As the temperature outside drops, you go for a mug of warm coffee spiked with Baileys. Your Baileys has mysteriously vanished from the refrigerator. You forgot about the half-empty bottle of Baileys in the kitchen cupboard for two days. You know that Baileys includes dairy, so you wonder whether it’s still excellent.
You begin to wonder whether leaving Baileys out of the fridge is a good idea. Baileys, does it go bad? When does Baileys go bad and how do you know?
Do you find yourself pondering the aforementioned issues from time to time? Let’s skim this post if you’re interested in learning more about Baileys Irish Cream, including how to store it, how long it lasts, and, most crucially, how to determine if it’s gone bad.
What Is Baileys?
A group at Gilbey’s developed the Irish cream liqueur known as Baileys in 1971. The first commercially accessible Irish cream liqueur.
While this article focuses on one particular cream liqueur, the majority of the advice given may be applied to others as well.
Because it is made with both Irish whiskey and Irish cream, Baileys has an alcohol content of 17%. The precise recipe, however, is a closely held secret. In addition to the whiskey and cream, we know that they add chocolate extract, sugar, and other spices.
For those wondering, “does Baileys go bad?” the only component to the bottle that has to be considered is the cream.
Does Baileys Go Bad?
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we can’t help you. It’s true that Baileys may go bad, unlike certain alcoholic beverages that seem to stay forever.
You may be wondering how this is possible given that Baileys already includes alcohol (whiskey), which does not expire. Since Baileys contains a significant quantity of dairy in the form of heavy cream, it is also perishable and will deteriorate with time, regardless of whether it has been opened or not.
What Are the Signs That Baileys Has Gone Bad?
In such case, there are four things you should double-check:
Smell
If it’s spoiled, it could have a sour or custardy aroma.
It’s important to keep in mind that the smell will just be different.
The Look
If it’s spoiled or about to go bad, you’ll be able to tell because the cream will have separated from the whiskey and the drink will seem darker.
If it’s black, coagulation has probably already begun, so it’s probably better to toss it out immediately.
Feel
One of the reasons it’s so popular is that, when done well, Baileys is very smooth and creamy. But if it’s beyond its expiration date, it’ll be the complete opposite—thick, lumpy, or congealed.
The continuity will be completely off. Nothing is more annoying than finding lumps in something that isn’t intended to have lumps, so check it as you would milk or dessert cream.
Taste
If it doesn’t have the expected flavor, it’s probably already on its last leg.
Can you drink expired Baileys?
You can still drink Baileys even after the best-before date has passed; it will likely be OK for consumption for many weeks or months after that. Although it may not have the same delicious flavor as previously.
However, just as you wouldn’t indulge if your milk had gone bad, we wouldn’t advise drinking expired Bailey’s that has also curdled.
The result would be sour, off-putting, and/or strange in flavor and/or texture. As a result, we cannot endorse such a course of action. Not something you’d want to put in your body.
The likelihood of feeling ill or experiencing a stomach upset is high as well. It’s not worth it since it won’t hurt you permanently but will make you feel awful for a time.
How To Store Baileys?
Because Baileys is made using dairy, this is the most perplexing aspect of the drink. If this is the case, does it always have to be stored in the fridge? You probably got it from the store’s booze section, however. Confusion, that’s for sure.
As it turns out, the unopened bottle of Baileys can be stored at room temperature since it does contain some alcohol. Anyplace that is cool, dry, and dark will do, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Baileys doesn’t fare well in the presence of light or heat. Keep the temperature down to no more than 25 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, if you want the opened bottle to last for another six months, refrigeration is a must. The consistent cold environment in the refrigerator will surely increase the longevity of the liqueurs. However, it is recommended that you throw it out after the specified time frame, whether or not it has been refrigerated.
Isn’t there a problem with freezing? To be fair, you may do that, but we wouldn’t advise it. The alcohol won’t freeze, but the cream will, therefore the drink can’t be frozen. Colder temperatures will cause ice crystals to develop, changing the consistency and making it harder to pour. If you insist on freezing Baileys, do so at your own risk; after thawing, mix it to restore its silky consistency.
Don’t forget how crucial it is to always use a secure lid while storing liquids. Liquor will be preserved and safe to consume for a longer period of time if you do it.
[content-egg module=Youtube]Last Words
In general, people will give a sealed bottle of Baileys around 2 years before it goes bad. It won’t go bad after that (that’s why it has a best by date on the label, not an expiry date), but the quality of the taste and texture will have likely declined by then.
After being sealed, a bottle of Baileys may be stored for up to six months without losing its potency, but once the seal is broken, the alcohol quickly deteriorates.
Since heat hastens spoiling, the bottle, whether sealed or unsealed, should be stored in a cold, dry area, ideally the refrigerator.
It’s possible that drinking old Baileys will have the same effects as drinking old milk. Small amounts probably won’t hurt, but eating too much of it might make you sick.
If you keep the beverage in the refrigerator and consume it before the expiration date, you’ll be able to savor its velvety, creamy flavor without any unpleasant aftertaste.
