How Long Can You Keep an Open Bottle of Liquor?

Hard Liquor

According to TheKitchn.com, the average shelf life for an opened bottle of liquor is six to eight months. Once your liquor has reached that age, especially if you have taken the top off several times, the alcohol begins evaporating and you may notice a flat taste in your favorite drink.

Cream Liqueur

Liquors with cream tend to go bad fairly fast after opening, especially if the bottle is exposed to heat or is kept outside of the refrigerator for an extended period of time. While the liquor may still be fine, there is a chance the cream can go bad after a few months. According to Hotelonline.com, Bailey's Irish Creme is one of the few cream liqueurs that can last several years.

Bottom Line

When deciding whether an opened bottle of liquor in your cabinet may be safe for consumption, use your better judgment. However, keep in mind that pure liquor, such as vodka, rum, gin and whiskey, that have no cream are usually your safest bet when it comes to drinking opened bottles of liquor, according to TheKitchn.com.

References

• The Kitchn: Shelf Life Of Opened Liquor
• Hotel Online: Pitch it or Pour it?