Find out if Grand Marnier goes bad, how to store this orange liqueur, and how long this drink usually lasts.
Note: I am a Drizly affiliate and am happy to recommend their service and products to you. Please know that as an affiliate, I may receive a small commission on the products you purchase after clicking through my links. For more info, please see my disclosure policy.
If you like to keep a well-stocked bar, you probably have a bottle of Grand Marnier in there somewhere. This orange liqueur is a great addition to many margarita, cosmopolitan, or sidecars.
If you don’t drink these cocktails too often, you may find yourself with a bottle of Grand Marnier that gets used up pretty sparingly over time. If this is the case for you or if you’ve just found a bottle of Grand Marnier in the back of the cabinet, you may be wondering if this drink has gone bad.
Find out in this post what Grand Marnier is, how to properly store Grand Marnier, and how long this orange liqueur generally lasts. Plus find out if Grand Marnier goes bad, and how to identify if this liqueur has seen better days.
What is Grand Marnier?
Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur that is made in France. This liqueur has a base of cognac and has a distilled essence of bitter orange and sugar added to it.
This liqueur was created in 1880 just outside Paris in a city called Neauphle-le-Château.
Grand Marnier is a liqueur that’s made of a blend of cognac brandy and a liqueur flavored with bitter orange essences.
How to store Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier is just like any other alcohol or liqueur. It should be kept in a cool, dry place away from heat or bright light.
It can be enjoyed at room temperature and does not need refrigeration, unless you prefer for it to be chilled to add to your drinks.
According to Choosing Nutrition, since Grand Marnier is made from grapes and is sealed with a cork, you may want to store it on its side when not pouring. Storing on its side will help prevent the seal from breaking before you intend for it to.
How long does Grand Marnier last?
Grand Marnier, like other liqueurs, can last indefinitely in theory. That said, once opened, it will likely lose some of its flavor and eventually deprecipate in quality.
You can assume Grand Marnier will be good for at least 10 or so years, but I don’t know of anyone who would let this liqueur sit on their shelf that long untouched. In general, the higher the alcohol content of a liqueur, the longer it will last at room temperature.
Can Grand Marnier go bad?
Grand Marnier can go bad eventually, however it doesn’t have a short shelf life. You can assume that Grand Marnier will be unopened for at least 10 years. An open bottle will maintain quality for less time, maybe around 3 or so years before the flavor quality decreases.
Does Grand Marnier go bad after opening?
Grand Marnier won’t go bad quickly after opening. In fact, when stored in the proper conditions of a cool, dark, dry place, it will last years. If your Grand Marnier has been open and stocked away in a cupboard for more than 3 years, you may want to consider checking the appearance and smell before using it in your favorite drink recipes.
How to tell if Grand Marnier has gone bad
The easiest way to tell if Grand Marnier or another liqueur has gone bad is simply checking the appearance and smell. If it looks and smells like it did when you first bought it, you can assume it is safe to use in your mixed drinks and cocktails.
Can you get sick from old Grand Marnier?
Anything is possible! Do your best to know the age of the liqueurs you have stocked in your home bar, so that you’re aware of the possibility that the Grand Marnier has gone down in quality.
The biggest issue with drinking an old bottle of Grand Marnier is going to be more around quality than around safety and getting sick.
If you have a bottle of Grand Marnier that you’ve just found in the back of your cabinet and you’re wondering if it’s safe to drink, consider how long it’s been there and whether it looks the same as when you first bought it or opened it.
Keep in mind that if it’s been stored in a cool, dark, and dry place it’s much more likely to preserve its freshness than one that’s been exposed to heat or light over time.