Whether you are an entertainer who loves a well-stocked bar for hosting parties, or you have accumulated a collection of gifted bottles over time, proper storage is vital to preserving the look, taste, and alcohol content of your favorite liquors.
With the exception of wine and a few liqueurs, alcohol doesn't spoil. But the taste and quality of the liquor can deteriorate over time if it is kept in substandard conditions. There are also safety concerns to keep in mind when storing alcohol, especially with children in the house.
A good liquor cabinet can ensure your spirits and liqueurs are stored safely and correctly. If you are looking for inspiration for your liquor storage solutions, there is a huge assortment of liquor cabinets available at Foter.com.
Ensure your liquor collection is secure and maintains its quality with these five safety tips.
Store Out of Direct Sunlight
While it may look stylish to display your bar essentials on a console by a window, the direct sunlight might compromise the aroma or taste of your beverage. UV rays won't affect the alcohol content of the liquor, but it does bleach the color from dark spirits, like rum and whiskey, which can affect the flavor of liquor and deteriorate its aromatic compounds.
Store your bottles in a corner bar or enclosed in a solid front liquor cabinet away from direct sunlight to keep your alcohol as flavorsome as possible.
Keep at Room Temperature
Heat can cause common distilled spirits, such as vodka, rum, and whiskey, to oxidize, which consequently evaporates part of the alcohol. This can mean that your liquors may have lower alcohol contents than before if they are stored for prolonged periods at a high temperature.
The recommended temperature for storing spirits and liqueurs is between 55-60℉, which is slightly lower than room temperature. This range limits oxidation and allows you to taste the full range of aromas present in the spirit. There is no need to refrigerate your alcohol after opening, with the exception of vermouth, because it is a fortified wine.
Many people believe that vodka is best served chilled from the freezer. For cheap, low-quality vodkas, this can be a good way to mask the burning sensation caused by ethanol. But freezing top-shelf vodkas can stop you from enjoying the subtle, sophisticated flavors.
A bar cabinet with a mini-fridge and freezer enables you to store all your bar essentials at the right temperature and supplies room for mixers, ice, and chilling glasses.
Use a Lockable Liquor Cabinet
Responsible drinking habits start at home. Alcohol-related injuries and poisoning are one of the leading causes of hospitalization for children. If you have children in the house, it is important to store your liquor collection out of reach, preferably locked away, to prevent young kids from innocently drinking from the brightly colored bottles.
A lockable bar cabinet keeps your liquors out of reach. You can find liquor cabinets that have a lockable bottle storage space underneath with an open hutch on top for storing stemware and bar equipment. Or choose a fully lockable cabinet to safely store your prized china and glasses along with your collection of top-shelf liquors.
Stand Bottles Vertically
Many top-shelf liquor bottles are sealed with a cork to reduce the amount of air in the bottle. Storing these bottles on their side in a cramped bar cabinet or refrigerator can cause a reaction between the cork and the liquid, giving the liquor a moldy aroma.
To ensure you always have enough room to keep your bottles stored properly, purchase a liquor cabinet with adjustable shelving to accommodate bottles of all sizes.
Drink the Last Drop
In case you need another reason to finish off the bottle, distillers recommend that you don't leave small amounts of liquor left in the bottom, as they are more prone to oxidation.
After opening a bottle of liquor, experts recommended that you consume it within six months to preserve the flavor. Cream-flavored liqueurs like Baileys Irish Cream should be thrown away if you haven't finished the bottle twelve months after it has been opened.
You can use the last drams of alcohol in the bottle to create a delicious punch recipe to share with guests. If you routinely have trouble finishing off your bottles, consider buying fewer varieties or smaller bottles of spirits.
Final Thoughts
Safety and quality are of the highest importance when it comes to storing your liquor collection. Make sure your favorite alcoholic drinks always taste great and are only accessible to people over 21 by storing them in a sturdy, lockable bar cabinet.
Chloe Hughes
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
