Does Gin Freeze?
The short and sweet answer is no. Unless you have some sort of supersonic freezer that can drop to -27°C (-17°F) or lower.
Due to the high ABV (alcohol by volume) content of London Dry Gins, which sits at a minimum of 37.5%, it's pretty impossible to freeze gin in normal household freezers. They typically have a temperature of around -18°C (0°F) to -23°C (-9.4°F).
However, there are a number of benefits to storing gin in the freezer.
Does Gin Taste Better Frozen?
It depends on how you like your gin served. When the temperature drops, the viscosity (thickness) of the gin increases, which creates a smoother texture.
The famous Duke's Bar in London is renowned for their freezing cold martinis. They have a trolley with a built-in freezer where they freeze their gin and martini glasses to the coldest of temperatures. Some say it's the best gin martini you can get.
Storage & Serving Tips
When storing gin or any liquid in the freezer, ensure the lid is screwed on tightly. For any corked bottles like Pickering's Gin, make sure the cork is fitting securely and tip the bottle at an angle that will soak the cork. This will ensure the cork remains moist and prevents it from drying out.
Store upright if possible, as this prevents any damage or dissolving of the cork, which could lead to contamination. And finally, keep away from food to avoid any odours lingering around.
Before freezing any spirits, check the alcohol content; you want at least an ABV of 37.5% to ensure it remains extremely cold but not starting to freeze.
Why Did My Gin Freeze?
If you freeze, for example, gin liqueurs or pre-mixed cocktails, they could have a higher water content, which could lead to a slushy consistency. Flavoured gins that use natural ingredients or aren't unfiltered may partially freeze or subtly change.
However, if you have a London Dry Gin and it's frozen, then it's time to get your detective hat on. There might be someone who's taking some gin and replacing it with water... so if you have any teenagers in the household, they might be up to something.
Can You Store Other Alcohol in the Freezer?
Aside from gin, you can store other spirits in the freezer that also have a high alcohol content; however, some drinks are best served chilled vs frozen.
We would strongly advise against storing beer in the freezer, as it's mainly made out of water. You can pop a few beer cans in for 10-15 minutes if they are warm, but leaving them in overnight could lead to an explosion... so better to be safe than sorry.
It's a similar story for wine; if you want to chill a bottle for a little bit, then the freezer is your best friend. It's around 85-90% water, so the pressure from freezing it can cause the glass to break or a cork to be pushed out.
Some things are better off in the fridge, but freeze your gin to your heart's content!
