Can You Put Hot Coffee In The Fridge? Yes, But Be Careful

I get it. Sometimes you just brewed up a fresh pot, but you’re already running late and don’t want to waste good coffee.

So, can you put hot coffee in the fridge? Yes, you can technically put hot coffee in the fridge. But you must be careful to avoid astringent, bitter, yucky iced coffee down the line.

In this article, we’ll discuss best practices for cooling down hot coffee. From cold brew coffee to iced coffee, let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

• Can You Put Hot Coffee In The Fridge?
• A Better Way To Brew Iced Coffee
• How To Extend Iced Coffee’s Shelf Life

Can You Put Hot Coffee In The Fridge?

Yes, you can put hot coffee in the fridge. But don’t just toss your hot mug into the fridge and call it a day.

It is important to store the coffee properly in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and aroma. If you store coffee in an open container, it will absorb odors and flavors from the fridge, which can affect the taste.

Another thing to consider is the fact that coffee will continue to release carbon dioxide even after brewing, which can cause it to become bitter and lose its flavor over time. 

So, if you want to store coffee in the fridge, I recommend drinking it within a day or two.

You may also need to add sweetener and milk to coffee stored in the fridge.

I like to add oat milk and a tablespoon or two of maple syrup to my iced coffees. It’s a simple way to use up any bitter or slightly gross cold coffee.

You could also consider making iced coffee instead. This way, you can enjoy coffee and also keep it cool.

A Better Way To Brew Iced Coffee

There are several ways to make iced coffee, but here are a few popular methods:

1. Cold brew: This method involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. To make a cold brew, combine coarsely ground coffee and cold water in a pitcher or jar and let it steep in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, strain the coffee and serve it over ice. The result is a smooth, less acidic coffee that can be served over ice.
2. Pour-over method: This method involves brewing coffee using a pour-over method with hot water and then pouring it over ice. This method is best with medium-light roasted coffee beans, as they tend to have a brighter and more acidic taste.
3. Batch brewed coffee: This method involves brewing coffee with hot water as usual, letting it cool down, then pouring it over ice. This method is not as smooth as the cold brew method, but it is a quick and easy way to make iced coffee.

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best taste. And as mentioned earlier, you can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and flavors to your liking.

How To Extend Iced Coffee’s Shelf Life

Here are a few ways to extend the shelf life of iced coffee:

1. Store it in an airtight container: Make sure to use an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a vacuum-sealed bottle, to keep the coffee fresh for longer. This will prevent the coffee from absorbing any odors or flavors from the fridge and prevent air from getting in and oxidizing the coffee.
2. Keep it cold: Iced coffee should always be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the growth of bacteria and keep it fresh. The colder the temperature, the longer the coffee will last.
3. Use a preservative: If you want to extend the shelf life of your iced coffee even further, you can add a preservative such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate to the coffee. Keep in mind that these preservatives are not all-natural, so if you're looking for an all-natural option, this may not be the best choice.
4. Avoid adding dairy: If you're making iced coffee with milk or cream, it's best to avoid adding it until you're ready to drink it. Dairy can spoil quickly, which can shorten the shelf life of the coffee. Instead, you can serve the coffee over ice and add milk or cream on top.
5. Consume it within a week: Regardless of the method you choose to preserve the iced coffee, it's important to remember that it will lose its flavor and freshness over time. Therefore, it's best to consume it within a week of brewing.

As always, it's important to check the coffee for any signs of spoilage before consuming it, such as off odors, mold, or cloudiness. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the coffee and make a fresh batch.