White Claw comes in 8 flavors and is 4.5-5% alcohol by volume, which is a great way to beat the heat. However, there is a new trend with this popular alcoholic beverage you might want to enjoy. The question is, “Can you freeze White Claw hard seltzers to enjoy later, or can you make White Claw Slushies?”
The White Claw’s blend of seltzer water, fruit flavor, and alcohol makes it perfect for hot summer, although the drink won’t last forever. So, Knowing how to freeze a White Claw hard seltzer the right way correctly means you can keep it longer or enjoy it another way.
First, freezing your unopened White Claw cans won’t ruin or freeze the seltzer solid. The alcohol in White Claw acts as an anti-freeze, lowering its freezing point so the drink won’t freeze and the carbonation remains intact. Just keep your White Claws away from direct sunlight and freeze your White Claw upright and super cold – 0°F or below is ideal.
Freezing like this prevents large ice crystals from forming during the freezing process. Also, the key is freezing White Claw fast; once frozen, keep your cans stored properly in the freezer, away from the door where temperatures fluctuate.
In our guide, you can learn more about keeping your White Claw in the freezer and why it doesn’t have a firm expiration date. By the end, you’ll better understand whether White Claw will go bad, how to refrigerate White Claw and enjoy it on hot days, and how long unopened seltzer lasts. (Read Can You Freeze Pad Thai)
When White Claws Freeze, Does It Spoil The Taste?
When you freeze any carbonated beverage like White Claw seltzers, this is a common question. The good news is that freezing white claw hard seltzers won’t ruin the taste, even if it seems like it would. The alcohol content in White Claws acts as an anti-freeze, lowering the freezing point of the alcohol base. This prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the carbonation of this hard liquor spritzer when frozen properly.
Slow freezing allows large ice crystals to form as the seltzer freeze, which can rupture the carbonation bubbles. Quick freezing at 0°F creates much smaller ice crystals that do minimal damage. If you freeze white claw seltzers correctly, they will stay fresh and taste as good thawed as before freezing.
What Is the Best Way to Freeze White Claws?
To freeze White Claw properly:
- Leave White Claws unopened in the original cans. Do not open before freezing.
- Arrange White Claw cans upright in a single layer in your freezer. Make sure nothing will crush or puncture the cans.
- Set your freezer to 0°F or below. The colder the temperature, the better.
- Freeze white claw hard seltzers for at least 24 hours before drinking to ensure they are completely frozen solid. Freezing for 2-3 days is ideal as White Claw takes longer than water to freeze.
- Once frozen, white claws can be stored in freezer bags or containers to save space. Handle frozen cans gently to avoid ruptures.
It does take some caution as the carbon dioxide inside the can could split the can, or the can of White Claw may even explode.
How Long Do Frozen White Claws Last?
Knowing how long does White Claws last can make or break your evening’s entertainment. Luckily, if unopened, White Claw spirit in the freezer is still good after a considerable time. Properly frozen white claw hard seltzers will generally stay at best quality for 3-6 months in the freezer before going bad.
The shelf life depends on the type of freezer and how cold it runs. A freezer at 0°F or below will give white claws maximum freezer life. It is possible to keep cans in the refrigerator to keep it fresh instead of freezing, and then you don’t need to ask, will seltzer explode? (Read Can You Freeze Sausage)
Can You Make White Claw Popsicles?
Freezing White Claw into DIY popsicles is very popular. White claw popsicles are a delicious frozen treat and a fun way to create different flavors by mixing and matching white claw varieties.
To make white claw popsicles:
- Choose your favorite white claw flavors. Pineapple and mango or black cherry and lime make tasty combinations.
- Pour white claw into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top as the liquid will expand as it freezes.
- Add fresh fruit or fruit juice like raspberries or mango chunks if desired. Pieces of real fruit add nice texture and visual appeal.
- Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until completely solid.
- Run the popsicle molds under warm water to easily remove the frozen white claw popsicles.
- Enjoy your boozy frozen ice pops immediately, or store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
The alcohol content keeps the popsicles soft enough to eat even when frozen. Just be careful – white claw popsicles go down very quickly! You can also freeze it in ice cube trays and add it to a drink to avoid a watery beverage.
Does White Claw Go Bad At Room Temperature
How long does unopened seltzer last at room temperature is a common question? Luckily, White Claws expire when stored at room temperature after a significant period. Properly stored and unopened White Claw is still good for about nine months and only needs to be refrigerated to cool the opened White Claw drink unless you pour it over a glass filled with ice.
In addition, if you have an opened can of White Claw and see you have passed the date on the can, it is usually safe to drink. (Read Can You Freeze KFC Chicken)
What Happens If You Drink Expired or Frozen White Claws?
Drinking white claws left frozen too long or expired isn’t inherently dangerous. However, the taste and quality will degrade over time.
Here’s what may happen if you drink expired White Claws:
- Flat, lackluster carbonation that feels watery on the palate
- Muted or slightly off flavors compared to fresh White Claws
- Unpleasant metallic or cardboard taste
- A cloudy appearance with sediment can be found on the bottom
While drinking expired white claws won’t make you sick, the taste, and mouthfeel will be inferior. It’s best to throw out White Claws over 6 months old.
Give it a sniff, and if it smells funny, err on the side of caution and toss it out.
Pro Tips for Freezing White Claws
Here are some additional pointers to get the most out of freezing white claw hard seltzers:
- Leave space at the top of containers and bags for expansion during freezing. This prevents exploding cans and leaking bags.
- Use freezer bags to save space long-term. Take cans out of boxes before freezing to maximize room.
- For cold white claw cubes, consider freezing individual White Claw cans in ice cube trays. Add them to drinks for an instant cold, boozy punch.
- Mix and match white claw flavors before freezing them into popsicles or slushies for unique combinations. Mango and black cherry make a tasty duo.
- Freeze white claw cans on their side if short on vertical freezer space. Just be extra careful not to puncture the cans when stacking objects on top.
- When in doubt, throw it out. If a frozen or expired white claw tastes off, don’t risk it.
Conclusion:
The answer is yes – you can freeze White Claw hard seltzers to enjoy later without ruining them! If you store them properly in the freezer, White Claws maintain their delicious flavor and satisfying fizz even after being frozen for months.
Freezing is a great way to save leftover White Claws to quench your thirst on another hot summer day. Or get creative and whip up some refreshing frozen white claw popsicles! (Read Can You Freeze Canned Mushrooms)
FAQs
Is it safe to drink expired frozen White Claws?
While not dangerous, frozen white claws stored over six months tend to lose their fizz and taste flat or metallic. For quality standards, discarding White Claws frozen for over six months is best.
Do I have to freeze White Claws in the original cans?
Yes, you should only freeze unopened cans. Opening cans before freezing can cause the seltzer to explode or go flat faster once thawed.
Why do my frozen White Claws explode sometimes?
Exploding seltzer cans are usually caused by freezing the cans slowly, allowing ice crystals to damage the carbonation. Or by freezing cans on their side, leaving no room for expansion. Freeze cans upright at 0°F or below.
Can I reuse White Claw cans after freezing?
It’s best not to re-freeze White Claws after the initial freeze. Re-freezing thawed cans accelerates carbonation loss. Drink thawed white claws within 2-3 days for optimal quality.