We’ve had some leftover wine from the holidays, plus a lot of people have given us wine as gifts. I would like to use them for some of my recipes, and some for drinking. I’m pretty sure that unopened wine has a long shelf-life and that storing it would not really be a problem, but can I freeze leftover wine for safekeeping?
Wine is a good addition to a lot of recipes, and storing it isn’t really a problem if it is unopened.
Freezing wine is okay but this process is usually recommended if you intend to use the wine for cooking. Frozen wine won’t really be as good for drinking as counter-kept ones. It would turn into something like a slushie (unless you like it that way). Frozen or not, wine can go bad if you do not seal it well. Freezing wine for your recipes is fine. Just make sure not to freeze it in the bottle.
Can You Freeze Wine?
Freezing wine for cooking is a good way to keep it fresh. Freezing it can slightly change its flavor but it is usually undetectable and is perfectly fine.
Take note that you must not freeze wine in a bottle. Just like all other liquids, freezing wine can cause it to expand, and keeping it in the bottle can lead to it breaking.
You do not need to worry about thawing frozen wine for cooking. All you have to do is add it to the dish and it will melt naturally.
Unopened wine can last for years in the pantry while opened ones can be stored for months. Keeping it for long when it has already been opened might cause the wine to taste “vinegary.”
You can tell when the wine has gone bad even before it is opened. If it has a leaky cork or if it changes color, it is best not to use it.
It is ideal to store wine in a wine cellar but since most of us do not have this, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dark, and humid environment.
How to Freeze Wine?
Freezing wine is as easy as making ice cubes with a few additional steps. However, wine takes quite a longer time to freeze than water because of its alcohol content. It is best to leave it in the freezer for 24 hours or more to ensure it has completely frozen.
- Spill your wine in an ice cube tray. It is highly recommended to know the volume of the cubes first so that you can estimate the amount you need to spill on each compartment that will be enough for your recipes.
- If you want to freeze larger servings, you can use muffin tins instead. Make sure they are freezable.
- Once the tray is filled, gently wrap it with some plastic wrap. Lightly press down on the compartments to seal each of them well.
- Put the tray in the freezer. Again, take note that wine does not freeze as quickly as ice cubes.
- When you are ready to use the wine cubes, toss them directly into the pan while cooking. No other thawing method is needed.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Wine?
Wine is a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra wine? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover wine:
1. Make a Sangria – Sangria is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for summer gatherings. To make sangria, you will need 1 bottle of red wine, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of lemonade, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 pound of fresh fruit. Simply combine all ingredients except for the fruit in a large pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the fruit and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice and enjoy!
2. Make a wine sauce – Wine sauce is a great way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. To make a wine sauce, simply cook down 1/2 cup of wine with 1/4 cup of chicken or beef broth until the liquid is reduced by half. Then, add in your favorite herbs and spices and use it to top your favorite dish.
3. Cook with it – Wine can also be used as an ingredient in many recipes. Try using it to deglaze a pan, or add it to stews and soups for added flavor.
4. Make a wine slushie – A wine slushie is the perfect summertime treat. To make a wine slushie, simply combine 1 bottle of white wine, 1 cup of frozen grapes, and 1 cup of ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
5. Make fruit wine – Fruit wine is a great way to use up leftover wine. To make fruit wine, simply combine 1 quart of water, 2 pounds of sugar, 1/2 pound of raisins, and 1/2 pound of any other type of fruit in a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 gallon of red or white wine. Stir well and pour into bottles. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 6 months before enjoying.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover wine. Next time you find yourself with extra wine, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Wine Recipes
Try recreating this Drunken Mussels Recipe made up of mussels steamed in a garlic, lemon & wine broth. Here’s the recipe:
Are hot chocolate and red wine your favorite drinks? Mix them together to make the perfect drink for winter. See the recipe here:
This white wine chicken is a delicious and flavorful meal that everyone will surely love. Check out the recipe here:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze wine, but it is better to drink fresh wine. Wine which is kept in a freezer does not taste as good as when it is served chilled (at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Here are some steps you can take in order to freeze wine: remove the cork, transfer the bottle in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out all of the air you possibly can, close the freezer bag tightly, and put it back in the freezer. To thaw the wine, leave it in the fridge overnight and serve chilled.
Now that you have learned how to freeze wine, I would love to know your experience with it. Please leave a comment below!