Our family really loves to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and even simple successes and accomplishments. At our parties, we usually include several alcoholic beverages and cocktail mixes. Oftentimes, there are leftover wines and liquors after the party. I wonder if I can freeze the leftover alcoholic drinks. Is it safe to freeze alcoholic drinks?
You are wondering if you can freeze leftover alcoholic drinks after your parties. Can you really freeze leftover and/or unopened bottles of alcoholic drinks?
Quick Answer
The answer is yes and no. Several kinds of alcoholic drinks can be stored in the freezer and in the fridge. Unlike other kinds of food and drinks, alcohol requires a certain temperature to reach its freezing point. However, it depends on the type of alcoholic beverage and its alcohol content. Some kinds of alcoholic drinks will stay liquid after freezing for some time. On the other hand, some alcoholic beverages will lose their texture and quality after freezing.
Can You Freeze Alcohol?
There is a misconception that alcohol does not freeze. Alcohol or pure ethanol freezes at a certain freezing point. It is around -114oC and home freezers can only reach up to -20oC.
Certain types of alcoholic beverages will lose their flavor after freezing. Beer and wine, for example, can become slushy and lose their flavor after freezing.
Drinks with low alcoholic content, such as beer and wine, can freeze easily because it has more water content. Water will freeze at 0oC, but hard liquor such as vodka or gin will stay liquid even after freezing.
Amaretto, vodka, whiskey, gin, and other liquors with higher alcohol content are less likely to freeze in home freezers. Irish cream can also be put in the freezer, but it can also become slushy if left for a longer time.
When you put beer or wine into the freezer, make sure that you take it out after a few minutes. You can wrap it in a wet paper towel before putting it into the freezer so it will chill but stay liquid after a few minutes.
Do not leave beer and wine in the freezer overnight. The water will freeze and expand. It will cause the cork to pop or the bottle to crack. This will create a mess in your freezer.
How to Freeze Beer, Wine, and Other Alcoholic Drinks
These are some steps and tips in freezing alcoholic beverages:
- Beer has 3-10% alcohol content. It will freeze in temperatures of -2o
- Wine has 8-14% alcohol content. It will freeze at -5o
- Do not leave beer and wine in the freezer for a long time. Putting it in the freezer for a few minutes is enough to chill it.
- The temperature of the freezer will make the water content of beer and wine expand. It will cause the cap to burst and the cork to pop. It can even cause the bottle to crack. This can lead to an unsightly mess.
- If you live in a place with a cold climate or during winter, do not leave beer and wine (even sodas) outside or in the car for a long time. Those can become frozen or slushy. It can also create a mess in your car.
- Liquor with 40% alcohol (or 80 proof) can freeze at -27o Even hard liquors can freeze and pop in extremely cold climates. Be cautious if you are living in a cold area.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Alcohol?
There are many delicious ways to use up extra alcohol. Here are five of our favorites:
1. Make a cocktail – If you have extra vodka, rum, or whisky, why not put it to good use and make a delicious cocktail? There are tons of recipes online that will show you how to make all sorts of different drinks.
2. Use it in cooking – Alcohol can actually be used in a variety of different recipes. From cakes and cookies to sauces and stews, there are many dishes that can benefit from the addition of alcohol. Just be sure to use a cooking wine or spirit that you would actually drink!
3. Make homemade vanilla extract – Did you know that you can make your own vanilla extract using just alcohol and vanilla beans? It’s actually quite easy to do, and the result is a delicious and fragrant extract that can be used in all sorts of recipes. All you need is some vodka (or another clear alcohol) and vanilla beans. Simply split the vanilla beans lengthwise and add them to a jar filled with alcohol. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least two months. After that, you’ll have homemade vanilla extract that will last for years!
4. Soak fruit in it – Soaking fruit in alcohol is a great way to add flavor to any dish. Whether you’re making a cake or just want to spruce up your breakfast yogurt, soaking fruit in alcohol is a great way to do it. Just be sure to use a fruit that goes well with the alcohol you’re using. For example, soaking cherries in whisky would make a great addition to a cherry pie or black forest cake.
5. Make fruit liqueurs – If you have extra fruits that are about to go bad, why not turn them into delicious liqueurs? This is a great way to use up fruits that are past their prime, and the results are always delicious. There are many different recipes online for making fruit liqueurs, so just pick your favorite fruit and get started!
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up extra alcohol. Whether you’re looking for a new cocktail recipe or just want to find a way to use up some old fruits, these ideas will help you do just that! Cheers!
Recipes
Strawberry Mango Daiquiri Popsicle –
This recipe is a sweet and yummy combination of mango and strawberry daiquiri. This is a wholesome and refreshing take on your favorite alcoholic cocktail.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VGXRDBUIHiI
Wine Popsicles – Alcohol Popsicle Recipe
This is not your usual fruit popsicle recipe. This will give your popsicle experience a new twist. This can also be your new way of enjoying wine.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YWdZsGLBfis
Alcoholic Freeze Pops (Piña Colada)
Are you bored of the usual piña colada cocktail? Why not turn your piña colada into frozen pops? This recipe will teach you how to make it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne8Jv_GYASw
Wrap Up
It’s important to know that not all drinks can be frozen safely without losing their texture or flavor. If your drink has low alcoholic content (like beer and wine), it may freeze easily but won’t maintain its original taste after thawing out. Liquor with a higher alcohol content will stay liquid even when frozen; however, liquor over 40% alcohol should never be put into the freezer because it could burst open if left there too long.