Tequila infused with jalapenos has become a popular drink in recent years. The spicy kick of the jalapenos adds an extra flavor dimension to the tequila. However, there is some debate around whether you need to refrigerate jalapeno infused tequila. There are good arguments on both sides. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of refrigeration and what experts recommend.
Does tequila with jalapenos need refrigeration?
Many people assume you should refrigerate any infused alcohol, including jalapeno tequila. There are a couple reasons people believe this:
- Infusing introduces new ingredients that could spoil at room temperature.
- Refrigeration slows oxidation and deterioration of the flavors.
So at first glance, it seems obvious you should store jalapeno tequila in the fridge. However, there are also good reasons you may not need to refrigerate it:
- Tequila is a very stable spirit due to its alcohol content. It does not require refrigeration.
- Many experts say the capsaicin in jalapenos actually helps preserve the tequila rather than spoiling it.
- Properly prepared infusions last for months at room temperature.
With compelling arguments on both sides, what’s the right answer? Let’s dig into the details a bit more.
Does infusing tequila change its shelf stability?
To understand whether you need to refrigerate jalapeno tequila, it helps to first look at why tequila itself is shelf-stable. Tequila is a distilled spirit with an alcohol content between 35-55%. At this alcohol-by-volume (ABV), tequila is inhospitable to microbial growth. It does not require refrigeration for food safety.
When you infuse tequila with sliced jalapenos, does that change its shelf stability?
Most experts say no. The amount of jalapenos added is small compared to the overall volume. And the tequila’s alcohol content remains high enough to prevent microbial spoilage. As long as the jalapenos are fresh and properly cleaned, there is little risk of them introducing dangerous bacteria.
Many spirits experts consider an ABV over 20% to be shelf-stable. So infused tequila, even with some dilution from added ingredients, retains enough alcohol to be stored safely at room temperature. Refrigeration is not required.
Does refrigeration better preserve flavor?
Even if jalapeno infused tequila may be shelf stable, does refrigeration help preserve the flavor better? This is where there is some disagreement.
On the one hand, colder temperatures do slow down chemical reactions that can degrade flavors in infused alcohol over time. If you want to maintain the strongest, most vibrant jalapeno kick for as long as possible, fridge storage may help.
On the other hand, some experts argue the capsaicin in jalapenos actually helps preserve the tequila. Capsaicin has some antimicrobial properties that further prevent deterioration. Refrigeration is not necessary from a flavor perspective either.
Realistically, small batches of infused tequila that will be consumed relatively quickly are unlikely to suffer significant flavor loss at room temperature. But for larger batches intended for longer term storage, refrigeration remains a good option.
What do experts recommend for storing jalapeno tequila?
With the science being a bit ambiguous, what do experts actually recommend for storing jalapeno infused tequila? Here is a summary of advice from several spirits authorities:
- The Spruce Eats says refrigeration is not needed from a food safety perspective, but recommends it to maximize flavor retention.
- Kitchn states infused spirits will keep “indefinitely” stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is optional.
- Food Republic interviewed a mixologist who does not refrigerate infused tequila and says it lasts for “months” at room temperature.
- Serious Eats calls refrigeration “ideal” but not strictly necessary for infusions lasting up to 3 months.
The overall consensus seems to be refrigeration is beneficial for flavor but not absolutely required. Small batches can safely be stored at room temperature for months. Larger batches or longer term storage may merit fridge storage instead.
How long does infused tequila last in the fridge vs room temperature?
Assuming refrigeration helps maximize flavor retention, how much longer does chilled storage prolong the lifespan of jalapeno infused tequila?
Here’s a comparison:
Refrigerated
- Lasts up to 6 months while maintaining robust jalapeno flavor
- Flavor gradually declines after 6 months but tequila remains safe to consume
- After 1 year, jalapeno flavor mostly faded
Room temperature
- Lasts 2-3 months before jalapeno flavor starts diminishing
- Flavor largely gone after 6 months
- Tequila still safe to drink indefinitely but quality degraded
So while room temperature storage is safe, refrigeration roughly doubles the lifespan of peak flavor for jalapeno infused tequila. If enjoying the spicy jalapeno kick is the priority, fridge storage is recommended. Otherwise, room temperature is acceptable.
Does jalapeno tequila need to be stored in the freezer?
While refrigerating infused tequila can help preserve flavor, storing it in the freezer is unnecessary. Freezing may cause hazing in the tequila as ice crystals form. It can also degrade the flavor.
The optimal storage temperature for infused tequila is around 40-50°F – typical fridge temperatures. Freezer storage is too cold and not beneficial. Fridge storage strikes the right balance of coolness without freezing.
Should you let jalapeno tequila return to room temperature before drinking?
If you do refrigerate jalapeno infused tequila, should you let it warm up to room temperature before drinking? Or is it fine to pour chilled?
There are good arguments on both sides:
Let it warm up
- Allows full flavor to develop since smell is suppressed when cold.
- Avoids risk of shocking your system with icy liquour which may mute flavors.
Drink it cold
- Cold temperate accentuates the spicy burn.
- Chilling helps open up more botanical flavors.
- Easier to sip and drink faster when chilled.
In the end it comes down to personal preference. Try it both ways to see what you enjoy most. You really can’t go wrong drinking infused tequila either cold or at room temp.
What’s the best way to make jalapeno infused tequila at home?
If you want to infuse your own tequila at home, here is a quick guide:
Ingredients
- 750mL bottle of silver tequila
- 3-5 fresh jalapenos, sliced into rounds
- Optional: 2 tbsp agave nectar
Directions
- Wash and slice jalapenos, removing stems and seeds for milder heat.
- Add jalapeno slices and optional agave nectar to tequila bottle.
- Let infuse 2-3 days until desired spiciness is reached.
- Taste daily and strain out jalapenos when ready.
- Enjoy over ice or in spicy margaritas!
The great thing about infusing tequila at home is you control the flavor. Add more or fewer jalapenos to suit your taste.
Conclusion
While refrigerating infused tequila can help maximize shelf life and flavor, it is not strictly required. The high alcohol content prevents microbial growth even at room temperature. For short term storage under 6 months, either option works fine. For longer term storage, refrigeration is advisable to maintain the strongest jalapeno kick. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Jalapeno infused tequila can be safely enjoyed either chilled or at room temp.