Your refrigerator will not only chill the wine down to its ideal drinking temperature, but it will keep it mostly away from light, as the inside of your refrigerator is dark when the doors are closed. Storing bottles horizontally, also called “laying them down,” rather than standing them up, is a very easy yet important step. It will keep the wine inside the bottle in contact with the cork and help prevent it from drying out.
If you’d like something that hides everything away and looks like a piece of furniture, the West Elm Vivien Bar Cabinet is a good investment. For one with a much lower price point, the Bon Augure Industrial Bar Cabinet will add style to any room without breaking the bank. This tall and versatile bar cabinet by Jill Zarin offers ample storage and great overall functionality.
Wines, beers and some liqueurs with lower ABV (below 20%) can freeze which can change their flavour and texture. For example, the freezing process can cause the liquid to expand and break the bottle or compromise the seal. Wines and beers that freeze can also develop ice crystals which can affect the taste and quality.
Typically, wine bottles with corks should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist. However, spirits, beer, and drinks with alternative closures can be stored either way. Evaporation and oxidation can significantly affect the quality of your liquor.
It’s worth noting that colored glass bottles, particularly amber or dark green, provide some natural protection against UV rays. However, this doesn’t mean that they are completely impervious to light damage. Therefore, it’s still important to store them in a dark or low-light environment.
- Always make sure bottles are sealed tight before freezing to avoid mess or contamination.
- Typically, the label should tell you if refrigeration is necessary after opening, but there are other factors to consider when storing alcohol at home.
- Additionally, storing bottles upright can help prevent leaks and spills, as the liquid isn’t in direct contact with the cork or cap.
- Controlling the temperature and humidity levels in your liquor storage area is vital for preserving the quality and flavor of your bottles.
- If you’re after a unique look and want to make a bold statement to your guests, our wooden wine rack will surely tick both boxes.
The Best Alcohol Storage Ideas for Your Home
- The sliding door on this alcohol cabinet makes it ideal for areas where space is limited.
- By following the guidelines and tips presented here, you can ensure that your liquor collection remains in top condition, allowing you to savor each bottle to the fullest extent.
- By storing these bottles upright, you can prevent the sugar from accumulating at the bottom, ensuring a consistent taste and texture.
- These units provide insulation against external heat sources and maintain a consistent and cool environment throughout the year.
When it comes to storing liquor bottles, it is crucial to create the ideal environment that will preserve the flavors and integrity of your favorite spirits. Proper storage not only guarantees the longevity of your liquor but also ensures that it remains in optimal condition for consumption. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or simply someone who enjoys the occasional drink, understanding how to store your liquor bottles can make a significant difference in their quality and taste.
West Elm Vivien Bar Cabinet
Whether you’re a liquor expert or just a lover, wishing for a wine cellar in your home is completely understandable, but of course, not possible for everyone, isn’t it? But that shouldn’t de-motivate any liquor connoisseur to drop the plan of showcasing their beautiful liquor bottles. You can dedicate the entire surface to your liquor display, or mix your bottles with other decorative elements like a vase, sculpture, or stack of books. It’s perfectly fine to chill your gin or tequila in the freezer before you drink it, but the cold temperature won’t extend the alcohol’s shelf life. Unlike white wines and champagne, hard liquor can and should be stored at room temperature (yes, even vodka).
Repurposing An Old Cabinet
The adjacent open shelving is adjustable and fits removable wine racks, allowing you to customize your storage. The wooden top (made of MDF) serves as a drink mixing station as well as an additional surface area to arrange your bar tools and barware or any home decor you would like. All of these factors combined, she adds, make things much easier for hosting, saving you the trips between the kitchen and bar area. Store flammable spirits away from heat sources like fireplaces to prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s safety. Store your rum in a cool, dry place away from strong odors and temperature fluctuations. Avoid storing it in areas like the garage, where fumes and changing temperatures could affect its taste.
Two drawers, which are topped with Carrara marble, are the perfect hiding spot for all your small bar tools. And with 18 cubbies for wine, you can easily store your bottle collection. This farmhouse furniture piece combines functionality and flexibility while coming in at an affordable price. One side is an enclosed cabinet that features mesh metal doors, providing some visibility while also camouflaging what’s inside; a stemware rack makes room for your wine glasses.
Keep Your Spirits Up With BrüMate
But I am suggesting that you turn an unexpected piece of furniture like an entryway table into beverage storage. Whichever you choose, go all out styling the top with your favorite glassware, serving pitchers, and an ice bucket, then utilize the drawer space to hide your less attractive bottles of booze or mixers. Using a piece of furniture in a way other than its intended use is not only a pro move, it also guarantees a one-of-a-kind look that can only be found in your home. If you’re low on space in your home, you may feel like you’re missing out by not being able to incorporate the trendy look of a bar cart. For those with ample glassware, finding a cabinet with hooks allows for bottle space optimization.
In addition to several adjustable shelves and ample wine storage space, the cabinet also offers versatile storage cubbies, perfect for cocktail books, bar accessories, and other booze-focused additions. Choose from mahogany or white to match your decor and simply line up your favorite books and bottles to add a touch of flare to your kitchen, living room, or communal space. No drawers are available or needed with this cabinet, but adult assembly is required. The truth is, though, that “with bottled products, there’s always a little bit of oxygen getting in through the closure, whether it’s a screw top, cork, or beer cap,” says Dr. Waterhouse. That means changes of varying detectability are always invisibly afoot, and oxidative aging and evaporation can happen even to bottles that still have their seals intact.
You should store spirits in the fridge if you prefer them chilled for immediate serving. This is especially true for vodka and gin, as the cold enhances their smoothness. However, for long-term storage, keeping spirits at a cool room temperature is generally best to maintain their quality.
By spirit
By organizing and displaying your liquor bottles with care and creativity, you can turn your collection into a stylish focal point that adds character to your space and makes every drinking experience a visual delight. Furthermore, storing bottles upright can be particularly beneficial for liquor with high sugar content, such as liqueurs. Sugar can settle at the bottom of the bottle over time, causing the liquid to become syrupy. By storing these bottles upright, you can prevent the sugar from accumulating at the bottom, ensuring a consistent taste and texture.
Each spirit has unique storage needs, and alcohol storage understanding these basics is key. This roundup was updated by Vicki Denig, a wine, spirits, and travel journalist who splits her time between New York and Paris. She is the content creator and social media manager for a list of prestigious clients, including Sopexa, Paris Wine Company, Becky Wasserman, Volcanic Selections, Le Du’s Wines, Windmill Wine & Spirits, and Corkbuzz.
You could have the best Scotch in the world, but if your customers can’t see it they won’t order it. There are plenty of beverage storage ideas out there for how to liquor bottle display. Beautifully crafted cabinets, sideboards, and bar carts can become eye-catching and permanent features of your home all year round. Since alcohol should be stored out of direct sunlight and at room temperature, a practical storage solution for your wine and spirits is always essential.
Day Drinking Snacks: Squash and Goat Cheese Spread
High temperatures can cause the spirit to expand and contract, potentially leading to leaks or even breakage of the bottle. Investing in a wine cooler, cellar, or dedicated storage unit with temperature controls can help regulate the environment. Best practices for storing wine don’t necessarily apply to that premium bottle of tequila. Not only does this liquor cabinet safely store all your alcohol, it doubles as stylish wall decor wherever you hang it. Follow these tips and you’ll never have to worry about your wine falling flat, whether you’re opening a bottle for tonight’s casserole, next week, or a few years down the line.
Refrigeration isn’t necessary for preserving unopened spirits due to their high alcohol content. Think of this Art Deco-inspired Crate and Barrel piece as the hybrid corner bar cabinet you didn’t know you needed (until now, that is). It’s more expensive and doesn’t have as much storage space as some others on the list, but it’s the ideal piece when you have narrow, limited space. Instead, the question of whether alcohol “goes bad” really boils down to a matter of taste.