If you want to get the best out of your drinks and make them last longer, there is usually a recommended way to store them correctly. This can vary for different beverages. Some drinks, for example, benefit from refrigeration whilst others may require different conditions. Here is all you need to know.
Wine
The best place to store wine is in a cool, dark place on its side, such as a cellar. The temperature needs to be kept constant at around 55F with medium-high humidity. Storing wine in a fridge over a long period of time can affect its ageing process, and the opening and closing of the door will also cause the temperature to fluctuate.
It is fine to store white wine in a fridge prior to consumption, or after opening for up to two days, but once you take it out of the fridge, make sure to adjust the temperature before serving. Different wines taste best at different temperatures. Deep red wines, for instance, have an optimum drinking temperature of between 59-66F, whilst dry white wines taste best at 46-57F and sparkling wines at 43-47F.
When storing wine, make sure to keep it away from anything that has a strong smell or flavour, as this could permeate through the cork and taint the wine. According to NI Direct Government Services don’t store drinks near cleaning products or other chemicals, as this could also affect the taste.
Beer
If you are storing beer for a long time, keep it in a cool place away from direct light. Keep bottles stored upright rather than on their side, to ensure the yeast sediments remain at the bottom of the bottle. Beer can be placed in domestic fridges or commercial bottle coolers, such as those from Fridge Freezer Direct prior to consumption. Most beers benefit from a constant temperature of around 50-55F, although this can vary depending on the type of beer. Avoid freezing your beer prior to consumption, as this can spoil the taste. Once a bottle of beer has been opened, it can not be stored for consumption at a later date. It will soon turn flat, so do not put it back in the fridge.
Bear in mind, that other carbonated drinks can still be stored in the fridge for later consumption, and refrigeration will ensure to keep the carbonation in the beverages for longer.
Champagne
According to the Daily Mail it has long been thought that the air in our fridges is too dry to store effervescent wines, and the internal light and vibrations from the fridge’s motor were also thought to spoil it. Scientists now believe, however, that storing champagne and fizzy alcoholic drinks such as prosecco and cava at 4C in a fridge can prolong its life, and prevent it developing a compound that can make it go bad.
When storing champagne in a fridge, it is important to not store it upright, as this can allow the cork to shrink and encourage oxygen to get inside the bottle. Exposure to oxygen reduces the longevity of the drink and optimum taste.
