Have you ever wondered how long iced coffee will last in the fridge? We often get asked this question by customers who want to make coffee at home. And the answer, like most things in life, is…it depends. In this blog post, we’re going to dive into all things iced coffee so that you can make a delicious cup at home that will last as long as you need it to.
Though Iced Coffee brews as regular coffee, it is more concentrated than usual. All you need is to put ice into the mugs. So, it is easy to make iced coffee if you have concentrated brewed coffee.
The concentrated brew can last longer than the served iced coffee in the fridge. You have to follow some directives to keep it fresh even in the fridge.
Iced Coffee And Its Fridge Life
Iced coffee is thickened coffee than the regular coffee we drink every day. Usually, it brews with hot water while putting in the double amount of ground coffee. This concentrate is called base coffee and serves with ice cubes. Since Iced Coffee mixes with ice, it has to be a concentrated base.
It brews hot because sweeteners can readily melt at this temperature. Ice cubes or chilled water dilutes it as well as cools it down immediately. You can have a cup of iced coffee at any time if you have the brewed concentration. But the common question is, can you put iced coffee in the fridge overnight?
Well, yes. You can put Iced Coffee in the fridge to store for future use. However, there are 2 cases for the fridge life span of Iced Coffee.
- Case-1: you can put already served iced coffee in the fridge. But, make sure that you will drink it within 8 hours. It is the best time to get the taste as served right now. This drink will last 2-3 days if kept in an airtight pot. In this way, the life of iced coffee extends. But, always check the smell and color before drinking for safety purposes.
- Case-2: If you brew the concentrate (the base coffee) or bring it from cafes, it will last longer. Close the lid of the coffee container so that it has no contact with air. Place it in the fridge as soon as possible. It will be in good condition for 1-2 weeks. Check the smell, taste, and color each time you use the concentration. Mold grows in the base coffee and makes you sick if you are incognizant. Remember to use an airtight container always to store your coffee.
Tips For Storing Iced Coffee In The Fridge
Storing coffee is not like putting a glass of water into the fridge. The beans, grounds even the drinks of coffee absorb the smell of your fridge. So, it is not wise to leave it in an open container. Here are some simple tips for storing iced coffee in the fridge.
- Use an airtight pot or container.
- Check the lid is perfectly closed.
- Let the drink cool down quietly before keeping it in the fried.
- Make iced coffee cubes and put those in an airtight bag in the fridge to store them longer.
How To Make Iced Coffee
There is no distinct brewing process for Iced Coffee than regular coffee brewing. So, it’s simple as adding ice cubes to your brewed coffee.
Ingredients
- Coffee grounds
- A regular coffee brewer (French press, pour-over, or any other brewer)
- Ice cubes or chilled water
- Milk and Sweeteners (optional)
- Serving cups
Process
- Take the double amount of coffee ground into a French press or any brewer for brewing.
- Pour the same amount of hot water into a French press as regular brewing. Follow the French press brewing method.
- After 15 minutes of brewing, collect the extraction. It makes a concentrated base for iced coffee.
- Add milk or sweeteners to the drinks if you prefer. It is optional.
- Now, you can pour the drink into a serving glass with ice cubes.
- Or, let it cool down entirely before storing it in the fridge.
Cold Brew VS. Iced Coffee
Though Iced Coffee and Cold Brew are served cold, there are differences. The significant differences start from the making process till serving.
Brewing Temperature
The water temperature of the cold brew should be at room temperature or chilled. But, you need hot water to brew the iced coffee.
Brewing Duration
You have to wait at least 18-24 hours to get Cold Brew. On the other side, it is enough to brew for 10-15 minutes for iced coffee.
Amount Of Caffeine
Cold Brew extracts less caffeine since it uses chilled water for brewing. Iced coffee brews with hot water so that it brings out lots of caffeine available in it.
Taste
Cold Brew tastes sweet, smooth, and bitter less than regular coffee drinks. Iced coffee is thinner than regular coffee as the ice melts. The taste of iced coffee is slightly bitter and acidic as regular coffee.
Storing Period
You can store Cold Brew in the fridge for up to 2 weeks without hesitation. But, you can store iced coffee in the fridge for 1-2 days. If you save the base of iced coffee in the fridge, it can serve you for 1-2 weeks.
Once your iced coffee is brewed and ready to drink, it’s important to store it properly so that it doesn’t go bad too quickly.
First things first: never leave your iced coffee sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Room temperature is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to keep your coffee cold if you want it to last. The best way to do this is by storing your coffee in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help keep out any unwanted flavors or smells and keep your coffee fresh for longer. Just be sure to give it a good shake before enjoying it so that all of the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the cup.
FAQs
When does iced coffee go bad?
You should drink iced coffee within 8-12 hours after the serving. It degrades quickly after adding water and additives to the base coffee.
Why Cold Brew Coffee is superior to Iced Coffee?
Cold-brew does not use hot water for brewing as Iced Coffee. Hot water brings out the acidity of bean oils. But, the Cold brew is less acidic and bitter comparing Iced Coffee. Cold brew is a sweeter and more pleasant drink.
Can you put a French press in the fridge?
Yes, of course. You can put the French press in the fridge while brewing Cold brew. It takes 18-24 hours for the making process. Remember to clean after every use of your French press. Otherwise, molds can grow in it, and it is unhealthy.
Can you refrigerate coffee beans?
It is better to store unsealed coffee beans in an airtight container. And always put the container in dry and moisture-free places. You can keep it in the fridge if it is a sealed bean pack. But it will not last for longer.
What happens when you put hot coffee in the fridge?
Putting hot coffee in the fridge will not speed up the cooling-down time. It takes the same time to cool down as a countertop. If you put hot coffee in the fridge regularly, it will be responsible for compressor failure.
Will cold brews go bad if they are not refrigerated?
Cold brew may go bad quickly if you keep it out of the refrigerator for lengthier periods. It will stay good for 16-18 hours at room temperature. If you intend to use cold brew longer or for a few days, you must put it in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Though Iced coffee is not the Cold Brew, it can serve you chill satisfaction on summer days. Its lifespan of it is not also great as a cold brew. But you can save it in the fridge for a little longer. Iced coffee from cafés lasts for 12 hours even if in the fridge. And, the base of iced coffee will go longer than a week. Now that you know all there is to know about iced coffee storage, go forth and enjoy a delicious cup at home! Just remember: the fresher your coffee is, the better it will taste. So if possible, try to consume your iced coffee within 24 hours of brewing for optimal flavor. But if not, don’t worry—a little extra time in the fridge won’t hurt!
