You may not realize it but how you store your beverages is extremely important. Similar to how you want to make sure you properly store your food, how you store your beverages matters. Proper storage varies by which beverage you have and can make all the difference in making your drink last longer. Here are 4 tips to best store your beverages at home:
Wine
Unopened wine can be stored on its side, but storing wine vertically is the best way to prevent oxidation by limiting the surface area of wine the oxygen can interact with. This is especially important once the bottle has been opened. If you don’t intend on finishing a bottle right away consider investing in a replacement bottle cork like a special cork that creates a vacuum seal.
Two other important factors for storing wine are controlling the temperature in which it is stored and how much sunlight it gets. It is best to keep your wine where the temperature and amount of sunlight are relatively consistent. Repeatedly changing the temperature of wine can cause it to change in flavor. Too much light can also cause the wine to age faster. Wine coolers are a great option because you can be sure your wine is being stored at a consistent temperature with UV protection.
The family fridge is constantly being opened and closed, with various foods and beverages being pulled in and out of the fridge. This causes variable humidity and temperatures. Storing your wine in your regular refrigerator for more than a few months can cause your corks to crumble or mold. Another reason is that a separate wine fridge is the best option for wine storage.
Liquor
There are many different types of liquor out there and the best way to store it depends on what type of liquor it is. Unlike wine, which can be stored on its side, liquor is best stored standing up. Storing hard liquor on its side can cause the cork to mix and soak into the liquor causing the alcohol content to diminish over time.
Hard liquor should be stored at room temperature. If you prefer to drink it chilled, chill it right before you plan to drink it. While it may not hurt you to drink warm liquor, storing it in a warm place over time (including in excess sunlight) can cause the alcohol to expand and evaporate more quickly. And who wants that? While hard liquor does last a while, once opened, it will begin to oxidize which over time will result in a decrease in flavor.
Soda
There is nothing worse than opening a new soda, not hearing the fizz sound you’re craving, and realizing it is flat. The best way to store your soda is in steady temperatures, like a room or area of your home where the temperature won’t drastically fluctuate. A cool or dry pantry is one of the best places you can store your soda. If you prefer it cold, chill it in the fridge before serving.
It is also best not to store it in direct sunlight as that can cause some discoloration to the beverage. Once opened, soda is best stored in the fridge for optimal freshness. The key to keeping that delicious fizz sound is making sure the cap is closed very tightly, preventing any air from getting in.
Juices
Whether looking to store juices freshly squeezed at home or store-bought juices, the fridge is your best option. Generally speaking, juices made from fresh ingredients will not last too long. However, juices with higher sugar content can last a bit longer.
Juice is best stored in airtight containers to help them from losing its taste and aroma. Some juices can also be frozen if you need them to last even longer than they do in the fridge. For fresh juices, it is best to store your whole ingredients until you are ready to consume the juice. The best storage place for lemon or lime juice is in the lemon or lime!
Proper Solutions for Each Beverage Type
A well-decorated bar cart looks nice, but is it the best solution for storing your beverages? When determining how to store your beverages, it is important to consider what type of beverage it is, as they all have different storage requirements. Whether wine, liquor, soda, or juice mixers, proper storage can make all the difference in ensuring your beverage stays fresh and delicious!
