With millions of #margarita tags on Instagram, it is undoubtedly the favorite drink to pour on the happiest days.
The simple mixture of tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and salt is a perfect cocktail for all occasions.
How the mix originated is a mystery, with several people claiming to have invented it.
Was it Carlos Herrera, Margaret Cansino’s bartender, or singer Peggy Lee? We cannot be entirely sure.
But we are confident that it is America’s most-loved cocktail.
From the simple cocktail which originated in the early 1930s and 40s, margaritas today have evolved into different types with a wide range of recipes to make fun and creative mixes.
Watermelon, strawberry, vanilla, spices, and other berries are used in margaritas.
Whatever the occasion, lookup on the internet, and you will find lots of recipes to make the best margarita to spice up the evening.
How Long Does Margarita Last? Does Margarita Go Bad?
But suppose you’ve made or bought more margaritas than you can drink, what do you do? How long can you keep it?
Will it go bad? Read on to find everything you need to know about its shelf life.
Store-bought margarita mixes, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, have a long shelf life.
Yes, the bottles come with a use by or best by date on the labels.
But this data only indicates the time till which the manufacturer can ensure the quality and taste.
Margarita mixes do not automatically become bad or undrinkable once the best by date has lapsed.
You can still consume it safely a year or two past this vouched time period.
As long as the seal is intact, the ingredients in the mix will not degrade suddenly.
After the prime time, margarita mix will still retain the flavor, but for how long will depend on how you store it.
Unopened bottles of ready-to-drink margaritas will last up to two years at room temperature.
As for opened bottles, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to six months.
But you will notice that the drink slowly loses its strength and flavor.
So, you can taste it to determine if it is still good enough for consumption.
If you have already prepared margarita mixes, pour them into a glass or jars with cover and put them in the freezer.
They will remain good for up to two weeks. Refrigerating is the best way to lock the flavor and keep the hygiene intact.
Due to alcohol content, the mix will not get frozen hard, but it will become thick and slushy.
Five to ten minutes after taking your mixes out of the freezer, it will turn back to the right consistency as before, and they’re good to drink.
This is a great way to preserve your ready-to-drink margarita for a lazy summer day or a pleasant evening.
How to Tell if Margarita is Bad?
No matter how long the shelf life of a product is, it eventually spoils after some time.
There are a lot of factors that determine how long it will retain the taste, such as temperature, hygiene, contact with air, and so on.
But if it does go bad as it sometimes will, how do you know when to discard it?
Margarita is high in sugar content and does not spoil quickly. Plus, it is loaded with water and preservatives.
Except for a decrease in the strength and flavor, there are not many signs to indicate that your margarita mix can become injurious to health.
If you are planning on throwing a party or inviting some special people over and you want to use those old bottles stocked in your pantry, taste it well in advance.
If there is an unusual or foul odor, a slight discoloration, tastes sour, or just tastes off, you better hit the stores for a new bottle.
The presence of any impurities also signals that the quality of the mix has significantly degraded.
As discussed earlier, the degraded quality of margarita will not make you sick, but the dull taste will be unpleasant.
Serving stale margarita will steal the pleasure and spoil your special evening.
Conclusion
Margarita is the most popular tequila cocktail. The sour-sweet drink served with salt creates great harmony that can be chilled and relished on a hot summer day or bring your evening party to life.
Unless the strong flavor does not decrease, it is safe to drink even after the best before date is long past.
We do not know of any kind of food poisoning or health problems arising out of drinking an old margarita.
You can store unopened bottles in the pantry or refrigerate opened bottles for future use.
Nothing beats freshly concocted drinks. However, you can still preserve your leftovers carefully and enjoy their full flavor by following the right techniques.
You’ll make yourself and your wallet happy.
How Long Does Margarita Last? Does Margarita Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Margarita
- Air-tight containers or bottle
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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