Here's Why You Shouldn't Store Vodka In The Freezer
No matter what kind of vodka you like to keep on hand, chances are that you likely store it in the freezer. It makes sense, right? That way, it will always be ice-cold and ready to serve in a classic cocktail like a refreshing Moscow mule. This is certainly a popular concept, but for those who are really vodka snobs, letting the liquor get that frosty is sadly not the best practice. In reality, the quality of the vodka dictates what temperature you should store the spirit at, according to Business Insider.
Francois Thibault is the mastermind behind one of the highest quality vodka brands out there, Grey Goose. He spoke with Business Insider about this common mistake that tons of people make. According to Thibault, keeping vodka in the freezer is only acceptable for low-quality or cheap vodka brands. That's because the very cold temperature helps to mask the harsh truth that lesser vodka isn't very smooth and might even burn on its way down. For top-shelf vodkas, however, there's a much better storage method that you should be using.
This is the best storage temperature for good vodka
Thibault told Business Insider that storing premium vodka (including his own brand, of course) in the freezer prevents customers from enjoying all that Grey Goose and other top-shelf vodka has to offer. There are subtle notes and flavors that can only be tasted and experienced when the vodka is served at a slightly warmer temperature. Remember that, if extreme cold hides flavor flaws, then it will also hide the more enjoyable aspects of a drink, too. So, what's the correct storage temperature for the perfect vodka drinking experience?
According to the Food Network, premium vodka should be stored between 32 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit. As Thibault told Business Insider that the specific range of temperatures is the same as "the temperature of a slight dilution with ice in a mixing glass." So, in truth, you would be much better off keeping your high-quality vodka in the fridge, which should be between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, at least if you keep it on the cold side (via Real Simple). The solution is a simple as moving that bottle on level down from the freezer to the fridge.