Are you looking for something to fix your upset stomach? Try a sip of tonic water placed in your fridge. However, if you need clarification about whether the bottle is okay to use, here is a whole blog post to clarify your doubts. We have covered all the queries about how long tonic water lasts.
An opened tonic water can last up to 1 to 2 days in the pantry. In contrast, the unopened tonic water bottle can last up to the best-by date in the pantry and fridge. An open tonic water bottle can last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Tonic water is an excellent addition to cocktails and adds the perfect fizz to the drink. It is an ideal companion for gins and dark rums. You can use chilled tonic water to get a perfectly refreshing taste.
Thus, if you are looking for signs of spoilage with the best storage tips, this blog post serves you the best. Not only this, this blog post discusses how long tonic water lasts with a few essential tips to extend its shelf life. Let’s dive right in and explore!
What's In The Post
How long does tonic water last?
An unopened can of tonic water can easily get spoiled after 1 or 2 days. If it does not store properly, it is likely to get spoiled. The presence of molds or bugs makes it unfit for further consumption.
However, an unopened tonic water bottle can stay fresh for much longer. Let’s go through the
| Conditions | Pantry | Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Tonic Water, Unopened | Best by + 1 year | Best by + 1 year |
| Tonic Water, Opened | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 5 days |
How long does tonic water last in the pantry?
When it comes to the shelf life of the opened tonic water, it can stay fresh for up to 1 to 2 days in the pantry. At the same time, the unopened tonic water bottle can last up to the best-by date.
You can extend the shelf life of tonic water by adopting proper storage methods. Please keep it away from sunlight and heat; you are good to go!
How long does tonic water last in the fridge?
An open tonic water bottle can last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. In comparison, an unopened tonic water bottle can stay fresh until the best-by date. You can even extend its expiration date. Just make sure you check all signs of spoilage.
Can you freeze tonic water?
Freezing is not an ideal option for tonic water. Freezing the tonic water makes it flat, losing carbonation and fizz. Placing it in the freezer makes it dull and alters its flavor profile. If you want chilled tonic water, put it in the refrigerator.
When it comes to the open bottle of tonic water, store it in the fridge to retain its flavors and quality. I suggest you consume as quickly as possible once opened.
Does tonic water go bad or spoiled?
Some of you might think tonic water does not get spoiled. But it needs to be corrected! Tonic water does go bad after some time. It can last a reasonable time if you give utmost importance to its storage and it is adequately sealed and unopened.
But once you open the tonic water bottle, you can enjoy it for 2 to 3 days. Once opened, the freshness and the fizz of tonic water will eventually be lost. The fizz-free tonic water makes the drink flat and does not retain its freshness and flavors.
Unpleasant taste, discoloration, change in taste, bulging of the container, loss of fizz, and presence of bugs are clear signs of spoilage.
If you want to slow down the spoiling process, make sure you properly seal the can, keep it away from heat, freeze it, or you can place it in a dry and cool area. Proper storage of tonic water helps to extend its shelf life.
How to tell if tonic water has gone bad?
1. Unpleasant smell
Usually, the tonic water has a fresh aroma or may have no smell. But if it gets spoiled, it may smell unpleasant. It is better to discard it if it has a sour smell or rancidity.
2. Discoloration
When it comes to the appearance of tonic water, it is colorless and transparent. But once it gets spoiled, it changes its color from clear to yellowish tint color.
If you are not sure about the color of the tonic water present in the can, then transfer it to a glass and check its color. A color change clearly indicates spoilage, and you must discard it.
3. Change in taste
If you are done checking its smell and appearance but still unsure about its spoilage, you can prevent its spoilage by its taste. Just take a small amount of tonic water, and if it has a bitter taste with undertones of sweetness, it is good to go! But if it has a strange, sour, and rancid taste, you must not consume it and toss it away.
4. Examining the container
Another way to check the spoilage of the tonic water is to examine the container. If the container looks damaged or bloated, you must avoid consuming it.
This indicates that the tonic water is contaminated, and it is better not to consume it. In addition, if you notice rust on the can of tonic water, you should avoid consuming it as it can be poisonous.
5. Presence of bugs
If the can or bottle of tonic water is kept open for too long, there are high chances of bugs. I advise you to refrain from consuming an empty bottle of tonic water that has been kept for a long time. Try to finish it as soon as possible.
6. Loss of fizz
Tonic water is usually a transparent liquid with lots of fizzes. But if its half-open scan is kept at the refrigerator’s door, it must be discarded.
The loss of fizz makes it flat and changes its flavors. If the bottle loses its fizz, tonic water has lost its charm and is not apt for further use.
How to store tonic water to extend its shelf life?
1. Store away from sunlight and heat
Want to extend the shelf life of tonic water? Then you must keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to heat and sunlight fastens up the spoilage process and harms the aromaticity of the water.
2. Properly sealed
An unopened tonic water can has a longer shelf life than the opened one. If you have an open bottle of tonic water, then make sure you seal it properly. It helps to retain the fizz and keep it safe from getting spoiled. Try to consume it within 2 to 3 days.
3. Refrigerate tonic water
The best way to extend the shelf life of tonic water is to refrigerate it. Refrigeration of tonic water helps to retain its quality.
Once you open the bottle of tonic water, it will likely get spoiled faster. However, you must consume it within 2 to 3 days. Once you open the bottle, place it in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
4. Store it in a dry and cool area
If you store tonic water in the pantry, try keeping it in a cool and dry area. Direct heat and sunlight destroy the quality of tonic water and speed up spoilage. Storing it in a dry and cool place ensures its freshness and keeps it safe from air and moisture.
5. Avoid freezing
Well, storing tonic water in the fridge and pantry is better. You must avoid storing it in the freezer. Keeping it in the freezer may result in loss of fizz and taste alteration.
Tips to extend the shelf life of the tonic water
- Store it in the fridge and pantry.
- Avoid placing tonic water in direct sunlight and heat.
- Store it in a dry and cool area away from moisture and air.
- Do not store it in the freezer.
- Make sure you seal the bottle correctly.
- If you witness any sign of spoilage, make sure you discard it quickly.
Conclusion
Okay! Now we have reached the end of the article. I hope all your doubts are related to storage, shelf life, and signs of spoilage. Tonic water has a beautiful fizz and a bitter taste with undertones of sweetness.
By following these ways mentioned above, you are just good to go! So what are you waiting for? Add tonic water to your champagne, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you freeze tonic water?
Freezing is not an ideal option for tonic water. Freezing the tonic water makes it flat, losing carbonation and fizz. Placing it in the freezer makes it dull and alters its flavor profile. If you want chilled tonic water, put it in the refrigerator.
Does tonic water go bad or spoiled?
Some of you might think tonic water does not get spoiled. But it needs to be corrected! Tonic water does go bad after some time. If you give utmost importance to its storage and are adequately sealed and unopened, it can last for a reasonable amount of time.
How to store tonic water to extend its shelf life?
If you want to slow down the spoiling process, make sure you properly seal the can, keep it away from heat, freeze it, or you can place it in a dry and cool area. Proper storage of tonic water helps to extend its shelf life.
How to tell if tonic water has gone bad?
Unpleasant taste, discoloration, change in taste, bulging of the container, loss of fizz, and presence of bugs are clear signs of spoilage.
How long does tonic water last in the fridge?
An open tonic water bottle can last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. In comparison, an unopened tonic water bottle can stay fresh until the best-by date.
How long does tonic water last in the pantry?
When it comes to the shelf life of the opened tonic water, it can stay fresh for up to 1 to 2 days in the pantry. In contrast, the unopened tonic water bottle can last up to the best-by date.
