How Long Does Brewed Espresso Last in the Fridge?
Short Answer: Brewed straight espresso shots last about a week in the fridge. How long it lasts can be shorter depending on the type of espresso drink, the storage container, and the presence of milk, sweetener, or other additives. To extend the shelf life of brewed espresso, use an airtight container. It also helps to store it in the coldest part of the fridge. It is best to drink espresso within a few minutes of brewing. Still, if you must keep your espresso drink for later, you should only leave it in the refrigerator for a short time.
If you make espresso at home regularly, you've probably had a situation where you needed more time to drink or finish your espresso drink.
Maybe you considered saving your espresso shot for later.
The question ran through your mind, how long does brewed espresso last in the fridge?
How long can you safely drink it after brewing it?
Days? Weeks?
This article will explore how long brewed espresso lasts in the fridge and the freezer.
We'll even provide tips for storing it properly to keep it fresh.
Whatever espresso drinks you are a fan of, this information will help ensure that your favorite drink stays flavorful.
How long do espresso shots last in the fridge?
Typically, espresso shots will last in the fridge for a few days.
Some sources say they can last up to a week.
The longer the shots sit in the fridge, the more the flavors may degrade, and the less fresh they will taste.
For maximum flavor, it is best to drink espresso shots within a few minutes of brewing.
What factors affect the shelf life of espresso shots in the fridge?
Several factors can impact the shelf life of espresso shots when stored in the fridge.
By understanding these factors, you can better estimate how long your shots will last and take steps to extend their freshness.
The type of espresso drink
Different types of espresso drinks can last different amounts of time in the fridge.
Shots that contain milk or other additives may spoil more quickly than straight espresso shots.
Milk has a relatively short shelf life in the fridge, typically lasting about a week after opening before it starts to sour.
If you're adding milk to your espresso shots, it's best to use them within a few days to ensure maximum freshness.
The storage container
A container with an open or loose-fitting lid can allow oxygen and bacteria to enter and damage the espresso, lowering its shelf life.
The presence of milk, sweeteners, or other additives
Besides milk, other additives, such as syrups or flavorings, can shorten the shelf life of espresso shots in the fridge.
Sugar can help extend the shelf life of brewed espresso by hindering the growth of bacteria.
The moisture content of honey or syrups encourages the growth of bacteria and shortens the life of brewed espresso.
Aspartame, saccharin, and other artificial sweeteners are more stable when added to espresso drinks.
Tips for storing espresso drinks in the fridge
Here are some tips for preserving the most flavor if you need to refrigerate or freeze your espresso.
Use an airtight glass container.
Glass containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably airtight, are an excellent choice to help prevent oxidation and bacteria growth.
Store in the coldest part of the fridge
Placing the espresso shots in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the back or bottom, can help slow down the spoiling process.
Avoid leaving espresso drinks in the fridge for too long
It's better to be safe and discard them rather than risk drinking espresso that has gone bad.
Store your espresso without milk or sweeteners
Mixing your espresso with milk and sweeteners can shorten the time espresso is flavorful and safe to consume.
How long does brewed espresso last in the freezer?
Brewed espresso can last several months in the freezer, but the flavor and quality will degrade as time passes.
Freezing brewed espresso can help extend its shelf life.
The freezing process can cause the flavors and aromas of the brewed espresso to become muted or distorted, and the texture may also change. The brewed espresso may become more concentrated as the water expands and crystallizes during freezing.
To Summarize
We broke down the factors that impact how long espresso can last and some tips to help you get the most flavor out of the espresso you saved for later.
Proper storage is the key to keeping espresso shots fresh and flavorful in the fridge.
Espresso is a beverage best enjoyed within a few minutes of brewing, but if you must store your brewed shots in the fridge, remember to:
Use an airtight glass container.
Store in the coldest part of the fridge
Avoid leaving espresso drinks in the refrigerator for too long
Store your espresso without milk or sweeteners
Hopefully, with these tips, your espresso drink will taste as good as the day you put it in the fridge.
