How Long Does Peach Schnapps Last? Shelf Life Guide (2023)
Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Peach schnapps is a key ingredient for people who prefer cocktails like Peach Cosmopolitan and White Carnation. But what happens when you open a peach schnapps bottle only to find it lingering on the shelf but not fully used?
Despite my usual experimentation with unique drinks and cocktails, I also find an occasional opened bottle of schnapps with its remaining content.
So how long does peach schnapps last? What are the ways to extend its shelf-life? Read on to find out.
How Long Does Peach Schnapps Stay Good?
Peach schnapps stay good for about two years if unopened and stored properly. As a form of liqueur, you may need to discard open bottles because they may go bad or become undrinkable after 18 months [1].
“On the flip side, a higher-proof liqueur contains more alcohol, which should protect it for a little longer than lower-proof liqueurs.” – Colleen Graham, Cocktail Book Author
We advise you to drink opened schnapps within the next six months. It is ideal to refrigerate peach schnapps to ensure it remains a sweet drink you can add to your cocktails.
Read: How Long Will Triple Sec Last?
What Is The Shelf Life Of Schnapps?
Opened
Opened schnapps can last 6 to 18 months, depending on the storage condition and how much is left in the bottle. Once a bottle is opened, the contents evaporate slowly, causing the schnapps to lose flavor.
If the remaining schnapps are about 75% of the bottle, ensure it’s closed tightly and properly stored.
But if the remaining is less than 50%, we suggest you drink peach schnapps immediately because the remaining liquid will surely get bad faster.
Unopened
Commercially bottled, unopened schnapps have a maximum shelf-life of two years, assuming proper storage conditions. That is if you place your unopened bottle in a cool, dark place away from extreme sunlight or temperature fluctuations.
You can refrigerate peach schnapps to extend their shelf-life, especially if you are in a warm location. However, we suggest you use your schnapps immediately because they won’t have a similar taste after a long time.
You can have straight schnapps, but they also go well with ingredients like lemon or orange juice.
Does It Go Bad?
Yes, like other similar alcoholic drinks, peach schnapps go bad if not properly stored or if only a small amount is left in the bottle. Generally, schnapps remain safe, but the quality and taste will be off.
Peach schnapps are made with neutral grain spirit, fruit syrups, or other flavors. It typically contains alcohol between 15 and 20% ABV, making it have a more stable shelf-life than drinks with lower alcohol content.
However, out-of-date peach schnapps will lose their vibrant taste over time. But what do you mix with Peach Schnapps?
How To Tell If Peach Schnapps Has Gone Bad
You can tell it has already gone bad if old schnapps develop an off odor, flavor, or appearance. Remember that schnapps remain safe to consume, in general, despite having a dull flavor.
You would only risk quality if you store it for a long time, not safety.
Distilled spirits, like whiskey, brandy, or gin, have high alcohol content, giving them an indefinite shelf-life. But flavored liqueurs like peach schnapps will lose their sweet and fruity flavor profiles after some time.
Storage Tips To Make Peach Schnapps Last Longer
Extending the shelf-life of your peach schnapps uses similar processes to other alcoholic drinks. It needs proper storage conditions to prevent oxidation and evaporation [2].
Keep your schnapps bottle away from direct sunlight or direct heat. Since I’ve been collecting alcoholic drinks for a long time, I already have a dedicated place for them in the house.
“Peach Schnapps has a strong, peachy flavor, perfect for enhancing cocktails – use it sparingly!” – Liquor Laboratory
But for those who drink occasionally, you can refrigerate the unused schnapps because it is also a cool, dark place suitable for storage. You can also check out our favorite Peach Schnapps shots here.
FAQs
How long do peach schnapps last in the fridge?
An unopened peach schnapps bottle can last more than a year if stored in the fridge. But for the opened peach schnapps, it would be better to consume it within the next six months.
Does peach schnapps need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, it is not necessary to refrigerate schnapps after opening as long as you have it in a dark and cool place. Still, it’s beneficial, unlike other alcoholic beverages such as fortified wines and cream-based liqueurs.
Does peach schnapps go bad if not opened?
Yes, peach schnapps can still go bad if not opened after a few years. It’s best to use your peach schnapps within the next two years to ensure the drinks remain fresh.
Beyond that, schnapps may develop off odor, taste, or appearance.
Does peach schnapps have alcohol?
Yes, peach schnapps contain alcohol. It is usually around 15 to 20% ABV, with some brands exceeding that range.
In Summary
Schnapps is a style of alcoholic beverage with different forms like herbal liqueurs, fruit brandies, or flavored liqueurs. Peach schnapps is infused with peach flavoring using distilled peaches and is a popular drink for anyone who prefers cocktails.
Peach schnapps are not immune to degradation, unlike distilled spirits with indefinite shelf-life. Assuming proper storage conditions, unopened peach schnapps last for at least two years. But you might need to discard open bottles after 18 months or less.
Schnapps, like other similar alcoholic drinks such as cream liqueurs, is best to keep in the fridge to maintain the best flavor.
References:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/shelf-life-of-distilled-spirits-760730#toc-liqueurs-and-cordials
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-alcohol-expire
