If you’re looking for a refreshing liqueur to ignite your senses, why not go for the rich Grand Marnier? But wait! Did you just realize how long it’s been since you last opened that bottle of Grand Marnier sitting in your cabinet? That situation can leave anyone wondering, “does Grand Marnier go bad?”
Just like most alcoholic beverages with a high ABV (for Grand Marnier, it’s 40%), Grand Marnier would last long. However, that isn’t to say the liqueur will retain its quality for years!
We tackle a more detailed explanation of Grand Marnier and its so-called expiration date, so let’s get started!
Does Grand Marnier Go Bad?
We all know liqueurs age well, and the longer it ages, the better! However, when the liqueur ages in special oak vats, which regulates the air and protects the liqueur from the elements. Once manufacturers place and seal liqueur into bottles, the aging process stops.
Fun fact: Did you know that someone purchases a bottle of Grand Marnier every three seconds from anywhere around the world? (*)
While Grand Marnier does not go bad, its quality will not improve over time. Instead, an opened bottle of Grand Marnier will start losing its palatable aroma and flavor because of something we all know as… Oxidation! (*)
We recommend drinking and finishing your bottle of Grand Marnier within the first year of opening it, ideally within nine months, or it ends up smelling and tasting dull or sour.
How about an unopened bottle of Grand Marnier? While these usually last indefinitely thanks to their appropriate sealing and storage conditions, we recommend opening and consuming them within eight years. After the eight-year mark, the sugars from Grand Marnier would begin breaking down, so you won’t get the intense flavors compared to opening them before.
How to Tell If Your Grand Marnier Spoiled
Again, Grand Marnier does NOT go bad. Instead, it loses quality and wouldn’t be as enjoyable to drink. Before you serve a slightly older bottle of Grand Marnier to others (or yourself), watch out for these signs to prevent undesirable sips of blah liqueur:
- Take a whiff. If you smell an unpleasant odor or don’t detect any rich, orange scent, it’s best not to serve it.
- You can also pour a bit of Grand Marnier into a glass and inspect its color. If it appears cloudy or a different color, it may have lost its quality or even gone bad.
- If you can’t tell based on smell or sight, you can put your tastebuds to the test. Grand Marnier that’s lost its quality would either taste bland or have an unpleasant flavor. It wouldn’t taste as smooth.
While you can still drink Grand Marnier despite the signs mentioned, we prefer opening or purchasing a new bottle for a better experience.
How to Store Grand Marnier
Just like other food and drinks, one of the best ways to retain Grand Marnier’s great flavor is by properly storing your liqueur bottles! Here are a few storage tips to follow:
- Never expose your bottles of liqueurs to light! Why do you think manufacturers sell them in dark amber bottles? Please keep it in a cool, dark, and dry area like a wine cellar or kitchen pantry.
- Liqueur’s second-worst enemy is heat. Keep your Grand Marnier away from heat sources like microwaves, stoves, and other appliances. You don’t need to store liqueur in the fridge, and you should never place it in a freezer. Plus, we enjoy Grand Marnier at room temperature.
- Check if your Grand Marnier bottle has a manufacturing date. If so, the more recent the date, the longer it will last.
- After opening a bottle of Grand Marnier, its next enemy is air. Cover your bottle adequately or move the liquid to a smaller container if needed.
- While your Grand Marnier remains unopened, store it on its side, keeping the cork moist and plump so the seal won’t break before you open it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about Grand Marnier? We answer them below!
1. Do you get sick drinking old Grand Marnier?
Fortunately, you won’t get sick when drinking old Grand Marnier. It would last indefinitely. However, you WILL get sick of the dull taste and aroma, questioning if there’s a point in drinking liqueur if it doesn’t taste good. Avoid wasting liqueur and your money by drinking Grand Marnier while it’s still in excellent condition!
Pro-tip: If you don't want to use Grand Marnier on its own, enjoy it in cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Cadillac Margarita, The Grand 75, or Mimosas! You can even add Grand Marnier as an ingredient to baked goods or topping to ice creams or other desserts.
2. Is Grand Marnier gluten-free?
Yes, Grand Marnier is gluten-free, so those with celiac disease can consume it without any issue. Moreover, Grand Marnier contains 6 grams of sugar per serving, though it has no fat, and we consider it a lower-calorie liqueur. Since it contains sugar and carbs, we don’t recommend Grand Marnier for those on keto diets.
Wrapping It Up
Grand Marnier doesn’t technically go bad, but drink it within months after opening it to avoid wasting a good bottle of Grand Marnier. That way, you can truly enjoy the flavors this orange liqueur offers.
Hopefully, our article answered your burning question, “does Grand Marnier go bad?” Now that you know the answer learn all about your favorite food and drinks here at Nomspedia. Yes, we’ve got tons of excellent content lined up for all foodies!
