How Long Does Cold Brew Last in the Fridge?
Who doesn’t love a big glass of cold brew coffee? The rich coffee flavors, the boost of energy from the caffeine, and that cold refreshing feeling all come together to make for a fantastic drink, especially when it's warm outside.
It’s great to have some of this drink on hand in the fridge for a quick morning cup of joe. But having that cold brew all ready for the morning poses some questions.
How do you store cold brew? What’s the best way to keep it good for a long time? How long does it last in the fridge?
Those are the questions that this article is going to answer. So without further ado, here is your guide to storing cold brew so you can keep those batches fresh for as long as possible. Let’s get started.
What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is exactly what it sounds like. It’s coffee made without the heating element of the traditional brewing process. A regular cup of black coffee is made with coffee beans ground to a medium-fine level and water that is upwards of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and it only takes a few minutes to brew.
In addition, hot coffee is typically made with a percolation method, where hot water passes through the coffee grounds. But cold brew is made with the immersion method, where the coffee beans and water sit together in a container for the entire brewing process.
Obviously, cold brew takes more time and care to craft. Cold brew is made with coarsely ground coffee and room temperature or colder water. The water extracts all of those delicious coffee flavors over the course of many hours.
It might sound like a lot of work (and definitely a lot of waiting), but the delicious brew that awaits you is worth it. It’s rich and flavorful, and when you make it, you’ve got a big, tasty batch of coffee that you can keep on hand for several days!
Is Cold Brew the Same as Iced Coffee?
Although lots of iced coffees and cold brews taste pretty similar, there are some differences in how they taste and how they were prepared.
While cold brew, as mentioned above, is coffee made with water that is at a cold temperature, iced coffee is created a bit differently. There are two main methods by which iced coffee is brewed.
The first method is done by simply brewing hot coffee in the typical percolation method and then sticking it in the fridge to cool down.
The second method is a little more involved. You brew hot coffee, with the beans ground a little finer than you normal. This makes a little more concentrated version of coffee, and then you put ice into your freshly brewed coffee to cool and water it down.
Both of these methods are great ways to make an amazing cup of cold coffee that will refresh and reenergize you.
Are There Different Types of Cold Coffee?
But of course, all of that is only talking about the more traditional ways to make cold coffee. The coffee world is huge, and there are so many ways to get a delicious cup of cold java.
- Iced lattes
- Iced americanos
- Iced cappuccinos
- Coffee concentrate
All of these are fantastic and delicious ways to enjoy a cup of cold coffee. There are pros and cons to each of them, and there are plenty of options for you to find your favorite way to fill your cold caffeine cravings!
How Do You Properly Store Cold Brew?
Cold brew is relatively easy to store. Most of the time, cold brew is crafted in pretty big batches since it takes such a long time to make, so there’s definitely a big need to store it and keep it good for a while.
Here are a few tips on how to store your cold brew.
In a Pitcher, in the Fridge
This may seem obvious, but a pitcher is the best place to keep your cold brew. Part of the appeal of cold brew is that it’s super easy and convenient to enjoy.
Do you want coffee? All you have to do is pour yourself a glass. The brewing is already done, so you’re free to grab a cup and get to sipping!
Also, do yourself a favor and keep your cold brew in one pitcher. If you’re using plastic ones, it’s probably best to designate one pitcher for your cold brew because it could stain the inside of the pitcher as it sits for long periods of time.
Once you choose a pitcher, pour in your cold brew, and place it in the fridge. The cold temperature of the fridge will not only keep it chilled for you to enjoy, but it will keep it safer to drink for longer.
No Ice
When you put your cold brew in the fridge, make sure that you don’t add any ice to it. Even in the fridge, the ice will melt, watering down your cold brew and making for a less delicious drink.
Instead, when you’re ready to enjoy your cold brew, add some ice to your glass and pour that delicious coffee in!
How Long Does Cold Brew Last in the Fridge?
Cold brew that is properly stored in the fridge at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower can be safe to drink for about a week. So if you’re brewing it yourself, make sure you don’t make more than you’ll drink in a week’s time to keep yourself safe and sound.
An Alternative to Regular Cold Brew
If this is all sounding like a lot of work, you have a point. Making cold brew is a lengthy process with all the grinding, the long brew times, and the filtering afterward.
The whole process can take a full day to complete. If you suddenly decide you want cold brew one day, you’re fresh out of luck unless you want to head to the nearest coffee shop and buy a cup of it at a high price.
But you should be able to have the cold coffee you want whenever you want! And lucky for you, there’s a great solution that can give you great coffee at the drop of a hat.
Coffee Concentrate
When it comes to enjoying cold brew at home, there isn’t a better way to go than a high-quality coffee concentrate like those we offer at Javy Coffee. Coffee concentrate is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a delicious coffee that’s brewed strong with colder water, so it’s like cold brew but even stronger!
Coffee Concentrate Is Easy To Use
There are many reasons why coffee concentrate is a great way to enjoy your cold coffee. For starters, it’s super delicious! With coffee concentrate, you have all the rich flavors of coffee compacted into an easy bottle that contains dozens of servings. It's got all of the coffee flavors that you’re after and then some.
Javy Coffee Concentrate is also incredibly easy to use! All you have to do is take your bottle out of the fridge and pour it into a glass with milk or water. It’s the easiest possible way to enjoy coffee, leaving you more time to focus on the things that matter, like your family, your work, or just enjoying the world around you.
There’s no crazy brewing equipment, no loud grinders needed, and no science-y coffee knowledge that’s out of reach. Just a simple bottle that already has your ideal brew waiting for you.
Coffee Concentrate Is Versatile
Now let’s talk about flexibility. Coffee concentrate is one of the most versatile ways to get your coffee. Do you just want a cup of black cold brew? Just pour it into a bit of cold water.
Do you want to enjoy a delicious flavored iced latte with your favorite creamer and whipped cream on top? Just add milk and creamer, and top it with that whipped cream.
Other coffee methods just don’t have that type of convenience. With one simple bottle, you can enjoy your coffee in various ways, so no matter who you are, your cup of coffee is accessible and ready for you.
The Cold Coffee You Want
Coffee doesn’t have to be out of reach or inaccessible. It should be easy to enjoy right in the comfort of your own home. And that’s what Javy is all about. We bring delicious coffee to you in a simple way that fits into your crazy, hustle lifestyle.
So get your bottle of Javy today, and once you enjoy your first cup, tag us on Instagram @javy.coffee!
Sources:
Coffee Brewing | CoffeeResearch
Cold-Brew Coffee | Maricopa County Environmental Services Department
NCA Cold Brew Toolkit | National Coffee Association
