The short answer is: Yes, beer does freeze!

Whether you’re relaxing on a hot summer day in Arizona or facing a cold Wisconsin winter, it’s surprisingly easy to freeze your beer by accident. Maybe you put it in the freezer to cool it quickly, or you simply forgot about it. So, how cold does it have to get for beer to freeze? Let’s find out.

What Temperature Does Beer Freeze?

Unlike vodka, which you can throw into the freezer without much concern, beer freezes at a warmer temperature. Most beers will freeze at about 28ºF (or -2ºC) if they have a typical alcohol content of 4-6% ABV. (Does Beer Freeze? At What Temperature Does Beer Freeze?, n.d.) So, if you’re chilling your beer in the freezer, be careful. It can turn into a frozen slush before you realize it. For beer to freeze, it depends on a few factors:

• Alcohol content: Higher ABV beers freeze at lower temperatures. (Does Beer Freeze? At What Temp Does Beer Freeze?, n.d.)
• Insulation: If the beer is surrounded by ice or sitting directly in a freezer, it can freeze faster or slower.
• Sugar content: Beers with more sugar (like sweeter varieties) will freeze at a lower temperature. (What Temperature Does Beer Freeze At?, n.d.)
• External factors: If you’re chilling beer in an ice chest at a party, frequent opening and closing of the chest could allow warm air in, making it take longer to freeze.

In short, it varies, but it’s best not to risk leaving your beer in the freezer too long. A quick chill is fine, but longer exposure could lead to unwanted results.

Can You Put Beer in the Freezer?

Need to chill your beer fast? You can put it in the freezer, but make sure to set a timer so you remember to take it out. If you leave it in too long, you could end up with a beer slushy or even a messy explosion. (Beer Freezing Time – How Long Until Your Beer Turns to Ice?, 2023)

Why does beer explode in the freezer?

The simple reason is that water expands as it freezes. Since beer contains a lot of water, as the liquid freezes, the reason is simple: water expands when it freezes. Because beer has a lot of water, the liquid expands and builds up pressure inside the can or bottle as it freezes. This can make the beer burst and leave you with a big mess to clean up. (Why Does Beer Explode in the Freezer?, 2025) Freezing beer for a quick chill is okay, but don’t leave it in too long or forget about it. Live in a place like Canada, where you can accidentally leave beer outside on a cold winter night. So what do you do if your beer freezes?

• Glass beer bottles: If your beer is frozen in a glass bottle, throw it out. Glass can break when it freezes, and no one wants to risk getting hurt by shards of frozen glass.
• Partially frozen beer: If you catch the beer before it’s completely frozen, you’re probably okay to drink it. However, freezing beer will change its flavor, aroma, and texture. It won’t taste exactly as the brewer intended, and it may be flat or a bit off. (Will Frozen Beer Explode When Thawed?, 2023) You might also notice a weird slushy texture when you open it.

Here’s a fun fact: If some of your beer freezes and you take out the ice slush, the alcohol content in the remaining beer can go up. That’s because you’re removing extra water, which leaves a higher concentration of alcohol. (Ice beer, n.d.) However, this isn’t a trick to get stronger beer. You’re just changing the balance between alcohol and water.

What to Do with a Frozen Beer

So, your beer is frozen. Now what?

1. Beer Margarita – Seriously, try it! If you’ve got a frozen beer, you can mix it with margarita mix, lime juice, and tequila, and create a refreshing beer cocktail. Perfect for cooling off during the summer. My go-to for this is a Passionfruit Gose from Three Weavers. It’s tart and fruity, and when mixed with margarita ingredients, it’s absolutely delicious.
2. Use it in Cooking – If you’ve frozen a stout or a dark beer, why not throw it into your chili? The robust, smooth flavor of the beer adds depth to the dish, and it’s a great way to use up a frozen beer. It’s a fantastic addition to almost any chili recipe, giving it a hearty flavor that’s perfect for colder days.

Conclusion

So, yes, beer does freeze, and it happens at a warmer temperature than you might think. Most beers freeze at about 28ºF (or -2ºC). If you forget your beer in the freezer, you could end up with a slushy mess or even an explosion. If you catch it early, you can still drink it, but it might not taste the same as the brewer intended. Or, you could get creative and use your frozen beer in a cocktail or a tasty recipe.

Next time you chill your beer in the freezer, remember to keep an eye on it. Or, if it does freeze, try out some of these fun ideas for using frozen beer.

Cheers!