Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (2024)

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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 co*cktail for all occasions.

Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (1)

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 co*cktail.

From the simple co*cktail 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.

Table of Contents

How Long Does Margarita Last? Does Margarita Go Bad?

Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (2)

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?

Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (3)

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

Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (4)

Margarita is the most popular tequila co*cktail. 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.

Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (5)

How Long Does Margarita Last? Does Margarita Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Shelf Life

Servings 1 Serving

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).

Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

About The Author

Kimberly Baxter

Kimberly Baxter is a nutrition and dietetics expert, holding a Master’s Degree in the field. With over four years of study in the US, she graduated in 2012. Kimberly’s passion lies in creating and capturing wholesome foods through baking and food photography. Her work aims to inspire others to embrace healthier eating habits.

As a passionate foodie and skilled cook, Kimberly started EatDelights.com to combine her love for cooking with her desire to inspire others to enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals. Through her blog, she aims to provide readers with a wide range of mouthwatering recipes that are both easy to follow and satisfying to eat.

See author's posts

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Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Margarita Last? (2024)

FAQs

What is the shelf life of a margarita? ›

Typically, an unopened margarita mix can retain its appeal for around 12 to 18 months, assuming you store it in the fridge, away from direct heat and sunlight. Thus, your sudden Margarita co*cktail plans are typically just a bottle away!

Where is Jose Cuervo margarita mix's expiration date? ›

Check Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix for expiration date on neck or cap. Store in cool, dry place, refrigerate after opening. The expiration date on Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix can typically be found on the neck of the bottle or on the top of the cap. It is often stamped in the form of a best before or use by date.

Does on the rocks margarita go bad? ›

OTR co*cktails are considered shelf stable and do not need to be chilled for storage before or after opening but should always be consumed within a year of purchasing.

What is the shelf life of tequila? ›

An unopened bottle of tequila has an indefinite shelf life, which means it won't ever really expire. But once that bottle is opened, it will remain at peak quality for 1 year. After that, it's likely to decline in smell, flavor and appearance.

Do premixed alcoholic drinks expire? ›

Canned co*cktails typically expire within one year of purchase, but there are a few factors that may impact their lifespan.

Do cutwater margaritas expire? ›

One of the most frequently asked questions about Cutwater's canned co*cktails is, "how long do these last?" According to an interview with Cutwater's Master Distiller, published by Forbes, the shelf life varies from product to product. He says that it typically falls somewhere between six months to one year.

How long does a batch of margaritas last? ›

Yes, margaritas on the rocks, homemade or made with mix, will stay fresh up to three days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store the margaritas without ice so it doesn't water down your co*cktail. If you want to serve a pitcher of frozen margaritas, blend them and leave them in the freezer.

Can you drink unopened expired margarita mix? ›

consuming an expired mix can lead to foodborne illnesses and discomfort, so it is always better to err on the side of caution. To ensure the longest shelf life for your margarita mix, proper storage is essential. Keep the mix tightly sealed in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

What is the best premade margarita? ›

I Tried 12 Ready-to-Drink Margaritas & The Best Tasted Like...
  • Chi-Chis Original Margarita.
  • Jose Cuervo Classic Margarita.
  • 1800 Ultimate Margarita.
  • Two Chicks Sparkling Citrus Margarita.
  • Southern Tier Lime Agave Margarita.
  • Cutwater Lime Margarita.
  • Coppa co*cktails Margarita.
  • On The Rocks Margarita.
May 4, 2024

How can you tell if a margarita is bad? ›

Signs of Spoilage: How to Tell if Margarita Mix is Bad

A sour or unpleasant aroma, other than the usual fresh, citrusy aroma, is a clear warning sign. Color Alteration: See if the blend has changed color. Freshness is characterized by a clear, vibrant color.

Which is better, frozen margarita or on the rocks? ›

Enjoying a drink on the rocks differs from the experience of drinking a frozen one. The latter provides more texture and looks fancier. It makes you feel like you're enjoying a grown-up slushie on vacation. Frozen drinks are the epitome of tropical getaways, making them a symbol of relaxation.

Does alcohol in a can expire? ›

Canned alcoholic drinks' shelf life may be only 6-8 months, but there's typically no expiration date for the alcohol itself. The problem you run into with RTD co*cktails is the expiration date of some ingredients, such as 100% real lime juice, that are used in the drink.

How can you tell if liquor has gone bad? ›

Drinking expired alcohol won't necessarily make you sick but it will lead to weak or oddly flavored drinks. There are some instances, like with liqueurs, where bacteria or mold may grow in the bottle which can lead to an upset stomach. Spoiled liquor may develop a vinegary smell and sour flavor.

Does Kahlua go bad? ›

For Kahlúa Original, we recommend a shelf life of 4 years. Actually, the product will be good for many more years, but the coffee impact fades over time so it won't give you the full flavor impact. Also, if you were to receive an old bottle of Kahlúa, you have to make sure it has never been opened or tampered with.

Do margaritas go bad if not refrigerated? ›

If stored improperly, margarita mix can spoil quickly because the citrus in the mix is susceptible to mold and bacteria growth. Therefore, it's essential to hold your margarita mix in a cool, dark place like the fridge. Additionally, be sure to seal the container to keep out oxygen and moisture tightly.

How long can you keep a bottle of Cointreau? ›

We recommend consuming Cointreau within two years after opening the bottle, to be sure to enjoy the subtleties of its flavours to the fullest. If kept for a longer period of time, it will be still safe to drink. However, its aromatic components might be altered, which might have an effect on its delicate flavours.

Does alcohol expire? ›

Unopened liquor of all kinds will generally keep indefinitely if stored properly. Store out of direct sunlight, tightly sealed, in a stable room-temperature environment. Once opened, distilled spirits like whiskey and gin won't expire or become unsafe to consume, but they may start to taste “off” after 1–3 years.

Do Cayman Jack margaritas expire? ›

Cayman Jack is best enjoyed up to a year after it's been bottled. The batch code, found on the neck of bottles and the bottom of cans, can help you identify...

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