Even though liquor can outlast most humans, a lot of other ingredients on your bar are not so shelf stable. Most likely, if you’re suspicious that one of your co*cktail ingredients is expired, it probably is. To save you from ruining a perfectly good drink, take note of these nine ingredients that have probably gone bad.
Vermouth
We hate to break it to you, but that ancient bottle of vermouth gathering dust in your liquor cabinet is most definitely expired. Not only does vermouth need to be refrigerated, but it only lasts for two to four weeks after it’s been opened. Toss those old bottles and buy new ones immediately if you want your Manhattans and Martinis to be drinkable.
Technically, sugar is a preservative, so your homemade co*cktail syrups will be fine in the fridge for about six months—so long as you store them in airtight, sterile containers. But that won’t last forever, so check them often for sediment or unsightly particles floating around. And, as with anything in life, if something doesn’t smell right, it probably isn’t.
Orgeat
Whether you’re purchasing a quality orgeat or making your own DIY version, this tasty almond syrup is not going to keep indefinitely. When stored properly in the fridge, it’ll last a month or two. But as soon as it starts to smell funny or get moldy, throw that ish out.
Fresh Herbs
There’s nothing sadder than opening your fridge to find a fresh bunch of cilantro that’s wilted, sad and soggy after only a week. Herbs in this condition will do nothing for the quality of your co*cktails. Toss the old, buy a new bunch and heed our tips on how to store them properly for a longer shelf life.
Shrubs
Even though vinegar is one of the best preservatives in the world, a homemade shrub will probably start to smell extra funky after a couple months in the fridge. If it smells like vinegar and fruit, keep it around. If it smells rotten, toss it.
Infused Spirits
If you made something like coffee liqueur or rock and rye, chances are it will last for awhile on your bar shelf—especially if you used a high-proof spirit. But the flavor of these DIY projects will deteriorate over time. Taste them every month to make sure they haven’t turned before you accidentally serve a rancid pour to an unsuspecting house guest.
Maraschino Cherries
There’s no shame if you love the sugary taste of bright red maraschino cherries, so long as you consume them while they’re at the top of their saccharine glory. Unopened, a jar is good for three to four years. But if they’ve been sitting open in your fridge for more than six months, it’s time to toss and buy a new jar.
Fruit Juice
Whether you make your own juices or use the store bought stuff, an open container of juice won’t taste so great after about 10 days in the fridge. Pitch it and start anew.
Most carbonated sugar sodas are good months after the expiration date printed on the bottle, but they can start to lose flavor over time. The only way to know for sure is to crack open a bottle and taste the contents.
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FAQs
Technically, sugar is a preservative, so your homemade co*cktail syrups will be fine in the fridge for about six months—so long as you store them in airtight, sterile containers. But that won't last forever, so check them often for sediment or unsightly particles floating around.
Do co*cktail syrups need to be refrigerated? ›
Yes and no. Refrigerating simple syrup extends its shelf life and slows the future growth of bacteria. You can keep it at room temperature, but it will go bad much faster. If you plan use up it up within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature.
Does Rose's simple syrup need to be refrigerated? ›
Do you need to refrigerate the syrup once it's opened? Yes!
Can simple sugar go bad? ›
Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will only stay good for about a month. But rich simple syrup, made from a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, will last about six months before becoming cloudy.
Do bitters go bad? ›
You can expect the contents of an opened bottle of bitters to change flavors after about a decade. Unopened, the shelf life of bitters is essentially indefinite.
Does honey syrup expire? ›
Honey is shelf stable and lasts forever just hanging out on the counter. However, once you introduce water, you're also introducing bacteria that can spoil. What is this? If you store it in a refrigerated airtight jar, then honey simple syrup will last about 1 month.
Does syrup go bad out of fridge? ›
When unopened, you can store hot-packed pure maple syrup for at least a year (or more) in the pantry at room temperature. Once opened, you'll need to store pure maple syrup in the fridge—since it's a natural product with no preservatives, it can spoil or grow mold.
What bar ingredients need to be refrigerated? ›
What types of alcohol do you need to refrigerate?
- Sherry and Port. ...
- Marsala and Madeira. ...
- Aperitifs Like Lillet, Cocchi Americano, and Campari. ...
- Italian Cocchi Americano is Moscato-based aperitif wine that pairs well with club soda and orange. ...
- Cream Liqueur. ...
- Apple Cider and Rum Punch.
Simple syrup will last for a minimum of two weeks and for as long as six months depending on the consistency of the syrup and if it has been stored properly. If made hot in your kitchen: Rich simple syrup with a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water can last up to six months.
Does sugar water need to be refrigerated? ›
Once it cools to room temperature, it's ready. Store any extra sugar water in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Yes! Homemade strawberry simple syrup DOES need to be refrigerated to stay fresh. It is not shelf-stable.
Why does strawberry syrup need to be refrigerated? ›
Because this strawberry syrup is not cooked or pasteurized, the fresh syrup MUST be refrigerated. How long does strawberry syrup last? This strawberry simple syrup will last about 10-12 days in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, add ½ to 1 oz of vodka to the mix to keep it from spoiling.
Does sugar go bad after 5 years? ›
Technically, sugar never spoils. While it's recommended that granulated sugar be discarded after two years, chances are it will still serve its baking purpose even beyond that. The same guidelines apply to brown sugar and confectioner's or powdered sugar.
Can simple syrup mold? ›
How to Tell if Your Simple Syrup Has Gone Bad. If your syrup appears cloudy, has spots or mold on it, or in the cap/lid, it's time to toss the simple syrup and make another batch.
Does sugar go bad after 2 years? ›
Commercial sugars (granular, syrup, and honey) have an indefinite shelf life due to their resistance to microbial growth. However, sugars have a best-if-used by date of approximately 2 years for quality concerns.
How can you tell if co*cktail syrup is bad? ›
Simple syrup should be clear. If it's cloudy, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
How do you know if syrup is expired? ›
An off smell can be quickly identified in syrup that's gone bad. It will smell sour, musty, or even chocolatey. Err on the side of caution. If it smells strange, it's most likely gone bad.
How long does syrup last after opening? ›
As it turns out, maple syrup does have a shelf life once opened, and mold is not as uncommon as we thought. StillTasty.com indicates that 100 percent pure maple syrup should keep for a year unopened in the pantry, a year opened in the refrigerator, and indefinitely in the freezer.
Is syrup still good after a year? ›
Pancake or breakfast syrup can be stored in a closed container, unopened or opened, in the pantry. It's best to use it within a year, but it will keep indefinitely.
