Does Campari Need To Be Refrigerated?

Campari is a popular Italian liqueur that has a distinctive bitter-sweet taste and a vibrant red color. It is often used in cocktails like the Negroni, the Americano, and the Spritz. But how should you store Campari to keep it at its best? Does Campari need to be refrigerated or can it last at room temperature?

Campari does not need to be refrigerated, but it can benefit from being stored in a cool and dark place. Campari has a high alcohol content of 24%, which prevents it from spoiling easily. However, Campari also contains sugar and fruit extracts, which can degrade over time and affect the flavor and quality of the liqueur.

How Long Does Campari Last?

Campari is one of the longest-lasting liqueurs, thanks to its high alcohol content and low water content. Unlike other liqueurs that have dairy, cream, or egg ingredients, Campari does not spoil or curdle easily.

An unopened bottle of Campari can last for up to 10 years or more if stored properly. An opened bottle of Campari can last for several months or even years, depending on how often you use it and how well you seal it.

However, even though Campari does not go bad in the sense of becoming unsafe to drink, it can lose some of its flavor and aroma over time. This is especially true if you expose it to heat, light, or air, which can oxidize the liqueur and cause it to fade in color and taste.

Therefore, it is recommended to consume Campari within six months of opening it for optimal quality. You can also store it in the refrigerator or freezer to slow down the degradation process and preserve its freshness.

How to Store Campari Properly

Storing Campari properly is not a difficult task, but it can make a difference in how long it lasts and how good it tastes. Here are some tips on how to store Campari the right way:

• Keep it away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage the color and flavor of Campari by breaking down its natural ingredients. Store Campari in a dark cabinet, closet, or pantry, or wrap the bottle in foil or paper to protect it from light.
• Keep it away from heat sources. Heat can also affect the quality of Campari by evaporating some of the alcohol and altering the chemical composition of the liqueur. Avoid storing Campari near radiators, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, or windows that get hot during the day.
• Keep it tightly sealed. Air can also cause oxidation and deterioration of Campari by reacting with its components. Make sure to close the cap or cork securely after each use and avoid leaving the bottle open for too long.
• Keep it in a cool place. While refrigeration is not necessary for Campari, it can help extend its shelf life and maintain its flavor. You can also store Campari in the freezer if you want to keep it extra cold and prevent ice dilution when making cocktails. However, be aware that freezing may cause some crystallization or separation of the liqueur, which is normal and does not affect its safety or quality. Just shake the bottle well before using it.

FAQs About Storing Campari

Here are some common questions and answers about storing Campari:

• How can I tell if Campari has gone bad? Campari does not go bad in a way that makes it unsafe to drink, but it can lose some of its quality over time. You can tell if Campari has gone bad by checking its appearance, smell, and taste. If Campari looks cloudy, discolored, or has sediment at the bottom of the bottle, it may have degraded significantly. If Campari smells sour, musty, or off-putting, it may have been contaminated by bacteria or mold. If Campari tastes flat, dull, or unpleasant, it may have lost its original flavor and aroma.
• Can I use expired Campari? Expired Campari is not harmful to drink, but it may not taste as good as fresh Campari. You can still use expired Campari for cooking or baking purposes, as long as it does not smell or taste bad. You can also try mixing expired Campari with other ingredients to mask its flaws and create new flavors.
• What are some ways to use up leftover Campari? Leftover Campari can be used in various ways besides making cocktails. You can use Campari to make sauces, marinades, glazes, syrups, sorbets, cakes, puddings, jams, jellies, candies, and more. You can also use Campari to infuse fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, teas, coffees, vinegars, oils, and more. You can find many recipes online that use Campari as an ingredient or a flavor enhancer.

Conclusion

Campari is a versatile and delicious liqueur that can last for a long time if stored properly. Campari does not need to be refrigerated, but it can benefit from being kept in a cool and dark place. Campari can lose some of its quality over time, so it is best to consume it within six months of opening it. You can also store Campari in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its freshness and prevent ice dilution. You can use Campari to make various cocktails, dishes, and infusions, or enjoy it on its own as an aperitif or a digestif.