How Long Does Triple Sec Last? Does it Go Bad?

Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that is widely popular around the world.

As people drink it frequently, they store it in their homes in bulk.

While storing these, people get infested in their question of whether they can keep the drink for a prolonged period or do triple sec go bad.

Sometimes people think the beverage will not go bad as it’s a liqueur.

The beverage goes bad if you store this for a longer period; however, the storage period is quite long.

So if you have stored the bottle for an extended period, then be sure to look for bad signs.

What is Triple Sec?

It is a liqueur that is made with the dried peels of Curacao oranges.

This has a robust citrus-like flavor and is relatively inexpensive compared to the other options.

The name of the beverage triple sec is derived from the French word ‘Triple Dry,’ which refers to triple distillation.

The beverage has been mainly popular among French people since the 19th century.

Triple sec is used in making numerous cocktails such as long island iced tea, lemon drop martins, and many others.

The alcohol content present in the beverage ranges from 13% to 15% ABV, but some different variations can also offer higher ABV.

While it’s making, orange peels are soaked in moderate alcohol, and re-distillation is done.

How Long Does Triple Sec Last? Does Triple Sec Go Bad?

If you think about how long one can have it, then it majorly depends on its storage period.

That is because it can be stored for an extended period and can also go bad earlier.

Therefore by offering favorable storing conditions, one can keep triple sec safe for a prolonged period.

Its life is kind of indefinite as it will not cause any damage even if you keep it for a year.

However, the flavor might not be the same after storage as the beverage deteriorates over time.

For an unopened bottle of triple sec, the shelf life is about ten years or more in case of proper storage.

On the other hand, an opened bottle will serve you only for 3 to 4 years that to if stored correctly.

In comparison with other beverages, their shelf life is longer because of their high alcoholic content.

Some people consider the labeled date of the drink as its shelf life; however, that is incorrect.

That is because this date indicates the time period till which the beverage will offer its quality at its peak.

So your drink will be entirely fine to have even after crossing this labeled date.

People who keep the bottle in complete storage can save their beverage from flavor degradation.

How to Tell if Triple Sec Has Gone Bad?

• Discoloration

Before you consume long-stored triple sec, you should look for bad signs to avoid damage.

One noticeable change is discoloration which happens if you increase the storage period of the beverage.

This mostly happens when you store an opened bottle for a prolonged period.

When the content is exposed to air, then the deterioration becomes faster.

• Sniff the Beverage

One can sniff it for finding bad beverages as it is the easiest way to pick out bad triple sec.

You can see if it has a foul odor, as it is a sign of spoilage.

When the beverage is fresh, it offers a pleasant citrus scent.

However, you keep it due to the strong smell of surrounding foods and extended storage.

So if it gives a foul odor after smelling, you should discard it immediately.

• Alteration in Taste

As they will degrade in taste if you store them for a long time, tasting can also be an excellent way to test their freshness.

If there is no odor or discoloration, you can taste it slightly.

In case the beverage has a sweet and strong flavor, then your beverage is fine.

In case, the taste is bitter and flat, it indicates that triple sec has lost its potency.

How to Store Triple Sec?

• Store in a Cool and Dry Area

One needs to keep the beverage store like other liqueur and keep it away from air and moisture.

Selecting a good storage place will keep the content of alcohol intact and increase its shelf life.

For better storage, one needs to keep it in liquor cabinets as they will prevent exposure to air and moisture.

• Keep Away From Sunlight

Some people store these bottles on their kitchen shelves and pantry, but then the beverage deteriorates quickly.

That is because these areas are mostly affected by heat and direct sunlight, and as the drink gets continuous exposure, its quality degrades.

• Seal Tightly After Usage

After using, one should surely seal the bottle tightly to avoid air exposure.

Most of the time, the bottle lid is not sealed, and the drink gets in contact with the outer elements.

Once the lid is opened oxidation process begins, and if the lid is not closed tightly, then the process becomes quicker.

So you should reseal the lid after every use and check it must not contain any openings.

Conclusion

If you notice something unusual in the drink, you can check the above-provided measures to see if the drink is still drinkable.

If the beverage has a slight odor, you should avoid its consumption.

If the bottle is stored beyond its shelf life, you should discard them whether they show bad signs or not.

While storing, the beverage should be kept at a stable temperature to minimize deterioration.