn it into a syrup. Simply simmer the apple juice on the stove (with cinnamon, if you desire) until the juice has reduced by 75% and is a thick syrup. Use this delicious syrup to top ice cream or pancakes. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three months.

Can Tequila Go Bad?

October 15, 2013

If you’ve found an old bottle of tequila stored for a couple of years already, you probably wonder “can tequila go bad?”. As it is one of the distilled spirits, chances of it going bad are close to zero. Unless you’ll really want it to go bad (and help start the process), it will be safe to drink for years. The thing to remember here is that it doesn’t necessarily mean it will remain of best quality for many year. If you would like to learn a little about storing tequila, its shelf life and other related issues, read along!

Storing tequila

Like almost any other alcohol (besides some liqueurs), tequila should be stored in a cool and dry area. Therefore, the pantry seems to be the best possible choice, but if you don’t plan to open the bottle within the next few weeks or months, you can store it in the cellar (if there’s not enough space in the pantry). After opening the bottle please remember that you should always keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use. Don’t ever store it with a pourer on or without its cap.

(credit: KittyKaht)

Tightly sealed bottle ensures two things. First – any impurities won’t be able to find their way into the bottle. Second – if the bottle stays opened without its cap, the liquid evaporates quicker than when it’s sealed. Because alcohol evaporates quicker than water, your tequila will slowly become milder with time (after opening the bottle for the first time).

One more trick when it comes to storing the spirit – when the bottle is less than half full and you won’t consume the rest of its contents within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to pour the liquid into a smaller bottle. More air in the bottle equals faster evaporation and oxidation, both of them causing the quality of tequila to slowly deteriorate.

Shelf life of tequila

First thing that not everyone is familiar with is that spirits, unlike wines, don’t age after being bottled. That means that storing tequila for years won’t make its taste better. When it comes to shelf life of tequila, it’s basically indefinite, as long as its seal isn’t compromised. If you store an unopened bottle in the pantry for quite a few years now, you can be almost sure that it’s fine now and it should be of great quality. After the bottle is opened for the first time, it’s recommended to drink tequila within a couple of months, when its quality is still at its best. As mentioned earlier, the quality of tequila slowly deteriorates over time after opening the bottle. Because of that, storing an opened bottle for a year or two might not be the best idea. You might simply dislike its taste after that period of time and be forced to discard the drink.

How to tell if tequila is bad

As mentioned earlier, tequila stays safe to drink for years. Unless you really want it to go bad and add some impurities into the bottle, so bacteria might slowly develop (tequila is a pretty difficult environment for microorganisms to develop in), it won’t technically go bad (spoil). But just to be safe, before drinking tequila that was opened before and stored for a long time, take a closer look at the liquid (if there aren’t any impurities in the bottle), smell it and eventually taste a little. If it doesn’t look like it supposed to, smells off or tastes awful, discard it. As mentioned before, that’s an extremely rare situation, so it’s much more likely it won’t just taste as good as you’d expect it to and you might decide to throw it away.

Summary
As you should know by now, tequila technically can go bad, but if you’ll store it properly, it will last years.