Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Lydia Martin
You only need a glass and an authentic bottle to enjoy sipping tequila and to savor its exquisite taste. However, there are times, especially when it’s too hot, that you might want to sip a cold tequila. But, can tequila freeze?
Our team conducted an experiment to know the answer. If you are curious about what we have discovered, keep reading!
Can Tequila Really Freeze?
Yes, tequila can be frozen but not a solid freeze. However, it requires a very cold or low temperature to be chilled. A typical freezer at home is incapable of doing this feat. Tequila is tough to freeze since it is normally 40% alcohol by volume, containing high alcohol content.
In contrast, other common distilled spirits like beer and wine freeze inside the freezer if left for a long time. It is because they have lower alcohol content and more water content. According to spruce eats, low-proof alcohol freezes because it contains low alcohol content.
The water’s freezing point is 0° Fahrenheit. Therefore, a 15% alcohol freeze. Even a 30% alcohol freeze but not solid freeze.
What Happens When You Put Tequila In The Freezer
Difficult To Smell
Putting strong spirits in the freezer can cause slight changes in their taste and aroma. It will be too difficult to smell their scent because they are too cold. Don’t put good tequila in the fridge, or it’ll become a garbage tequila since its quality is degraded.
You want a high-quality tequila to be room temperature so you can obtain the scents and components tequila is built of when you’re drinking tequila or vodka from glass bottles.
Also Read:
Increased Liquid Viscosity
Putting any alcohol like vodka in the freezer offers several advantages. The viscosity (thickness) of liquid increases as the temperature lowers [1]. At low temperatures, the solubility of air gases increases. This is why you’ve seen people drinking tequila produce bubbles in their glasses or bottle when it heats up.
However, there’s no study or proof that freezing alcohol like vodka, tequila, and gin at freezer temperatures has any long-term impact on the liquid within the bottle.
Will Freezing Tequila Affect Its Taste?
Yes, freezing tequila can somehow affect its taste and aroma. Freezing is a bad idea because the tequila’s flavor components are volatile. When we did an experiment, we noticed that freezing tequila ruined some of its flavors. It caused the natural aromatics that contribute to the flavor to be blunted or degraded. As a result, its quality and shelf life decreases.
Unlike other shelf-stable spirits, tequila would be richer and tastier if you drink it at room temperature or in a relatively cool place. A cool place preserves your bottle of tequila longer. You can use ice instead to taste and appreciate your tequila colder. But, does tequila go bad?
How Long Will It Take To Freeze Tequila?
Tequila might take a few hours to freeze. A regular freezer can’t freeze an average bottle of 80 proof liquor like gin, whiskey, vodka, and tequila. The required freezing temperatures to freeze hard liquor is -10 F to -17 F.
On the other hand, low-proof liquors like beer and wine can be cold in a regular fridge. Pure ethanol alcohol requires -173° F while water freezes at a 32° F freezing point and melts at a melting point of 32° F.
Beer and wine freeze because they have a lower alcohol content than some alcohol. If you put a white wine or warm beer in the freezer for a quick chill, it will be ready to drink in no time.
Is It Okay To Put Tequila In The Freezer?
Yes, it is okay to put tequila in the freezer, but it’s not ideal. True fans do not refrigerate tequila or vodka. You will be unable to detect tequila because it has a too low temperature or too cold. When you store tequila in a freezer, it can slightly change the flavors and aromas inside the tequila.
Whether hard alcohol like vodka is still sealed or opened, there is absolutely no need to chill or freeze it. Mild alcohols like beer and wine and most liquors like Pimms and St. Germain are perfectly safe at room temperature.
When taking a small sip in a bottle of tequila, it should be served at room temperature to preserve the spirit’s smell, components, and shelf life. Keeping liquor at room temp is the general rule for storing alcohol, not freezer temperatures.
Will Tequila Freeze In A Popsicle?
Yes, tequila will freeze in a popsicle. The melting point of water is at 32° F [2]. The popsicle will freeze since the juice has a lower freezing point than the tequila, and the recipe reduces the tequila content. People drink tequila straight as if it tastes like fine wine.
You can try pairing it with some tequila popsicles recipes and with other liquors as well if you want a sudden cold shot and something extra to drink. Be creative in making your drinking experience better. But, how many tequila shots will get you drunk?
Popular Tequila Popsicle Recipes
Tequila Lime Boozy Pops
Ingredients:
- Ten thin slices of cucumber
- Ten slices of lime
- 1/2 cups silver tequila
- 2 ½ cups limeade
- Tijan spice to taste
Directions:
Put lime and cucumber in each ice pop mold. Pour limeade and tequila into ice molds and insert wooden sticks. Then freeze overnight. Remove the mold from the freezer and use a butter knife to lift the cover. Serve with Tijan spice.
Tequila Sunrise Freezer Pops
Ingredients:
- 10 stemless maraschino cherries
- Five fl. oz. Blanco or silver tequila
- 27.5 fl. oz. orange juice
- One teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Pure Orange Extract
- 10, 3-ounce freezer pop bags
- 2 1/2 tablespoons grenadine
Directions:
Mix the pineapple juice, tequila, and lime juice in a large liquid measuring cup. Then, fill dixie cups to 3/4 full, then put one teaspoon grenadine into each mold. Create a slit in the middle of each lime slice with a paring knife, then insert the stick. Leave for 4 hours in the freezer.
Tequila Sunset Freezer Pops
Ingredients:
- Stemless Maraschino Cherry
- Grenadine
- Orange juice
- Tequila
Directions:
Combine orange juice and tequila in a mixing bowl, then pour into frozen pop bags. Freeze for 4-5 hours after sealing. Place one Maraschino cherry in each bag once frozen, then fill up to the line with grenadine. Return to the freezer and freeze for at least another 1-2 hours.
Margarita Freeze Pops
Ingredients:
- a half-cup of tequila
- 6 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- a quarter cup of coarse kosher salt
- Six unwrapped frozen lime-flavored ice pops or fruit bars
Directions:
Mix limeade, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec altogether. Fill the freeze pop bag to the line using your small funnel. Leave for at least 4-6 hours in the fridge, and you’re ready to serve.
FAQs
Is it bad to freeze and unfreeze tequila?
Yes, it is bad to freeze and unfreeze tequila. However, unfreezing it could have a minimal effect on the spirit. As you defrost your tequila and open the bottle, you will notice ice crystals. The air that enters the bottle and the evaporation degrade tequila’s quality.
At what temperature does tequila freeze?
The temperature that tequila freezes is around -100 to -170 F. As previously stated, to freeze liquor, the freezing point should be -100 to -117° F. Your average home freezer is set at about 0° F, while a deep industrial freeze only goes to approximately -50° F.
Does freezing tequila make it stronger?
No, freezing tequila does not make it stronger. There are no studies that freezing tequila could make it stronger. However, freezing alcohol like wine and beer could happen. As beer and wine freezes, it can increase the alcohol level slightly.
Can tequila go in the freezer?
Yes, tequila can go in the freezer, and many people choose to store it there for a chilled and refreshing experience.
However, it’s important to note that placing tequila in the freezer may affect its texture and potentially mute some of its flavors. This is more common with lower-quality tequilas, as high-quality ones are often designed to maintain their character even at colder temperatures.
Can you freeze Jose Cuervo tequila?
While you can technically freeze Jose Cuervo tequila, it’s essential to consider the quality of the tequila and your personal preferences.
Freezing may alter the texture and mask some flavors, so it’s recommended to try it with a small amount first. Higher-quality tequilas may retain their characteristics better when chilled.
Should tequila be chilled?
Whether tequila should be chilled depends on personal preference.
Some enjoy sipping tequila at room temperature to fully appreciate its complexity, while others prefer it chilled for a smoother and more refreshing experience.
It’s advisable to experiment and find the serving temperature that suits your taste.
Does vodka or tequila freeze?
Both vodka and tequila have relatively low freezing points due to their alcohol content. In a typical home freezer, they are unlikely to freeze. However, some of the water content in mixers or flavored varieties may freeze at extremely low temperatures.
Why do people put tequila in the freezer?
People put tequila in the freezer for a few reasons. Chilling tequila can mellow its flavors and provide a smoother drinking experience. Additionally, serving tequila cold can be appealing, especially for those who enjoy a crisp and refreshing sip. It’s a matter of personal preference and the desire for a different sensory experience.
Can I keep my tequila in the fridge?
While it’s not necessary to keep tequila in the fridge, storing it there is acceptable if you prefer a consistently chilled temperature.
Just like with the freezer, be mindful that prolonged refrigeration may affect the texture and flavor profile of the tequila.
Does tequila expire?
Tequila does not expire, but its quality can be affected over time, especially if the bottle is opened. Exposure to air and light may lead to oxidation, causing changes in flavor.
Unopened bottles of tequila can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place.
Can vodka go in the freezer?
Yes, vodka can go in the freezer, and many people prefer to store it there. Chilling vodka can enhance its smoothness and reduce the perception of alcohol burn.
As with tequila, higher-quality vodkas often maintain their characteristics when chilled.
Does tequila have sugar?
Tequila is generally low in sugar, as it is distilled from fermented agave juice. However, some flavored or aged tequilas may have trace amounts of residual sugars.
It’s essential to check the specific product if you are monitoring sugar intake.
How does tequila not freeze?
The alcohol content in tequila is the primary factor preventing it from freezing at typical home freezer temperatures.
The freezing point of alcohol is lower than that of water, so even at sub-zero temperatures, tequila remains in liquid form.
Is cold tequila better?
Whether cold tequila is better is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Chilling tequila can mute some flavors and provide a smoother experience, which some people find appealing.
However, others may prefer to enjoy tequila at room temperature to fully savor its complexity and nuances. Experimenting with different serving temperatures can help determine what suits your taste best.
Can Tequila Freeze Summary
In a nutshell, tequila can be frozen but not completely. Tequila is an agave-plant-based and is 80 proof liquor that includes a lot of ethanol. Thus, it has to be kept in the freezer at a temperature of -10 to -17 degrees Fahrenheit. Hard liquors can’t freeze easily, unlike mild alcohols. A 15% alcohol freeze as it contains low alcohol.
It is not advisable to freeze alcoholic drinks. If you want your drink to be cold, you may use ice instead. To preserve the liquor’s kick and taste, store them in cool places.
References:
- https://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/viscosity.html
- https://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch14/melting.php
