If you’re a sweet-tooth like me, Baileys Irish Cream is your go-to liqueur too!
Oh, how I love it’s un-Bailey-vably (sorry, I had to do it!) sweet, creamy, and chocolatey flavor.
It’s a great ingredient for desserts and sauces. Plus, it gives me just the right amount of buzz for a fun get-together with friends.
But, it’s generally something I only use on the weekend. Adding just a little bit to coffee or other drinks.
That means I always have quite a bit left over.
After my bottle of Bailey’s has been sitting in the fridge for a while, I start to wonder if it can go bad. So I did some research and found out that, sadly, yes, it will go bad in time.
Unlike liquors that last forever, liqueurs don’t. And the dairy in the beverage causes it to spoil.
But that doesn’t mean you should throw it out right away, because it still has a long lifespan, especially when you store it the right way.
So if you’re like me and a huge fan of Bailey’s, read on. I’ll tell you everything you need to know – from shelf-life to proper storage to checking for freshness.
How Long Does Bailey’s Last?
According to the manufacturers, Baileys has a shelf-life of two years, regardless of whether you open the bottle, or whether you store it in the fridge or at room temperature, as long as you keep it away from sunlight.
You see, the whiskey in the Baileys acts as a natural preservative, keeping it safe from spoilage. Hence, the impressive lifespan.
But, despite the two-year shelf-life, it is still best to consume Bailey’s within six months. Within that period, Baileys is still considered young, and that’s when it’s at its finest. Beyond that, its quality will start to deteriorate.
Also, once you open the bottle, you expose the Bailey’s to air, which will cause its quality to decline faster. A month or two won’t make that big of a difference, but eventually you’ll notice that it won’t taste as fresh as it was before.
How to Store Baileys Irish Cream
Seal the bottle tight and store it in a cool and dark place – AKA the refrigerator. Sure, you can store it at room temperature, too, but since it’s got dairy in it, the fridge will help keep its integrity for much longer.
It’s best served chilled anyway, so there you go!
The one thing you need to avoid at all costs is warm temperature and light exposure. If your house is often above 70 degrees, better to keep Bailey’s in the fridge.
And another thing, much like other liqueurs, Bailey’s Irish Cream is allergic to temperature fluctuations. So, be sure to store it at the back side of the fridge, away from the door. That is its best chance at resting at a consistent temperature.
Now, can you freeze Bailey’s to preserve it longer? Again, sadly, no. Since it contains cream, freezing it will just cause an unpleasant change in texture once thawed.
It will also form ice crystals which not only affects its texture but also makes it almost impossible to pour out the liqueur from the bottle.
But hey, don’t let this stop you from making Bailey’s ice cream, though! Churning the Irish cream will halt the formation of ice crystals, so it’s safe to use.
Granted, it will melt more than non-alcoholic ice creams, but it still tastes fantastic, so who cares?
How to Tell if Irish Cream Has Gone Bad
Irish cream won’t go bad beyond two years, but its quality will start to decline afterwards.That’s why it’s important to check whether it is still safe to consume after the two-year mark. Here’s how:
- The first thing you need to do is to give it a whiff. If it emits a sour smell, it’s time to go.
- If it passed the smell check, time to observe its appearance. Pour a bit into a clear glass and check for coagulation or separation. If it looks like cottage cheese, say goodbye. Irish cream that has gone bad will also look darker and thicker than normal.
- If you don’t notice any changes in color and texture, check the taste. Now, this one is subjective. It most likely won’t have the same quality as before, but if it still tastes fine, it’s up to you to keep it or not.
- If the bottle has been sitting in the fridge well beyond two years, just let it go. Don’t even bother checking! It’s better to err on the side of caution, and it won’t taste as good, anyways.
Baileys Recipes You’ll Love
Baileys Cheesecake Recipe
Baileys Irish Cream Brownies
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Baileys French Toast
Does Baileys Irish Cream Go Bad?
Ingredients
Baileys Irish Cream
Instructions
- Baileys has a lifespan of 2 years regardless if it’s been opened or not, as long as it’s kept away from sunlight.
- It will still be safe to consume beyond 2 years, but the quality won’t be as excellent. It’s best consumed within 6 months. Its quality will start to deteriorate past that point.
- The more exposure it has to sunlight, air, and temperature fluctuations, the faster its quality will decline.
- For best results, store Baileys in a cool and dark place, such as the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- You’ll know Baileys has gone bad if it emits a sour smell and/or has coagulated or separated.
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As a connoisseur of spirits and liqueurs, I can confidently provide detailed insights into the nuances of Baileys Irish Cream, drawing on a wealth of knowledge acquired through extensive research and personal experience. Baileys Irish Cream, known for its luscious combination of sweetness, creaminess, and chocolatey flavor, is a versatile ingredient for desserts and sauces, as well as a delightful addition to coffee and various drinks.
First and foremost, let's address the concern of Baileys going bad over time. Unlike some liquors that seemingly last forever, liqueurs, including Baileys, do have a limited shelf life. The presence of dairy in Baileys makes it susceptible to spoilage. However, the whiskey in Baileys acts as a natural preservative, imparting it with a remarkable two-year shelf life.
Despite this extended shelf life, it is advisable to consume Baileys within six months for optimal quality. Once the bottle is opened, exposure to air accelerates the decline in quality, leading to a less fresh taste over time. It's worth noting that Baileys is at its finest within the first six months, and beyond that, its quality may start to deteriorate.
Proper storage is crucial to extending the lifespan of Baileys. Sealing the bottle tightly and storing it in a cool, dark place, preferably the refrigerator, helps maintain its integrity. The consistency of temperature is vital, and avoiding exposure to warm temperatures and light is essential. Placing the bottle at the back of the fridge, away from temperature fluctuations near the door, provides the best conditions for preservation.
While some may wonder if freezing Baileys can prolong its life, the answer is no. Freezing can alter the texture and lead to the formation of ice crystals, making it impractical for pouring. However, creative uses like making Baileys ice cream are still on the table, as churning the Irish cream can prevent ice crystal formation.
To determine if Baileys has gone bad, a simple sensory check suffices. A sour smell is a clear indicator that it's time to bid farewell. Additionally, inspecting for coagulation or separation in appearance can reveal signs of spoilage. Baileys that has gone bad may appear darker and thicker than usual.
In summary, Baileys Irish Cream, with a two-year shelf life, offers a delightful experience when consumed within six months. Proper storage in a cool, dark place, vigilant observation for signs of spoilage, and creative uses like Baileys-infused recipes contribute to an enjoyable experience for any enthusiast of this beloved liqueur.
