Can old Kahlua make you sick? Can Kahlua go bad?
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A liquor collection would not be complete without Kahlua. This delightful coffee liqueur is great in White Russians and makes a fun addition to “grown-up” hot chocolate. You might find yourself with a Kahlua bottle that has been in your liquor cabinet for a while. Can Kahlua go bad? How do you know if Kahlua is good? Continue reading to learn more! Not just kahlua! Find more on how to store food.
Kahlua can go bad, just like many other liqueurs. Although your Kahlua bottle may not go rancid or grow mold, it will eventually start to lose its quality.
Kahlua should be consumed within four years from the date of its production. The shelf life recommendation does not change based on how the container was stored.
Although the product might still be safe for consumption after four years, its quality may have declined and your mixed drinks may taste less delicious.
Unless there are visible signs of spoilage like mold or a bad smell, it is safe to consume an old Kahlua. Old Kahlua will not make you sick, but there is definitely a loss of taste over the period of time. If you’re not very particular about the strong coffee flavor, you can enjoy your old Kahlua.
How to store Kahlua?
Kahlua should always be kept in cool, dark places, away from direct sunlight and heat. You can also store Kahlua in a refrigerator, but this will not significantly increase its shelf life.
Kahlua is best stored in the fridge for flavor reasons and to serve chill.
When storing Kahlua remember that the container should be kept correctly sealed. Because flavor compounds are sensitive, tightly sealing the bottle will preserve the coffee’s strong flavor. This will prevent alcohol from oxidizing, and it will reduce evaporation which is a common problem with alcohol-based beverages.
Can you freeze Kahlua?
It is not recommended to freeze Kahlua. The Kahlua will not freeze solid in most home freezers due to the presence of alcohol. However, it will thicken and become more chunky once frozen. This can make it difficult to pour Kahlua and will give mixed drinks an unpleasant texture.
You can chill a Kahlua bottle in the freezer for about half an hour, to have it chilled and not use much ice.
How to tell if Kahlua is bad?
Kahlua’s main flavor is coffee. Over time, the aroma compounds in the brew start to disappear. This will reduce the flavor and also decrease the aroma.
The best way to determine if a Kahlua bottle is still good is by smelling it. The Kahlua will be good if the coffee smell is strong. If the smell is weaker or absent, then it’s likely that the Kahlua won’t taste as good.
Although it is unlikely, Kahlua contaminated with bacteria or mold could be harmful. The Kahlua should be discarded if you detect any off-odors or sourness. The Kahlua should also be thrown out if you see any signs of mold growth. This is unlikely, but not impossible.
Kahlua settles after a while. This doesn’t necessarily mean spoilage but it can indicate that the taste has changed slightly. Mix the drink by gently turning the bottle upside-down a few times before serving. Make sure the seal is tight!
Another sign that the Kahlua might have been stored long enough is the formation of sugar crystals at the edges of the bottles. This is because Kahlua is mainly made of coffee and sugar. However, with sugar crystals forming, it’s still safe to drink.
