# Stainless steel okay for alcohol, limeade, syrup? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 6, 2018, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508 "2018-06-06T01:05:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/1 "2018-06-06T01:05:09Z")
I’d like to premix whiskey, limeade, and cherry syrup (it’s a Cherry Gary) and put it in a stainless steel bottle for two weeks or so. Is it possible/likely that the taste will be affected?- ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/2 "2018-06-06T01:23:15Z")
Many travel flasks made to carry alcohol are made of stainless steel. So I vote no problem. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/3 "2018-06-06T01:25:05Z")
Stainless steel is non-reactive so you should be fine. That said not all things are created equal and some low quality stuff might not perform as you would hope. I think you’ll be fine doing that but if it is important I would make two batches as a test and see how it turns out. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/4 "2018-06-06T01:28:15Z")
There are food grade stainless steels that you need to use, especially for acidic stuff like like lime juice. But I assume it’s a bottle made for food or drink so should be generally ok, but if that bottle wasn’t intended for acidic liquids you may find it picking up a metallic taste. ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/5 "2018-06-06T01:33:37Z")
Your stopper/lid may run the risk of staining or absorbing something, depending if you have one and what it’s made of. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/6 "2018-06-06T01:41:11Z")
Should be fine, but of course glass is the gold standard for keeping booze in so there’s that. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/7 "2018-06-06T12:43:02Z")
I do have a travel flask, bought at REI, that is semi ridged plastic. It’s made by Nalgene. I know that they make a lot of travel gear and I believe are well regarded. > **[Amazon.com : Nalgene Flask, Blue, 12 oz : Camping Botas And Flasks : Sports...](https://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-3406-FLASK-12-Oz-Flask/dp/B002PLUCEQ)** > > A sip on your hip for quick refreshment. Nalgene ingenuity makes it leak proof; a slender profile makes it less bulky. Wherever you're going and whatever you're drinking, take along a Nalgene flask. Features one-ounce cap, fits easily into bags and... 12 Oz and made of PET. ---
**Author:** ![cgg419](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cgg419/32/2847_2.png) [@cgg419](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cgg419)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/8 "2018-06-06T23:08:02Z")
I got a flask as a gift a few years back. It specifically said don’t leave alcohol in there for more than 3 days, didn’t say why though ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/9 "2018-06-06T23:19:44Z")
I’ve never owned a flask which is capable of holding more than 1, let lone 3 days, worth of alcohol. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2018, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/10 "2018-06-07T01:19:29Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Should be fine, but of course glass is the gold standard for keeping booze in so there’s that. Yeah, but glass breaks easier than other materials. I’d recommend OP consider buying a pint in a plastic bottle, then use that in the future. I thought metal flasks said not to store alcohol in them long term? Is that untrue? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2018, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/11 "2018-06-07T02:49:49Z")
> [@cgg419](#): > > I got a flask as a gift a few years back. It specifically said don’t leave alcohol in there for more than 3 days, didn’t say why though Maybe the stopper or seal on whatever kind of lid it has? If it’s about leeching metal I’d think they’d warn about a lot more liquids. ---
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2018, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/12 "2018-06-07T22:14:49Z")
> [@cgg419](#): > > I got a flask as a gift a few years back. It specifically said don’t leave alcohol in there for more than 3 days, didn’t say why though Same warning on a steel flask I received too, no reason given either. Do they worry we’ll keep the flask in a pocket to warm the booze, letting the hardier bugs flourish? ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2018, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/13 "2018-06-07T22:45:40Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I’d like to premix whiskey, limeade, and cherry syrup (it’s a Cherry Gary) and put it in a stainless steel bottle for two weeks or so. Is it possible/likely that the taste will be affected?- I’d love to have the recipe here. Cherry syrup? what kind? Limeade or just lime juice? Information, please. (my DH is a Gary) ---
**Author:** ![Rough\_Draft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@Rough\_Draft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rough_Draft)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2018, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/14 "2018-06-08T00:00:28Z")
I think I’d go with glass just to be safe. But what I really came in here to do is second kayT in asking for the recipe for Cherry Garys. That sounds like a great drink! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2018, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/15 "2018-06-08T02:02:49Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > I’ve never owned a flask which is capable of holding more than 1, let lone 3 days, worth of alcohol. 1. ^^This. 2. Nalgene. I own several of the flasks **GaryM** linked to. Light, sturdy and they don’t give you off flavors. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2018, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/16 "2018-06-08T02:12:03Z")
> [@Rough\_Draft](#): > > I think I’d go with glass just to be safe. Me too… But for psychological reasons. If my Cheery Queery (or whatever) was stored in stainless, I’d imagine it had a metallic taste. If it was in plastic I’d swear I could tell… this is true of my travel coffee mug (it has a plastic liner, which I cannot forget…). ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2018, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/17 "2018-06-08T04:12:24Z")
You can’t carry glass containers into a lot of parks (especially around here) nor would they be advisable in a lot of circumstances where you’d want to be using a flask. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2018, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/18 "2018-06-09T01:55:34Z")
1½ oz. bourbon (I lean towards [Triple Crown](https://toddysknoxville.com/components/com_jshopping/files/img_products/full_bottle-triplecrown.png)) ½ oz. grenadine (I prefer [Master of Mixes](http://buildabasket.giftbasketexpert.netdna-cdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/a/master_of_mixes_grenadine1.jpg)) 4 oz. limeade (I prefer [Simply](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1cad9019-5609-4876-a120-59bdf2b47901_1.24926f9ad69cf28b33fe85c7debeaf24.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF)) ETA: I don’t know a lot about grenadine, but it seems other brands may not have the cherry flavor I love. The inspiration for this drink was cherry limeade. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2018, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/19 "2018-06-09T02:47:20Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > You can’t carry glass containers into a lot of parks (especially around here) nor would they be advisable in a lot of circumstances where you’d want to be using a flask. Ah, but they do make [Glass-lined Stainless Steel Travel Thermos Mugs](https://www.amazon.com/GYB0023-Insulated-Stainless-Steel-Colorful-exterior/dp/B01FSBY0FQ)… > [@Gary\_T](#): > > 1½ oz. bourbon (I lean towards [Triple Crown](https://toddysknoxville.com/components/com_jshopping/files/img_products/full_bottle-triplecrown.png)) > ½ oz. grenadine (I prefer [Master of Mixes](http://buildabasket.giftbasketexpert.netdna-cdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/a/master_of_mixes_grenadine1.jpg)) > 4 oz. limeade (I prefer [Simply](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1cad9019-5609-4876-a120-59bdf2b47901_1.24926f9ad69cf28b33fe85c7debeaf24.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF)) Yum! If I substitute cherry juice, I’ve got all the ingredients. Off to concoct a tall glass of it in my Man Cave Wet Bar (ok, it’s just the kitchen sink…). ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2018, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508/20 "2018-06-09T08:32:12Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > 1½ oz. bourbon (I lean towards [Triple Crown](https://toddysknoxville.com/components/com_jshopping/files/img_products/full_bottle-triplecrown.png)) > ½ oz. grenadine (I prefer [Master of Mixes](http://buildabasket.giftbasketexpert.netdna-cdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/a/master_of_mixes_grenadine1.jpg)) > 4 oz. limeade (I prefer [Simply](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1cad9019-5609-4876-a120-59bdf2b47901_1.24926f9ad69cf28b33fe85c7debeaf24.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF)) > > ETA: I don’t know a lot about grenadine, but it seems other brands may not have the cherry flavor I love. The inspiration for this drink was cherry limeade. Grenadine is pomegranate. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stainless-steel-okay-for-alcohol-limeade-syrup/815508.md?page=2)