Post #360151 by Chip and Andy on Fri, Feb 8, 2008 8:52 PM

Which mixers? Do you mean things like Coke and Ginger Beer? Or things like Cointreau and Orgeat?

Here is a very general guideline, your mileage may vary....

Basic mixers like sodas and tonics and such will last three to six months unopened. Cans last longer than bottles.

Basic drink add-ins like sugar syrup or grenadine, things that have no alcoholic content should be refrigerated after opening, period, no discussion.

Basic Liqueurs with less than 15% alcohol by content (30 proof) will keep on the shelf unopened for three to five years. Once opened they should be refrigerated. They don't have to be, but it is better/safer if you do.

Basic Liqueurs with more than 15% alcohol by volume (30 proof) will keep on the shelf unopened for three to five years. Once opened they should be shelf stable for up to about six months. They will keep longer if you keep them under the bar where it is dark and relatively cool.

Liquors with more than 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof) will keep on the shelf unopened for longer than you want to look at on the shelf. Once opened they should be shelf stable for one to two years, but you will loose lots to evaporation once you break that seal.

Light and Heat are the two enemies to the storage of anything you have on your bar. Store all of your stuff away from windows and light and someplace that is cool, or at least a stable temperature.

Of course, it all depends on what you are storing. There is an exception for everything you are going to want to add to your bar....

Probably way more information than you were asking about... I just wanted to make sure that the bar you worked eight years to get makes you and your liver as happy as you possibly can be.