Some of us just can't get enough of limoncello. We want to have the lemon liqueur on stock for those times we need a refreshing drink to help us in digesting the filling meals we've just devoured. But can we put it in the freezer and how long will it last in there? We've asked the liquor experts and we're sharing their responses with you.
Limoncello doesn't need to be frozen to extend its shelf life. It'll do perfectly well in room temp. But there's no harm in putting it in the freezer if you've got the space for your liquor stock. Either way, limoncello will last for up to 2 years. If you have homemade limoncello, it'll stay good in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Hang on to know more about limoncello's shelf life, what happens to this lemon drink when frozen, and how to store it properly so that you'll always be able to enjoy its sweet lemon taste.
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How long can you freeze Limoncello?
Limoncello is a favorite drink among many people because of its refreshing, citrusy, and sweet taste. It is made from the zest of lemons then mixed with syrup and vodka to give this liqueur its distinct flavor. You can serve it neat and chilled or use it to level up the flavors of your cocktails and martinis.
If you want to stock up on these lemon drinks and you're thinking of putting them in the freezer, liquor experts say that commercially made limoncello will last in the freezer for up to 2 years while homemade versions of this drink will stay good for up to 12 months. This is as long as your Limoncello is properly sealed. If it's not secured with a stopper, it will lose its flavor and won't be a delight to drink anymore.
Should limoncello be kept in the freezer?
Limoncello is best served chilled that's why it's understandable why some people would like to keep it in the freezer. But producers of this well-loved liqueur drink say that there's no need to keep it in the freezer to extend its shelf life. It contains some preservatives which will make the drink last longer even when kept only at room temperature.
Having said this, it's best to keep your lemon liqueur in your pantry so better make room if you want to stock up on these lemon drinks. When you plan to serve your bottles of limoncello after dinner, you can put them in the freezer several hours prior so you can serve them chilled.
But this doesn't mean that you can't keep your limoncello in the freezer. Take note that those types of liquor with a proof of 100 or higher can be kept in the freezer and they won't totally freeze into a solid block of liquor drink. This makes them ready for serving anytime the need arises.
What happens to limoncello when it freezes?
This lemon liqueur, which is originally sourced all the way from South Italy, has an average alcohol content of 24% to 32%. We all know that alcohol has a lower freezing point than water. The temperature when alcohol would freeze would depend on its proof or concentration. The higher the proof of alcohol, the lower the freezing point.
Liquor experts say that limoncello can stay in the freezer for 1 to 2 years. This is true especially for those drinks with a minimum of 100 proof. At this level, this lemon liqueur will not turn rock solid when frozen. The high alcohol content won't allow it to achieve that state. It'll just turn into a slushy consistency which makes it still good to drink any time.
However, if you put limoncello with 80 proof or lower in the freezer, your drink will likely turn into ice because of the lower concentration of alcohol. But when the proof is 150 or higher, it will stay in its liquid form all throughout, which is perfect for this drink.
Does limoncello go bad in the freezer?
Limoncello has preservatives that will help it retain its top quality. The alcohol content also inhibits the growth of any harmful bacteria. There's no harm in putting them in the freezer for those drinks with a proof of 100 or higher.
As mentioned earlier, liquor types with 100 proof will change their consistency similar to that of slush drinks while those that have higher proof will be able to maintain their liquid state.
If stored properly in the freezer, limoncello can stay good in the freezer for 1 to 2 years. But of course, it is still best to consume these drinks within a reasonable period as they might lose their distinct lemon flavor and scent over time.
Does limoncello go bad if unopened?
Alcohol is a good preservative in and of itself. Plus, commercially-bought limoncellos contain other preservatives to extend their shelf life.
This means you can be assured that this bottled lemon liqueur won't necessarily go bad if unopened. But manufacturers recommend that you consume their drinks within 2 years so that you can enjoy them at their best quality. Like other drinks, they are bound to lose their flavor over time. Some say that beyond 2 years, limoncello would still be safe to drink but you'll find it lacking in taste.
How To Prepare homemade limoncello
Classified as a digestif liqueur with the lemon essential oils that help improve one's digestion, limoncello is perfect, especially after chomping down a rather big serving of grilled steak with rice. That's why it's always good to have a bottle or two on hand to savor after dinner.
There are some people who prefer to make their own version of this lemon drink so that they can manage its alcohol content and get the flavor they desire. Homemade limoncello can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 months. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can put it in the freezer where it'll last for 12 months. Make sure that you store it in an airtight bottle to seal its flavor and quality.
For those interested, here's how to make your own lemon liqueur at home:
- Prepare 10 whole lemons, 1 liter vodka, 3 cups white sugar, and 4 cups water.
- Zest each lemon, and secure lemon zest in a large jar.
- Pour in vodka. Now seal the jar loosely until the mixture sits for 1 week.
- After 1 week, make the syrup by combining water and sugar in a pan. Boil for 15 minutes but do not stir the mixture.
- After the syrup has cooled down, stir it with the vodka mixture.
- Put it in easy cap bottles and cover each tightly with a cork or silicone stopper.
- Let your bottles of homemade limoncello sit at room temperature for 2 weeks to age the liqueur.
- After 2 weeks, you can put them inside the freezer.
Enjoy your homemade limoncello well chilled from the freezer. Cheers!
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Final Thoughts
Go ahead and stock up on this refreshingly sweet and citrusy digestif liqueur. You can store your limoncello in the freezer or at room temperature. Either way, they have a long shelf life. This will save you numerous trips to the liquor store and you'll be assured that you always have your favorite drink to help you in digesting those heavy dinners before you go to bed.
