If you leave seltzer (carbonated water) in the freezer overnight, it can lead to various outcomes depending on several factors:
Freezer Temperature: The temperature of the freezer plays a crucial role. Most household freezers are set to a temperature around 0°F (-18°C) or lower. At such low temperatures, the seltzer will likely freeze solid.
Bottle Integrity: The type of container you use to store the seltzer matters. Glass bottles are more likely to crack or shatter due to the expansion of water as it freezes. Plastic bottles may deform or burst, but they are less likely to create a mess compared to glass.
Carbonation: Carbonated water contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which makes it fizzy. When water freezes, it tends to expand, and the pressure from the trapped carbon dioxide can exacerbate this. Sealed bottles or cans could potentially explode if left in the freezer for an extended period.
So, here's what could happen:
If the seltzer is in a sealed plastic bottle, it might deform or burst as the water expands during freezing. This can create a mess in your freezer, and you'll end up with a frozen, possibly exploded, bottle of seltzer.
If the seltzer is in a sealed glass bottle, there is a high risk of the glass shattering due to the expansion of water as it freezes. This can be dangerous and result in glass shards within the freezer.
If the seltzer is in an unsealed container, the carbon dioxide gas will escape as the water freezes, and you'll likely have a frozen block of seltzer that has lost its fizziness.
To avoid these issues, it's best not to store carbonated beverages in the freezer for an extended period. If you want to chill seltzer quickly, you can place it in the freezer for a short period (about 15-20 minutes) but remember to set a timer to prevent forgetting it. Always leave some room for expansion in the container, especially if it's a sealed one, to minimize the risk of bursting or exploding.