Cold brew coffee is a refreshing and delicious drink, especially during warm weather. But after making that big batch, you might wonder: how long can cold brew last in the fridge before it loses its flavor and freshness? I mean, it’s a valid concern, right? After all, nobody wants to drink stale, bitter coffee—especially when you’ve gone through the effort to make it just right. So, in this article, we’re diving into how long you can safely store your cold brew in the fridge, and some tips to keep it tasting as good as possible!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s first chat about what makes cold brew different from your regular iced coffee. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours). This slow extraction process results in a smooth, less acidic flavor that makes it a fan favorite. But because it’s brewed in such a unique way, it’s got its own shelf life to consider. So, how long is that shelf life, and what can you do to make it last longer? Stick with me, and let’s figure it out!
Cold Brew’s Shelf Life: The Basics
Okay, let’s start with the basics. How long does cold brew last in the fridge? If you’re keeping it in an airtight container (which, by the way, is super important), cold brew can last about 7-10 days in the fridge. That’s a pretty decent window, but a lot can depend on how it’s stored and whether you’ve added any milk, sweeteners, or flavorings. Plain cold brew, without any extra ingredients, will last closer to 10 days. But once you start adding things like milk or syrups, you’re shortening that shelf life a bit. Those added ingredients can make the cold brew spoil faster, sometimes in as little as 3-5 days.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! We’re going to break this all down so you can make sure your cold brew stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
Factors Affecting Cold Brew Longevity
There are a couple of things that could impact how long your cold brew lasts, so let’s talk about them. First up: how you store it. If you just pour it into a random container and toss it in the fridge, well, that’s probably not going to give you the longest shelf life. It’s better to store your cold brew in an airtight container—this helps prevent air and contaminants from getting in, which can cause the coffee to degrade more quickly. Glass containers are ideal, but plastic ones work too—just make sure they’re sealed tight!
Now, if you’ve already added milk or cream to your cold brew, it’ll need to be consumed much quicker. Dairy doesn’t have as long of a shelf life as black coffee, so mixing in milk or cream can cut down on the freshness fast. In this case, 3-5 days is probably the most realistic timeline for how long you can safely drink it. Even plant-based milks, like almond or oat milk, will shorten the lifespan, although they may last a little longer.
Another factor is the quality of the coffee beans. Fresh, high-quality beans will typically produce cold brew that lasts longer than cold brew made with older or lower-quality beans. The oils and compounds in the beans break down over time, so that first, fresh batch is often the best-tasting and longest-lasting.
Signs That Your Cold Brew Has Gone Bad
Now, we know cold brew lasts a decent amount of time in the fridge, but how do you actually know when it’s gone bad? Great question! Here are a few signs that it’s time to toss that batch and make a new one:
- Smell: If your cold brew smells sour, funky, or off in any way, it’s a sign that it’s gone bad. Fresh cold brew will smell coffee-forward with a subtle sweetness. Anything beyond that—ditch it.
- Taste: If you take a sip and notice any unusual bitterness or sourness, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Fresh cold brew has a smooth, slightly sweet flavor with little bitterness.
- Separation: It’s normal for cold brew to have some separation between the coffee concentrate and water (or milk) as it sits, but if you notice strange clumps or an oily film on top, it might be spoiled.
- Cloudiness: If the cold brew starts to look murky or cloudy after a few days, it could mean that it’s starting to break down.
Can You Freeze Cold Brew to Make It Last Longer?
Here’s a fun little life hack: if you’ve made a giant batch of cold brew and you don’t think you’ll be able to finish it before it goes bad, you can freeze it! Freezing cold brew is a great way to extend its life. Just pour your cold brew into ice cube trays, and once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag or airtight container. Then, you can pop a few cubes into your glass and enjoy iced cold brew without worrying about it going bad!
The cool thing about frozen cold brew is that it can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the bag with the date so you don’t forget when it was made. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the cubes thaw, or drop them directly into your glass for a chill, flavorful brew.
How to Tell If Your Cold Brew Is Still Good
Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted, and you might forget when you made that cold brew. If that happens, here are a few tricks to help you figure out if it’s still good:
- Look at the expiration date: If you made the cold brew from a concentrate, it might have an expiration date on the label. That’s a good place to start!
- Keep track of the date: Label your container with the date you made the cold brew so you have a reference point.
- Use your senses: Smell and taste testing are your best friends here. If it smells or tastes “off,” just toss it.
How To Make Cold Brew Last Longer
If you’re a cold brew enthusiast like me, you probably want to make sure your brew stays as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Here are some easy tips to extend your cold brew’s shelf life:
- Use filtered water: Water quality matters. Using filtered water can help keep your cold brew tasting fresh and minimize the chance of any unwanted flavors developing.
- Store in glass jars: Glass containers are best because they don’t absorb odors or interact with the coffee like plastic might.
- Keep it sealed: Air is the enemy of freshness. Always make sure your cold brew is in a sealed container to keep it tasting great for as long as possible.
- Avoid adding milk until you’re ready to drink: If you plan to store your cold brew for the full 10 days, add milk only when you’re ready to drink it.
Wrapping It Up: The Bottom Line
So, how long can cold brew last in the fridge? In short, 7-10 days for plain cold brew, and about 3-5 days if you’ve added milk, cream, or flavorings. Keep it sealed in an airtight container, and use your senses to monitor for signs of spoilage. And if you’ve got a surplus, freezing it is a great way to keep it on hand for a while.