How long will infused alcohol last?
I'm attempting to infuse alcohol for the first time, and I'm wondering how long the infusions will keep? I've read a few different (contradictory) opinions on this matter. One recipe for vanilla vodka said to store in the fridge and use within 3 months. I've even seen "use within a month" for some infusions. Others say, "it's alcohol, it will keep forever." I'd imagine the alcohol would act as a preservative allowing it to keep for a very long time.
In general, is there a reason to consume infused alcohol within a specific timeframe? Taste? Flavor? Safety? Would this differ based on whether it was infused with fruit, herbs, or spices? Is there a reason that you may want to store infused alcohol in the fridge/freezer instead of leaving it out?
Would there be any special considerations for what I'm infusing right now:
- Vanilla vodka
- Jalapeño tequila
- Rosemary tequila
Best Answer
I use "one step" to sanitize bottles and caps, like you would do for beer, and bottle my infusions in that, and they've lasted >3 years. I've done raspberry and cherry vodka. If the alcohol percentage is high enough, it will kill bacteria or mold, so it's pretty safe for long term storage. Probably depends on the final alcohol percentage though, like if you add enough juice that the percentage goes less than 10 or so percent, you have to have more precautions in sanitizing everything. I usually sanitize anyway because it can't hurt, and I already have the equipment to do so from homebrewing.
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How long does homemade infused liquor last?
How Long Does Homemade Infused Liquor Last? You can keep it on the counter for 3-7 days. Fruits and vegetables that are normally stored in the refrigerator will retain their flavor after being exposed to alcohol. If you don't like the flavor, taste it periodically to see if you do.Can you infuse alcohol for too long?
Steeping for Too Long It takes a lot less time than you might think for an ingredient to flavor a spirit. A longer infusion is not necessary going to taste better: Leave cardamom in rye too long and it'll blast your mouth out with bitterness. I once forgot about a strawberry vodka I had steeping.How long is fruit soaked in alcohol good for?
How Long Can You Leave Fruit In Alcohol? It is generally recommended that most infusions last 3-5 days. And don't worry, you won't have to worry about anything going bad if you use fresh fruit. Because the alcohol stops mold from growing on the fruit, you can keep it for years after straining it.How long can vodka be infused?
Infusion Times On average, the ingredients should stay in the liquor for 3 to 5 days, though this will vary. Some more intense flavors will need a few hours or days; less intense flavors should stay in the jar for a full week or more. Regularly taste test your alcohol infusion to see if the flavors are to your liking.Making 12 Infused Vodkas at Home! PT1
More answers regarding how long will infused alcohol last?
Answer 2
My parents have been doing this for a while with Gin and an open bottle will last over a year without any detrimental effects. Generally with spirits you'll drink it well before it goes bad unless you're intentially aging them.
Answer 3
I will usually do a water-vinegar rinse to fruits or peels that I'm going to infuse into any alcoholic drink. I've made several bottles of vodka with fruit and raw sugar that have lasted over 5 yrs. Mostly because I can't drink and my family mostly doesn't but I like making them.
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Images: Lina Kivaka, ready made, Karolina Grabowska, Geraud pfeiffer