Do Cocktail Bitters Go Bad? Best Ways to Store Cocktail Bitters

Cocktail bitters don’t go bad because they have a lot of alcohol, usually 35-45% ABV. This high alcohol level gives them a very long life when you keep them right. But, the taste and quality might drop after you open them and air gets in.

Even though bitters last a long time, it’s good to know a bit more about how to keep their taste great after opening.

Shelf Life of Cocktail Bitters

Unopened Bottles When it comes to unopened bottles of cocktail bitters, they can last a pretty long time. Most experts agree that an unopened bottle can stay good for anywhere from two to four years. This long shelf life is because the bitters are sealed, and no air can get in to make them go bad.

A few things can affect how long an unopened bottle lasts:

Ingredients Some bitters have different ingredients than others. Bitters with more alcohol or preservatives may last longer unopened.

Storage Conditions Where you store the unopened bitters makes a difference too. Keeping them in a cool, dark place helps them last longer.

Opened Bottles Once you open a bottle of bitters, it won’t last as long. Air gets in and can make the bitters start going bad over time. Most experts say opened bitters will stay good for six months to two years.

Like unopened bottles, a few things affect how long they’ll last:

Air Exposure The more you open and close the bottle, the more air gets in. This speeds up the process of the bitters going bad.

Light Storing opened bitters in a dark place helps them last longer than keeping them in bright light.

Temperature Extreme hot or cold temperatures can also make opened bitters go downhill faster. Room temperature or slightly cooler is better.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, cocktail bitters can eventually go bad. How do you know if your bitters have spoiled? There are a few key signs to look for.

Visual Cues

Discoloration One of the first things to check is the color of the bitters. Fresh bitters should maintain a rich, vibrant color depending on the ingredients used. If the bitters appear faded or have taken on an unusual brownish or murky tint, that’s a sign they’ve gone bad.

Sediment or Cloudiness

Another visual cue is sediment or cloudiness in the bottle. Good bitters should look clear and free of any particles or haziness. If you notice gunk at the bottom or the liquid appears cloudy, it’s time to toss those bitters out.

Aroma and Taste

Off or Vinegar-like Odor Even if the bitters look okay, give them a sniff before using. Spoiled bitters will have an offensive, vinegar-like smell that’s very different from their intended aroma. Trust your nose on this one!

Unpleasant or Flat Flavor The true test comes when you taste a small amount of the bitters. Freshbitters should have a robust, well-balanced flavor. But if they taste unpleasant, bitter in an off-putting way, or seem to have a flat, lifeless flavor, they’ve gone bad and shouldn’t be used.

If you notice any of these visual, aroma, or taste signs, it’s best to discard those old bitters. Using spoiled ingredients can ruin a nice cocktail. When in doubt, grab a new bottle to ensure your drinks taste their best.

Proper Storage

Storing your cocktail bitters the right way can help them last a long, long time before going bad. There are some tips to follow for both unopened and opened bottles.

Unopened Bottles

Cool, Dark Place
Unopened bitters like to be kept nice and cozy in a cool, dark spot. A kitchen cupboard away from the oven or any windows is perfect. The darkness prevents light from causing the bitters to break down too soon.

Avoid Temperature Fluctuations
It’s also important the storage spot stays at a consistent, cool temperature. Big swings in temperature, like keeping unopened bitters in the garage, can damage the flavors and make the bitters go bad faster.

Opened Bottles

Refrigeration (Optional)
Once opened, you can continue storing bitters at room temperature out of direct light. Or if you prefer, you can refrigerate them – but this is optional, not required. The fridge may help slow down spoilage a bit.

Tightly Sealed Bottles
The biggest thing for opened bottles is to make sure that cap is tightened really well every time after use. Exposure to air is what causes those bitters to start going stale and losing flavor. A tight seal limits air exposure.

No matter if the bottles are unopened or opened, always give them a look and smell test before use to check for any spoilage. With proper cool, dark, airtight storage though, your bitters should last you a good long while!

Here’s a detailed explanation of the next section “Extending Shelf Life” using simple language, multiple paragraphs, and subheadings:

How to Extend Shelf Life

Want to make sure your cocktail bitters last as long as possible? Here are some tips to extend their shelf life.

Buying Smaller Bottles
Those big bottles of bitters may seem like a good value, but they can go bad before you can use them all up. Smaller bottles let you use up the bitters before they spoil.

The tiny 4 oz bottles are great if you don’t make cocktails very often. The more typical 10 oz bottles work well for regular home bartenders. Just buy the size you’ll realistically use in 6 months to a year after opening.

Storing Properly
Of course, how you store the bitters makes a huge difference in their shelf life. Always keep them in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture. The pantry is usually better than a basement or fridge.

For unopened bottles, a kitchen cupboard works great. Once opened, make sure to seal bottles tightly after each use to limit air exposure.

Monitoring Expiration Dates
Not a hard rule, paying attention to the printed expiration or best-by dates can help avoid spoiled bitters too. Most manufacturers give an estimate of peak shelf life.

For unopened bottles, go by the printed date. For opened bottles, the date gives you a rough guide, usually 6 months to a year. But also use the visual and smell tests to check for freshness.

Following these tips lets you maximize the shelf life and get the most use out of every bottle of bitters. Just a few easy steps can ensure great-tasting cocktails for months and months!

FAQ

1. Can cocktail bitters expire?

Cocktail bitters have a very long shelf life due to their high alcohol content and do not expire in the traditional sense. However, their flavors may diminish over many years.

2. How should I store my bitters to keep them fresh?

Store your bitters in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Proper storage helps maintain their flavors longer.

3. Will opened bitters go bad faster than unopened ones?

Once opened, bitters remain stable and do not go bad faster. Their high alcohol content keeps them preserved, even after opening.

4. Is it safe to use bitters that have been sitting for a long time?

Yes, it is safe to use bitters that have been stored for a long time as long as they were kept in proper conditions and do not show signs of contamination.

5. What signs indicate that bitters may have lost their quality?

While bitters don’t spoil in a harmful way, a decrease in aroma intensity or a change in flavor might indicate they have lost some quality.