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If you still drink (I'm about 5 years without any booze) where do you keep your booze at? Back in the day I would keep it on top of the fridge for easy access for when friends came over to hang before we went out for the evening.
Then, I had the same thought that most people do. "I should put this in the freezer for next time." But what happens to your booze when you stick it in there?
So what's so bad about sticking your drinks in the freezer? They shouldn't freeze right? Spirits aren't safe either, with most losing flavor if kept too cold. As one pro put it, “the freezer is not your liquor cabinet.” So here's what happens:
Gin:
colder temperatures can mask aromas and flavors, especially all those delicate citrus and floral notes. Your best bet? Stick to room temp or cool it off in the fridge.
Tequila:
Tequila may bring the heat, but it doesn’t love the cold. Tequila loses its bright citrusy notes when frozen…and honestly, why dull that sparkle? While it won’t turn into a popsicle, the chill zaps its vibe and flattens its flavor. Keep it cozy at room temps instead.
Brown Spirits aka Cognac, Rum, Whiskey:
Brown spirits tend to cloud when frozen, chilling them too much will make it generally lose some of the tasting notes in them at ice-cold temperatures. Bottom shelf might survive the cold, but high-end bottles deserve better. Let those nuanced flavors shine!
So you can't freeze your spirits....but some you can
Vodka: Vodka is that chill bestie who actually thrives in the cold. Storing it in the freezer allows for a smoother feel on the palate and its neutral taste makes it a freezer-friendly pick. Just know you might miss out on some subtle notes if you’re into sipping it straight.
Some Batched Cocktails: Freezing your fave spirit-forward batched cocktails? Go for it! It’s perfect for Martinis since it chills fast “without worrying about over-dilution. Wet Martinis and Manhattans hold up best, but skip it if syrups are involved…nobody wants a separated Old Fashioned.
Freezing your booze isn’t a deal breaker, (I just heard you say thank god lol" especially when it might be a conversation starter for all of the wrong reasons. If you want to serve spirits cold without compromising flavor or viscosity, a refrigerator or wine chiller is ideal. Want to avoid watering things down? Used a chilled glass or a slow melting cube, whiskey stones?
Whatever you do, enjoy it responsibly. Always use a ride service to get you home safe.