How to Store Leftover Coffee

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Made a little too much coffee this morning? It can feel like a crime to let all of that delicious coffee go to waste after you’ve already gotten your caffeine fix. Not to worry! We’re here to walk through all your frequently asked questions about coffee storage, so you can put that leftover joe to good use.

Question 1 of 14:

How long is brewed coffee good for?

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    For the best-tasting coffee, grind the beans and make a pot or cup of coffee right away. [1] Coffee tends to lose its delicious aroma within moments after you brew yourself a cup. [2] Black coffee is still safe to drink after a few hours, but it won’t taste as good. [3]
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Question 2 of 14:

How can I make fresh coffee last longer?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    Coffee loses its delicious flavor as it’s exposed to the air. To slow down this process, pour it into an airtight thermos or another container, which will keep your coffee fresh for an extra hour. [4]
Question 3 of 14:

Is it okay to drink old coffee?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    If your black coffee is a few hours old, it’s probably safe to drink. However, it won’t taste super great.
    • Toss out any old coffee that has milk or creamer in it. After 2 or more hours of sitting out, it won’t be safe to drink anymore.
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Question 4 of 14:

Can you refrigerate leftover coffee?

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    Freshly-brewed coffee is perfectly safe to store in the refrigerator. [5]
Question 5 of 14:

How long can you keep brewed coffee in the refrigerator?

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    Leftover coffee lasts up to a week, but definitely tastes better within 3 to 4 days. [6]
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Question 6 of 14:

What is the best storage container for brewed coffee?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    Pour the coffee into a separate container, like a pitcher, and cover it with plastic wrap. [7] Once the container is tightly covered, slip it in the refrigerator. [8]
Question 7 of 14:

Can you freeze brewed coffee?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    Grab an empty ice cube tray and pour the coffee into each of the wells. Then, slide the tray into the freezer. The next time you’re enjoying a cup of iced coffee, plop in a few coffee ice cubes to boost the flavor! [9]
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Question 8 of 14:

What is the best way to reheat coffee?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    Pour your leftover coffee into a saucepan. Then, turn your stovetop to low heat. Give your drink a few minutes to slowly heat up, so the coffee doesn’t burn in the process. [10]
    • If you heat up coffee too quickly, the liquid may burn and taste bad.
Question 9 of 14:

Can I microwave coffee?

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    The microwave ends up breaking down the distinct, fragrant coffee aroma that makes your beverage so delicious. After a cycle in the microwave, your coffee will probably taste stale. [11]
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Question 10 of 14:

Can you reheat coffee with milk?

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    [12] While there’s no official recommendation on how to reheat coffee with milk, your best bet is reheating it at a low temperature on the stovetop. [13]
Question 11 of 14:

How do you store leftover coffee beans and grounds?

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    Pick a dry, cool spot that isn’t exposed to any heat, moisture, or light. [14] Try to use your coffee within 1-2 weeks, so it tastes fresh and delicious. [15]
    • If you don’t have a special container, always secure the top of the beans or grounds bag with a rubber band. Then, slip the coffee into a sealable plastic bag. [16]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    Pour a small number of beans or grounds into a freezer-safe, airtight container. Leave it in the freezer for up to 1 week, so your coffee doesn’t get freezer-burned. [17]
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Question 12 of 14:

Can you reuse leftover coffee grounds?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Leftover Coffee
    When you prepare a batch of coffee, the delicious flavors from the ground beans are removed and transferred to your coffee. If you make coffee with the leftover grounds, it won’t taste very good. [18]
Question 13 of 14:

What can I do with leftover coffee grounds?

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    Add a spoonful of coffee grounds to a dirty pot or pan. Then, add in a few drops of dish soap. With the coffee grounds, scrub down the dish so it looks squeaky clean. [19]
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    Scoop a few spoonfuls of coffee grounds into a small bowl, and place it next to your kitchen sink. The coffee grounds will keep the air smelling fresh as you work with smelly ingredients, like onions or garlic. [20]
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Question 14 of 14:

What can I do with leftover coffee?

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    Prepare a mug of your favorite hot cocoa. Then, mix in a splash of leftover coffee. Your hot chocolate is now a delicious mocha drink! [21]
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    Check the prep instructions for your morning oatmeal. Replace some of the water with coffee to give your oats a delicious flavor, as well as a dash of caffeine. [22]
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    The next time you make chocolate cake, brownies, or another chocolate sweet treat, pour a small amount of coffee into your recipe. This will give your dessert a delicious jolt of flavor! [23]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/these-tips-will-change-the-way-you-brew-coffee-at-home/
      2. ↑ https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Brew-Coffee
      3. ↑ https://food52.com/blog/13738-is-your-morning-coffee-still-safe-to-drink-in-the-afternoon
      4. ↑ https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Brew-Coffee
      5. ↑ https://stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16928
      6. ↑ https://blog.suvie.com/nine-uses-for-leftover-coffee/
      7. ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2009/08/iced-coffee-the-experts-guide/23174/
      8. ↑ https://stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16928
      9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/7-ways-to-use-up-leftover-coffee-239350
      1. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/best-way-reheat-coffee
      2. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/best-way-reheat-coffee
      3. ↑ https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/food-hygiene/foods-reheated/#what-are-the-best-ways-to-reheat-foods
      4. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/best-way-reheat-coffee
      5. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/beverages/store-coffee-pantry-vs-freezer
      6. ↑ https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Store-Coffee
      7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/beverages/store-coffee-pantry-vs-freezer
      8. ↑ https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Store-Coffee
      9. ↑ https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Brew-Coffee
      10. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-to-do-with-leftover-coffee/
      11. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-to-do-with-leftover-coffee/
      12. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/7-ways-to-use-up-leftover-coffee-239350
      13. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/7-ways-to-use-up-leftover-coffee-239350
      14. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/7-ways-to-use-up-leftover-coffee-239350

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