How to Store Vodka the Right Way

Distilled spirits have very long shelf lives. But that doesn’t mean you can just store them however and expect them to taste as wonderfully as they were intended. When you have vodka with as nuanced of a taste as GREY GOOSE®, you want to make sure you care for it the best way possible. Improperly stored vodka can also evaporate more quickly. Let’s get down to the basics.

How to Store Unopened Vodka

A sealed bottle of vodka will stay good to drink practically indefinitely.

Before you uncork a bottle of Grey Goose, you should make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place. Room temperature is fine, while slightly cooler (like a cellar) could be more optimal. Definitely avoid direct sunlight as this will speed up the evaporation and reduce shelf life.

Storing vodka upright is also particularly important with Grey Goose as we cork each bottle. In contrast to proper wine storage, you wouldn’t want the cork to be in constant contact with the liquid.

How to Store Opened Vodka

Once a bottle is opened, the way it’s stored becomes even more important. You should still keep it upright in a cool, dark place. But we recommend in particular storing Grey Goose in the fridge to keep it beautifully refrigerated, ready to mix and perfectly preserved.

To Freeze or Not To Freeze…

Many people think placing vodka in the freezer is the best way to store it. Freezing vodka does nothing to harm it — in fact it actually creates a much more viscous texture which is hard not to enjoy with vodka. But with alcohol, there are certain molecules that get “killed off” at various temperatures. For less-than-stellar vodkas, this “masking flavors by freezing” technique works to their advantage, and that’s why it caught on. But that’s not true for Grey Goose.

The reason we suggest refrigerating rather than freezing Grey Goose is that with all premium vodka you can experience the whole spectrum of taste at the optimum temperature of between 32 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit — not frozen. It’s similar to how you would never want to serve a red wine too cold because you'd eliminate certain aromas and flavors. So while there’s nothing wrong with freezing your vodka, and you may enjoy serving it however you like, the best way to taste a truly great vodka is chilled, not frozen.

How to Store Classic Martini Cocktail in a Bottle

Made with Grey Goose Vodka, French vermouth and orange bitters, the Grey Goose Classic Martini Cocktail in a Bottle is a wonderful way to serve the perfectly balanced martini cocktail every time. While no refrigeration is necessary, you may choose to store it there, or pop it in the fridge or an ice bucket for 30 minutes before serving, for a nicely chilled cocktail. The ideal time to enjoy your Classic Martini Cocktail in a Bottle is within 18 months. After that, it will still be safe to drink but you may notice a slight change in color and taste.

A Note on Flavored Vodka

Vodkas containing additional flavors, like any of our flavored vodkas or Grey Goose Essences, must be handled with more care. These extra ingredients give it a slightly shorter shelf life. It’s best to enjoy these within 6 months of opening. And if you infuse your own vodka at home, that will have an even shorter shelf life.

Other Helpful Hints

Trust your eyes and your nose, too. If something seems off, don’t drink it. If in doubt, throw it out.

Following these tips can help make sure you always have a great tasting vodka at your disposal. And read our notes on how to taste vodka to discover the best way to fully experience your premium vodka.