Baileys is an alcoholic beverage, but it is creamy and not pure alcohol, so you probably wonder how long it can stand on your shelf? We bring you everything you want to know.
Baileys Irish Cream reminds you more of some delicate creamy pleasure than burning alcohol. Although it is sweet and tasty to drink, you will hardly consume the bottle in a short time. Like other sweet liqueurs, this drink is filling, and you will probably enjoy small amounts when you want a moment for yourself. That’s why a bottle may stay in your cupboard for years.
Many doubt whether Baileys can last like other alcoholic beverages, meaning many many years, or, because of its special creamy additive, it should be consumed within a few days. So the truth is somewhere in the middle. This liqueur will not spoil in a month or two. In fact, it should be entirely safe for consumption for at least two years. But it also can’t last like other alcohols, so don’t try your luck with very old Baileys.
How Long Does Baileys Irish Cream Last?
A dairy supplement to a drink is what will cause it to spoil over time. Yet the alcohol content is present enough to prevent this from happening very quickly. Here’s how long you can expect your liqueur to last.
Regular Baileys
The manufacturer puts the best by date on the bottles because it guarantees the duration of the drink for two years. Within that period, the liqueur should be perfectly good. Of course, the exception is keeping the drink in completely inappropriate conditions, which can spoil it earlier. After two years, it doesn’t necessarily mean the beverage is spoiled, but be careful.
Baileys Almande
With this liqueur, the duration will be the same as the regular one. Although a slightly lower alcohol content is present, almond milk still provides slightly better endurance than dairy milk. So you can count on the durability of two years.
Does Baileys Expire?
As we mentioned earlier, yes, this liqueur will expire in time. Although dangerous creations will not appear immediately, drinking very spoiled liqueur is not a smart idea. Here’s how you’ll recognize that something is wrong.
Sign 1: Smell is off
Probably the first sign you will notice will be an unpleasant odor. Baileys has a fine creamy aroma and a sweet smell. If you notice that the fragrance is unpleasant and does not look usual, the drink has likely spoiled.
Sign 2: Texture is strange
The texture of the liqueur may change a little even though the drink is not spoiled. In which case, it is enough to shake the bottle a little, and you will have the usual beverage. But if more arduous lumps have formed or the texture is a bit slimy, it means Baileys has expired, and you should throw it in the trash.
Sign 3: Color is funny
If you notice unusual dark spots or a darker brown color, even completely separated milk substance from alcohol, these are all sure signs that the liqueur is spoiled. It should be finely creamy and opaque.
Sign 4: Taste is wrong
In the end, if you feel a strange taste while drinking Baileys, it is a sign of possible spoilage. Rather throw it down the drain than drink a sour beverage.
Which is the Best Way to Store Baileys?
When it comes to storing Baileys, there aren’t a lot of rules. However, try to provide it with a few primary conditions so that it does not go bad faster than expected.
Tip 1: Keep it in a proper temperature
It is not necessary to keep this liqueur in the refrigerator, but make sure that the storage temperature does not exceed the average room temperature. Very hot places will undoubtedly contribute to the quality of this milk liqueur.
Tip 2: Keep away from the sun
In principle, it would be good to keep all alcoholic beverages away from light, especially sunlight. Generally, a lot of light causes faster evaporation and potential spoilage of the drink.
FAQs
How can you tell if Baileys is bad?
Follow the list of common drink checks. Look at the texture and color. If all is well, check if the smell may be weird and stale. If you don’t notice any of this, put a small amount in your mouth and make sure it tastes okay.
Is it safe to drink expired Baileys?
If it has just expired and everything seems fine, you should have no problem consuming the drink. However, if the texture is very lumpy and the smell is spoiled, do not consume it. Drink poisoning is rare but possible.
How long can you keep Baileys after opening?
In principle, the advice is to consume a bottle of Baileys within six months once opened, and it will last even longer if you keep it in the fridge.
Conclusion
Although an alcoholic beverage, Baileys Irish Cream does not have the same durability as, for example, vodka or whiskey. The reason lies in the presence of milk cream, which makes it susceptible to spoilage. Look at the expiration date written on the bottle when buying, and be sure to try to stick to that recommendation. The drink can certainly last for some time after expiration, but it may have a reduced aroma quality.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
