Hot coffee and iced coffee have been the go-to drinks for many coffee lovers. However, trends are changing these days, and coffee enthusiasts are more than willing to try out different kinds of caffeinated beverages. 

Due to its name, many people believe that cold brew coffee is simply a type of cold coffee. However, an interesting fact about cold brew coffee is that it is called “cold brew”, but it does not necessarily mean it is a cold coffee. The drink’s name does not reflect its temperature. Instead, cold brew coffee is a kind of coffee made through a unique brewing method that takes place at room temperature.

Depending on your preference, you can make your cold brew coffee either an iced drink or a hot one. Now, if you are also wondering how to make your freshly brewed cold brew last longer, read on as this article shares some of the most important things you should know about the shelf life of cold brew coffee in Singapore. 

How long does cold brew coffee last?

Usually, cold brew coffee can last for at least one to two weeks. This period will largely vary according to the quality of coffee beans you used, your storage methods, and several other factors. For many coffee experts, refrigerating cold brew coffee is the most effective way to preserve and prolong its shelf life to at least a week or two. 

On the other hand, keeping the cold brew at room temperature will turn its flavour sour within just 2 hours. In another couple of hours, you will see mould forming around your coffee. Therefore, refrigeration is the best way to store cold brew coffee. However, aside from using this storage method, you need to consider a few other factors.

Effective Ways To Extend the Shelf Life of Cold Brew Coffee

Many factors directly or indirectly determine the shelf life of your cold brew coffee. To help you make sure your cold brew coffee remains fresh and flavourful for an extended time, here are some practical tips to follow:

1. Use fresh ground coffee beans

The quality of the ground coffee beans you use is an essential factor when making a cold brew or any other type of coffee. Although using pre-ground coffee beans for your cold brew is acceptable, it is not as fresh as when you grind whole coffee beans yourself.

While it does not significantly affect the shelf life of the coffee concentrate, using pre-ground coffee beans makes the flavour of your coffee go bad quicker, even with proper storage. Using older coffee beans that are freshly ground will still even have a better taste compared to when you use pre-ground coffee beans.

2. Leave your coffee undiluted

The coffee concentrate of a cold brew usually results in a very intense and bitter taste. Hence, it is essential to dilute it with water or milk or add cream when you are already about to drink your cold brew. Even when diluted, cold brew retains its flavour better than iced coffee.

However, diluting the whole coffee batch is not recommended if you plan to drink your coffee later, as it will reduce the coffee’s shelf life. A diluted coffee concentrate can only last about 2 to 3 days, whereas an undiluted cold brew coffee can remain good for up to 2 weeks. Therefore, it is advisable that you only dilute your coffee when you are ready to drink.

3. Place your coffee in air-tight containers

Air-tight containers are the ultimate lifesaver for those coffee enthusiasts who want to make their cold brew coffee last longer. Limiting the exposure of your cold brew coffee to direct light and oxygen can slow down its oxidation and deterioration and extend its shelf life a bit further.

Moreover, containers with firmly tight lids are highly recommended because they help prevent loss of nutrients, cross-contamination from other items, and mould development and odours. So, for a longer-lasting cold brew coffee, opt for this type of container instead of the non-sealed or loosely ones.

Conclusion

Extending the shelf life of cold brew coffee requires the consideration of numerous factors, such as the storage method, quality of coffee beans, dilution, and the type of container you use to store the coffee. By following the tips in this article, you can already surely make the freshness and flavour of your cold brew coffee last longer, so you can still consume it a few days after making your coffee!

On the other hand, if you do not have the luxury of time to make your coffee, there are many cold brew coffee delivery services out there. At Wake The Crew, we offer not only the delivery of coffee concentrates and ready-to-drink bottled cold brew coffee but also wholesale and event catering.

All our cold brews are freshly brewed in our SFA-approved microbrewery in Singapore, guaranteed to give you the flavoury goodness and caffeine fix you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for any enquiries!