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Does Baileys Go Bad?

Does Baileys Go Bad?

Baileys Irish Cream is a cream liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa. It tastes delicious on its own, over ice, and in cocktails. It is a drink I would like to keep for an extended period of time. But is that possible? Does Baileys go bad?

Baileys Irish Cream is a beloved drink that many people enjoy for its rich and creamy flavor. Personally, I love mixing it into cocktails. You can refer to another of my guides if you want a tasty addition to your social gatherings by making Baileys cocktails.

Whether you like to sip it straight, mix it into drinks, or use it in baking, there’s no denying its popularity. But have you ever wondered if Baileys can go bad? 

Well, that’s what we’re here to explore in this guide. But before anything else, let us get to know Baileys Irish Cream more first.

What Is Baileys Irish Cream?

Baileys Irish Cream is a tasty and creamy liqueur that hails from Ireland. It was launched in 1974 and quickly succeeded in becoming famous around the world.

As for the taste, you’ll experience a delightful combination of smoothness and sweetness with a hint of that Irish whiskey kick. People love it not just for its taste but also for its many uses. 

You can enjoy it on the rocks, pour it into coffee, or use it in recipes like cakes and desserts.

Shelf Life Of Baileys

Now that we have a general idea of Baileys, let’s talk about its shelf life. 

According to the folks who make Baileys, an unopened bottle can stay good for about two years when stored in a cool, dark place. But here’s the catch: once you crack open that bottle, the clock starts ticking, reducing its shelf life to 6 months.

Here are some factors that can affect the shelf life of Baileys:

Storage conditions

Baileys should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat. Storing Baileys in warm temperatures can cause the cream to curdle and the alcohol to evaporate, shortening its shelf life.

Oxidation

Baileys is a dairy product, and similar to other dairy products, it is susceptible to oxidation. Oxidation can cause the flavor of Baileys to deteriorate over time. 

It is essential to keep Baileys tightly sealed when storing it.

Does Baileys Go Bad?

The answer is: Yes, it will go bad eventually. Baileys can spoil, just like other creamy liquids. To help you check if your Baileys already went spoiled, I will provide you a list of things to check.

Determining if your Baileys has gone bad:

Strange Smell

If your Baileys starts to smell funky or sour, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong with it. Consider throwing it away to avoid trouble.

Off Taste

If it tastes different than you remember—perhaps a bit sour or unpleasant, it’s best to avoid sipping it.

Weird Texture

If the texture becomes clumpy or curdled, that’s another sign of spoilage.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide if your Baileys is still good:

  • Check the smell.
  • Try testing its taste.
  • Look for any clumps or curdles.
  • Check the expiration date or remember the date when it opened.

Consuming spoiled Baileys can lead to multiple health issues. If you are wondering what could happen if you had spoiled Baileys, I will provide another list of examples.

Health-Related Issues caused by bad Baileys

Food poisoning

Consuming spoiled Baileys can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Alcohol poisoning

Baileys is an alcoholic beverage. So, spoiled Baileys can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is a bad condition that can lead to coma and death

Botulism

Botulism is a rare illness caused by a toxin produced by a bacterium that grows in improperly canned or preserved foods, including spoiled Baileys. Symptoms of botulism can include nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness.

Other health problems

Consuming spoiled Baileys can also lead to other health problems, such as diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue.

How to Properly Store Baileys

To give you a quick checklist to keep your Baileys fresh for as long as possible, here are the things that you should always keep in mind when storing Baileys:

  • Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep the bottle tightly sealed when you’re not using it.
  • Avoid leaving it near heat sources like stoves or radiators.
  • If you live in a hot climate, consider storing it in the fridge to extend its shelf life.

Does Baileys Need To Be Refrigerated After Opening?

Baileys doesn’t need to be refrigerated after opening, but it’s a good idea to keep it fresh. Just keep the lid on tight to avoid funky odors from seeping in.

How Long Can You Keep Baileys Once Opened?

Once you open that bottle of Baileys, consume it within six months. That’s a pretty good window of time to savor its deliciousness. After that, its taste and quality may decline—you wouldn’t want that!

The bottom line

In conclusion, Baileys Irish Cream is a delightful treat that can last quite a while if stored properly. However, it’s not invincible and can still go bad. 

So, remember the checklist in this guide to give you a good idea if it’s still safe to drink. Follow the tips on proper storage and pay attention to the signs of spoilage! Cheers to sipping and mixing with this creamy Irish delight!