How long can I keep coffee in the fridge?

by Terry
(Athens, GA)

QUESTION:

How long is it safe to keep brewed drip coffee in the refrigerator? I like to make coffee to drink iced so I want to keep some in the fridge as a convenience.

Thanks
Terry

ANSWER:

Terry, hi

That's a question a few people have been asking. During the summer it's nice to have some chilled coffee on hand as the base for some cold coffee beverages.

First, be sure that you keep the coffee in a tightly sealed container, so it doesn't pick up flavours from other items in the fridge.

I would use it within a week of brewing and cooling it. I don't base that on any real knowledge of the safety issues. I'm no expert when it comes to the growth of bacteria in coffee. All I can say is that a week is about as long as I would want to keep brewed coffee before pouring it away.

That said, I don't keep coffee in the fridge at all. When I want some, whether hot or cold, I always brew it fresh. It takes just a few minutes, costs just a few pennies and always tastes a little better.

NOTE: If you want help with the basics of making a great cup of gourmet coffee, learn more about our Beginner's Guide to Making Coffee.