If you’re a coffee lover and frequent coffee shop visitor, you surely know that cold brew is not just hot coffee poured over ice. This strong, rich iced coffee that we love so much is an entirely different beast, made by slow-steeping coffee beans before straining them out. The result is a dark and intense beverage that can often be very bitter. Whether you’re making it yourself or buying it in the store, you must be wondering how long you can keep cold brew coffee in the refrigerator and what’s the best way to store it. We have a few coffee-expert tips on how to ensure your cold brew stays fresher for longer.
Important Tips
If you’re making cold brew in bulk, it’s recommended that you store it in a closed-top container in the refrigerator (room temperature storage is more prone to bacteria growth). You’ll want to drink your cold brew within a few days, otherwise, you risk the brew oxidizing, which will make it taste stale.
Playing It By Ear
There is no magic number of days that fits all cases, as every person’s recipe and choice of beans is different, and it’s a big factor in how long the coffee can be stored before the acidity levels change and the coffee starts tasting stale. It could be anywhere between three and seven days.
For maximum longevity, experts recommend keeping your cold brew in the fridge as a concentrate, and dilute it with water or milk as needed. And of course, don’t forget to wash your brewing device thoroughly between batches for safety reasons.
