I’ve tried crafting different cocktails, so I know that the quality of the ingredients can make or break a drink.
Since club soda is one of the most frequently used ingredients in cocktails, you’ve probably wondered, “How long does club soda last?” Well, looking at the EXP date is the most convenient way to check for information. Coke, mountain dew which are good chasers or mixers are beverages with artificial sugar or artificial sweetener, which is why they expire. Hence, having knowledge of its shelf life helps you know whether it’s still good for use.
Keep reading to know more about this carbonated beverage, including its shelf life and how to make it last longer!
How long does soda last? Well, it depend on its storage condition: opened or unopened club soda.
Unopened club soda (or any unopened sparkling water) can last at its best quality for nine months past its manufacture date – at room temperature.
“Unopened club soda: safe to drink, open possibilities, and endless mixology adventures.” – Liquor Laboratory
Opened cans or bottles generally stay good for 1-2 days only. Once opened, it starts to lose its carbonation and eventually flavor, particularly if stored at room temperature.
Cub Soda’s Shelf Life
Opened Club Soda
An opened bottle of club soda (or soda water) retains its effervescence for about 1-2 days. While soft drinks remain safe to consume beyond this point, don’t expect them to be of their best quality.
Unopened Club Soda
Unopened club soda (or unopened diet sodas) have a significantly longer shelf life.
If stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, unopened club soda can last up to 9 months past its manufacture date, at room temperature, and 12-18 months when refrigerated.
While it may not be as fizzy as when you first bought it, it’s still perfectly safe to consume.
Refrigerated Club Soda
Refrigerating your carbonated water, whether opened or unopened, helps extend its lifespan. The colder temperatures slow the release of carbonic acid, keeping the bubbles intact.
- Unopened club soda can stay good for 12-18 months if properly stored in the fridge.
- If an opened bottle of club soda is continuously refrigerated, it can stay good for up to 3-5 days.
Does Club Soda Expire?
Yes, opened and unopened club soda does expire. Typically, it has an expiration date stamped on the aluminum cans or bottles. This expiration date is more about quality purposes than safety.
Over time, club soda loses its fizz and becomes flat faster, rendering it less enjoyable to drink. However, it will remain safe because it doesn’t truly expire in the sense that it becomes not safe to drink.
If an unopened club soda develop an off odor or taste, and if the unopened club soda’s color is unusual, it must be discarded right away.
So, I suggest drinking the club soda (or consume unopened diet sodas) before the date expires.
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Is It Safe To Drink Expired Club Soda?
Yes, it’s generally safe to drink club soda that has passed its expiration date as long as it’s stored properly. Club soda, like regular sodas, doesn’t go bad in the same way that perishable foods do.
It can generally stay good or safe to drink past its expiration date [1], particularly commercially bottled sodas or soft drinks.
“I looked down into my glass. It held club soda, but the way I was gazing into it you’d have thought it was filled with something stronger.” – Lawrence Block, American Crime Writer
However, drinking an expired club soda (even regular sodas and diet sodas) isn’t recommended. Although they’re safe to drink, they’re not of their best quality, which can trigger health risk.
How Do You Extend Its Shelf Life?
- Whether opened or unopened club soda, make sure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent fizz from escaping.
- Store club sodas (in plastic bottles or cans) in the fridge to preserve their fizz and flavor longer.
- Keep your unopened club soda safe to drink by avoiding extreme temperature changes during storage times, as this can speed up the loss of fizz.
- Once you open a bottle or cans of club soda, use it within a couple of days to enjoy it at its best quality. If the unopened club soda’s color changes or develops an off odor and flavor, discard it.
- If you’re buying club sodas at convenience stores, ensure the bottle or can is not severely dented for quality purposes.
FAQs
How do you keep club soda fresh?
To maintain the freshness of club soda, diet coke or Coca Cola, it’s crucial to seal the container tightly after opening, preferably with its original cap or a bottle stopper. Storing it in the refrigerator slows down the loss of carbonation, so make sure it’s kept cold. Using airtight containers or transferring the soda to a vacuum-sealed bottle also helps. Minimize exposure to air by pouring quickly and closing the container promptly. Additionally, store the soda upright to reduce surface area exposure. Avoid vigorous shaking, as it can release carbon dioxide and hasten the soda going flat. Lastly, try to consume club soda within a few days to a week of opening for the best taste and fizz.
Does club soda go flat after opening?
Yes, club soda does go flat after opening. This is because it contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which escapes over time once the bottle or can is opened. Exposure to air and temperature changes accelerates this process. However, proper storage techniques like sealing the container tightly, refrigerating it, and minimizing exposure to air can help slow down the loss of carbonation and prolong its fizziness.
Is it OK to drink straight club soda?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to drink straight club soda. Drinking club soda straight may seem unconventional, but for some, it’s as fine a choice as milk or pop, offering a refreshing answer to thirst Club soda is essentially carbonated water with added minerals for flavor. It contains no calories, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, making it a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or juices. Drinking straight club soda can be refreshing on its own, especially when served chilled with a slice of lemon or lime. It’s also a versatile mixer for cocktails or mocktails, adding effervescence without altering the drink’s flavor profile.
How often should you drink club soda?
The frequency of drinking club soda depends on individual preferences and dietary considerations. Since club soda contains no calories or sugar, it can be consumed daily as part of a balanced diet and hydration routine. However, excessive consumption may lead to bloating or discomfort due to the carbonation. It’s essential to listen to your body and moderate your intake accordingly. Incorporating club soda into your hydration regimen or using it as a substitute for sugary drinks can be a healthier choice, but it’s essential to vary your beverage choices for overall dietary balance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how long club sodas last and how to extend their shelf life can help maximize your home bar.
Don’t wait for an unopened club soda develop an off odor, it will only generally stay good nine months after the manufacturing date and remain safe past its expiration date as long as it’s properly stored.
While opened club soda last for only about 1-2 days, up to 3-5 days if properly stored in the fridge to help maximize its flavor and fizz.
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