When it comes to freezing gin or vodka, it’s important to understand that both are classified as hard spirits with a high alcohol content. The freezing point of any liquid is determined by its alcohol content, and the higher the proof, the lower the freezing point.
Gin typically has a higher alcohol content than vodka, with most gins ranging from 40% to 47% alcohol by volume (ABV). Vodka, on the other hand, usually has an ABV ranging from 35% to 50%.
The freezing point of pure ethanol, which is the alcohol found in these spirits, is around -114 degrees Celsius (-173 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the presence of impurities and water in the spirits will lower the freezing point slightly.
In a conventional freezer, which typically operates at temperatures around -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit), both gin and vodka will not freeze. This is because their alcohol content is above the freezing point at this temperature.
However, if you were to place a bottle of gin or vodka in a freezer that is capable of reaching lower temperatures, such as a laboratory freezer or an ultra-low temperature freezer, you could potentially freeze them. These freezers can reach temperatures as low as -80 degrees Celsius (-112 degrees Fahrenheit), which is well below the freezing point of even high-proof spirits.
It’s worth mentioning that freezing gin or vodka may affect their texture and taste. When liquids freeze, the water content forms ice crystals, which can alter the texture and potentially impact the flavor profile of the spirit. It’s generally recommended to store gin and vodka at a cool room temperature rather than freezing them, to preserve their quality.
In my personal experience, I have accidentally left a bottle of vodka in the freezer overnight, only to discover it had not frozen. The freezer was set to around -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the temperature most household freezers operate at. This confirmed that higher-proof spirits like vodka can indeed withstand freezing temperatures in a conventional freezer.
To summarize, gin and vodka, being hard spirits with high alcohol content, will not freeze in a conventional freezer. However, if exposed to extremely low temperatures, such as those found in specialized freezers, they can potentially freeze. It’s important to consider the potential impact on texture and flavor before attempting to freeze these spirits.