Basic Vinegar Bottle Types

• Vinegar can keep for a long time, almost indefinitely, and can be stored in either a glass or plastic bottle. Metal bottles are not recommended because the acidity of vinegar can react with the metal. Use either a plastic screw-top or cork-top to seal a bottle; a screw top is better for long-term storage. If you are using a metal screw-top, choose one made from non-corrodable metal.The neck of the bottle is often narrow, to prevent you from pouring out too much at once.

Specialty Vinegar Bottle Types

• The rarest balsamic vinegar, aceto balsamic tradizionale, is only sold in onion-shaped bottles. Other balsamic vinegars, such as condimento and lesser quality balsamic vinegars, can be sold in any bottle. Other specialty vinegar bottles include those used for flavored vinegars, often with the flavorings, such as fresh herb stems or whole chili peppers, stored inside the bottle with the vinegar as decoration and to create stronger flavors over time. Choose small, decorative bottles because flavored vinegars have a shelf life of 2 to 3 months if stored at room temperature and 6 to 8 months if stored in the fridge. If you are making your own flavored vinegars, choose resealable containers made of glass without scratches or cracks.