Mulled wine is a delicious and warming drink, perfect for cold winter days. If you’ve made a batch of mulled wine or purchased a bottle from a store, you may wonder how long it will last before it goes bad. The shelf life of mulled wine depends on a few factors, including how it was stored and whether it was opened or sealed. This article will provide tips on storing your mulled wine and how long you can expect it to last.
Table of Contents
- Is Your Mulled Wine Going Bad? Here’s How To Tell
- How Long Can You Keep Your Mulled Wine Before It Goes Bad?
- How Long To Keep Mulled Wine in Fridge?
- Can You Reheat Mulled Wine?
- Conclusion
Is Your Mulled Wine Going Bad? Here’s How To Tell
If you’ve had a bottle of mulled wine sitting in your pantry or fridge for a while, you may wonder if it’s still safe to drink. Unfortunately, mulled wine can go bad over time, like any other food or drink. So, how can you tell if your mulled wine has gone bad? There are a few signs to look out for.
- Check the expiration date on the label. If the wine is past its expiration date, likely, it’s no longer good to drink.
- Look at the appearance of the wine. If it has turned a darker colour or has sediment floating in it, it’s probably not good anymore.
- If the wine has an off smell or tastes sour, it has likely gone bad. This happens due to oxidation which means it’s been exposed to air.
- You can’t fix wine. Some people think you can heat mulled wine to restore it, but this isn’t true. Once it’s gone bad, it’s done.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to toss the wine and open a fresh bottle.
How To Store Mulled Wine and Extend Its Shelflife
Proper storage is key to keeping your mulled wine fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are a few tips for storing mulled wine:
- Keep it sealed: If your mulled wine is in a sealed bottle, it will last longer than if it’s been opened. Make sure to seal the bottle tightly after each use to keep air out.
- Store it in a cool, dark place: Mulled wine should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or a warm area, as this can cause the wine to spoil more quickly.
- Refrigerate after opening: If you’ve opened a bottle of mulled wine, it’s best to transfer it to a smaller container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve its flavour and prevent it from going bad too quickly.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you have leftover mulled wine that you don’t think you’ll be able to finish within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some headroom in the container to allow for expansion as the wine freezes. Thaw the wine in the refrigerator before serving.
Following these simple storage tips allows you to enjoy your mulled wine for longer.
If you are worried you’ll not be able to use it in time, we’ve got some recipe ideas for mulled wine here.
How Long Can You Keep Your Mulled Wine Before It Goes Bad?
The shelf life of mulled wine depends on a few factors, including how it was stored and whether it was opened or sealed.
If the mulled wine is sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, it can last for several weeks or even months. However, once the bottle is opened, the wine will begin to oxidize, and its flavour will start to degrade.
If you store the opened bottle in the refrigerator and seal it tightly after each use, it should last several days to a week.
If you freeze the opened bottle, it can last for several months, but the flavour may not be as good as when it was first opened. It’s always best to use opened bottles of mulled wine within a few days to a week to ensure the best flavour.
How Long To Keep Mulled Wine in Fridge?
If you’ve opened a bottle of mulled wine and want to store the leftovers in the refrigerator, it’s important to be mindful of its shelf life.
While the exact length of time will depend on how the wine was stored before it was opened and the freshness of the ingredients used to make it, you can generally expect your mulled wine to last for a few days to a week in the fridge.
Here are some tips to keep to help keep your mulled wine lasting longer in the fridge:
- To maximize its shelf life, seal the bottle or container tightly and store it in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent.
- Transferring the wine to a smaller container can also help to extend its shelf life by reducing the amount of air that comes into contact with it.
- Remember to check the expiration date of any ingredients used to make the mulled wine, as this can affect its overall shelf life.
- If the mulled wine has an off smell or taste, or if it has changed colour or consistency, it’s best to throw it out.
If you’re unsure whether your mulled wine is still good, it’s always better to err on caution and toss it out.
Can You Reheat Mulled Wine?
The answer to this is yes, of course, you can, but do remember, if the wine has gone bad, this will not “fix it.”
When reheating, it’s important to do it carefully to avoid ruining the flavours or cooking off the alcohol. Here are a few tips for reheating mulled wine:
- Use low heat: To preserve the flavours and aromas of the wine, it’s best to reheat it on low heat. Avoid boiling the wine, as this can cause it to lose its flavour and aroma.
- Don’t overheat: To avoid cooking off the alcohol, be sure not to overheat the wine. If the wine starts to boil or becomes too hot to touch, it’s best to remove it from the heat and let it cool down before serving.
- Don’t let it boil: If you’re reheating the wine on the stove, keep an eye on it and stir it frequently to prevent it from boiling. If you’re reheating it in the microwave, be sure to use a low-power setting and stop the microwave before the wine starts to boil.
- Add spices and citrus: If the flavours of your mulled wine seem a bit dull after reheating, try adding a few extra spices or a squeeze of citrus juice to liven it up.
Following these tips, you can safely and effectively reheat your mulled wine.
How Hot Can Wine Get Before It Is Ruined?
In general, wine is considered to be ruined if it is heated to a temperature above about 122-140°F (50-60°C) for an extended period. The wine will start to cook at these temperatures and lose its delicate flavours and aromas.
It’s important to note that even brief exposure to high temperatures can impact the quality of the wine. For example, if a red wine is left in a hot car for a few hours, it may become overly warm and lose some of its flavours and aromas.
How Long to Microwave Mulled Wine?
Microwaving mulled wine is a quick and easy way to reheat it, but it’s important not to overcook it or ruin the flavours. Here are a few tips for microwaving mulled wine:
- Use a low-power setting: To avoid cooking off the alcohol or ruining the flavours of the wine, it’s best to use a low-power setting on your microwave. This will help heat the wine without boiling or overheating it gently.
- Check and frequently stir: To prevent hot spots and uneven heating, it’s a good idea to check on the wine every 30 seconds or so and stir it gently. This will help to distribute the heat more evenly.
- Don’t overheat: To avoid boiling or overheating the wine, stop the microwave before the wine starts to boil. You can test the temperature of the wine by carefully touching the outside of the cup or mug with your finger. If it feels too hot to touch, it’s best to let it cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Following these tips, you can effectively microwave your mulled wine without ruining it. Just keep an eye on it and stop the microwave before the wine starts to boil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shelf life of mulled wine depends on a few factors, including how it is stored and whether it is opened or sealed. If your mulled wine is stored in a sealed bottle in a cool, dark place, it should last for several weeks or even months.
However, the wine will deteriorate more quickly once the bottle is opened. Store your opened bottle of mulled wine in the refrigerator should last a few days to a week. If you freeze the wine, it can last for several months, but the quality may not be as good as fresh mulled wine.
To be safe, it’s best to consume your mulled wine within a few days of opening the bottle and to store any leftovers in the refrigerator properly. Following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your mulled wine for as long as possible.
