Expiration & Storage Tips
When does orange liqueur expire?
Unopened, you can expect your orange liqueur to retain its flavor and quality for around 3 to 4 years. The printed date on the package is more often a guideline for the peak flavor rather than its expiration. Once the bottle is opened, your orange liqueur should be fine for about 1-2 years if stored properly. Due to its high alcohol content, it is not typically subject to spoilage through bacterial growth, like other types of food or drink. Freezing is generally not required or recommended, as it can dilute the flavor of the liqueur.
How do you tell if orange liqueur is bad?
Identifying a bad liqueur is usually reliant on your senses. If the liqueur gives off an unusual or off-smell, that can be a sign its quality has diminished. For orange liqueur, you should be pointing towards notes of citrus, sweet and bitter. Any strong sour or pungent smell can indicate that it's time to replace your bottle. As it's largely transparent, any cloudiness or floating particles in the liqueur could also be a sign it has gone bad. Taste also plays a key role in recognising spoilage. If the flavor seems overly bitter, sour or simply off, it might have turned bad.
Tips for storing orange liqueur to extend shelf life
• Store your orange liqueur in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or liquor cabinet, away from any direct light or heat sources.
• Once opened, always ensure the lid is tightly sealed after each use to prevent any exposure to air, which could contribute to a loss of flavor over time.
• Try not to open and close the bottle too frequently, as exposure to air could degrade the quality of the liqueur.
• Avoid refrigeration unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise, as this can also degrade the quality of the liqueur.
• Remember to always keep the bottle in an upright position, even when not in use.