How long does an open bottle last?
Wine, spirits and liqueurs once the cap is off, and how to keep each one tasting right.
In short
- Still wine: 3 to 5 days, corked, in the fridge.
- Sparkling: a day or two with a stopper.
- Spirits: years, kept upright and out of the sun.
- Cream liqueurs: in the fridge, check the label.
Why open bottles change
Air is the enemy of wine, not of spirits.
Once a bottle of wine is open, air starts to change it. In a day it can taste better. After a few days it tastes flat and then sour.
Cold slows that down, which is why open wine, red included, should go in the fridge with the cork back in.
Spirits are strong enough that air barely touches them. An open bottle of gin or whisky tastes the same for years if you keep it sealed, upright and out of the light.
Cream liqueurs are the exception. The cream can spoil, so they belong in the fridge once open.
Make it last longer
Four habits that keep bottles tasting right.
- Cork it straight awayThe less time it sits open, the longer it keeps.
- Fridge, even for redTake red out 20 minutes before you pour.
- Upright for spiritsA dry cap seals better and lasts longer.
- Out of the sunLight and heat flatten wine and spirits alike.
A white worth keeping for later
Fuller whites hold up better once open.
A rich Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay. Its body helps it keep its taste for a few days after opening.
- Grape
- Chardonnay
- Keeps
- About 5 days, corked, in the fridge
- Per glass
- About $7.00
Quick answers
How long does open wine last?
Still wine lasts 3 to 5 days, corked, in the fridge.
Does open red wine go in the fridge?
Yes. Take it out 20 minutes before you pour it.
How long does sparkling wine last once open?
A day or two with a stopper.
Do spirits go off?
Not really. Sealed, upright and out of the sun, they last for years.
Do cream liqueurs go off?
They can. Keep them in the fridge once open and check the label.
Can I drink wine that has been open a week?
It is safe, but it will taste flat. Use it for cooking.
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