Aug 29, 2023

How Long is Cold Brew Good For? A Guide on Cold Brew Concentrate Lifespan and Spoilage Signs

If you’re a fan of cold brews, you might have wondered if cold brew concentrate can go bad. After all, it’s a convenient way to enjoy a smooth and refreshing cup of joe anytime you want. But how long does it last? And how can you tell if it’s still good to drink?

In this article, I’ll answer these questions and more. I’ll also share some tips on how to make your own cold brew concentrate at home using Aerial Resupply Coffee’s premium roasts. Let’s get started.

What is Cold Brew Concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate is a special type of coffee that is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for several hours. The resulting liquid is a highly concentrated and flavorful coffee extract, often referred to as coffee concentrate, that can be diluted with water or milk to create a delicious beverage.

Cold brew concentrate has some advantages over regular brewed coffee:

It’s less acidic and bitter, which makes it easier on your stomach and teeth.
It’s smoother and richer in taste, which brings out the nuances of different coffee beans.
It’s more caffeinated, which gives you an extra boost of energy when you need it.
It’s shelf-stable, which means you can store it in your fridge for up to two weeks without losing its quality.

Benefits of Using Cold Brew Concentrate

Using cold brew concentrate offers several benefits for coffee lovers. Firstly, it allows for a more convenient and efficient way to enjoy cold brew coffee. By having a concentrated form of cold brew, you can easily mix it with water or milk to create a variety of coffee drinks. This is especially useful for those who want to enjoy cold brew on-the-go or in large quantities. Additionally, cold brew concentrate can be stored for longer periods of time, making it a great option for those who want to stock up on their favorite coffee drink. Furthermore, using cold brew concentrate can also help to reduce waste, as you can control the amount of coffee you use and avoid brewing too much at once.

How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate at Home

Making cold brew concentrate at home is easy and fun. All you need are some basic tools and ingredients:

A large pitcher or jar with a lid
A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
A coffee filter
Coarsely ground coffee beans (preferably from Aerial Resupply Coffee)
Cold or room-temperature water

You can dilute cold brew concentrate with water or milk to create a drinkable beverage.

Here are the steps to follow:

Measure out your coffee beans and water using a ratio of 1:7.5. For example, if you want to make 2 cups of concentrate, you’ll need 6 ounces of coffee and 3.5 cups of water.
Place the coffee grounds in the pitcher or jar and add the water. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are wet.
Cover the container with a lid or a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger the concentrate will be.
After the steeping time is up, strain the mixture through a sieve or cheesecloth into another container. Discard the grounds or use them for composting.
Rinse the sieve or cheesecloth and line it with a coffee filter. Pour the concentrate through the filter into a final container. This will remove any fine particles that might make the concentrate cloudy.
Store the concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Storing Cold Brew Concentrate

Storing cold brew concentrate requires some care to ensure that it remains fresh and flavorful. It’s recommended to store cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent oxidation and contamination. The container should be made of a material that is safe for storing food and drink, such as glass or stainless steel. It’s also important to keep the concentrate away from light and heat sources, as these can cause the coffee to degrade. When storing cold brew concentrate, it’s best to keep it in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator, to preserve its flavor and aroma.

How to Use Cold Brew Concentrate

Cold brew concentrate is versatile and can be used in many ways. Here are some ideas:

To make a classic cold brew coffee, mix one part concentrate with one part water or milk and pour over ice. Adjust the ratio according to your preference.
To make a hot cold brew coffee, heat up some water or milk and add one part concentrate. Stir well and enjoy.
To make a flavored cold brew coffee, add some simple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or any other flavoring you like to your cold brew mixture.
To make a cold brew latte, froth some milk using a whisk or a milk frother and pour it over your cold brew mixture.
To make a cold brew smoothie, blend some ice, banana, yogurt, honey, and cold brew concentrate in a blender until smooth and creamy.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life

The shelf life of cold brew coffee is affected by several factors, including the quality of the coffee beans, storage methods, and handling practices. Using fresh, high-quality coffee beans is essential for making cold brew coffee that lasts longer. Additionally, storing cold brew coffee in a clean, airtight container can help to prevent contamination and spoilage. Temperature and humidity also play a role in the shelf life of cold brew coffee, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels helping to preserve the coffee’s flavor and aroma. Finally, handling practices, such as avoiding exposure to light and heat, can also impact the shelf life of cold brew coffee.

How to Tell if Cold Brew Concentrate Has Reached Its Shelf Life

Cold brew concentrate can last for up to two weeks in the fridge if stored properly. However, there are some signs that indicate that it has gone bad and should be discarded:

It smells sour, rancid, or moldy.
It tastes off, bitter, or metallic.
It has visible mold growth or sediment on the bottom.
It has changed color or texture.

If you notice any of these signs, do not drink the concentrate and throw it away immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to storing and handling cold brew coffee, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is not storing cold brew coffee in an airtight container, which can lead to oxidation and contamination. Another mistake is not keeping cold brew coffee away from light and heat sources, which can cause the coffee to degrade. Additionally, using pre-ground coffee beans or old coffee beans can also affect the flavor and shelf life of cold brew coffee. Finally, not following proper handling practices, such as not washing hands before handling the coffee, can also lead to contamination and spoilage.

How to Store Cold Brew Coffee to Prevent It from Going Bad

To extend the shelf life of your cold brew concentrate and keep it fresh and tasty, follow these tips:

Use clean and sanitized containers and utensils when making and storing the concentrate.
Use filtered or bottled water instead of tap water to avoid any contaminants or chlorine that might affect the flavor or quality of the concentrate.
Use freshly roasted and coarsely ground coffee beans from Aerial Resupply Coffee for optimal flavor and freshness.
Store the concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge and avoid exposing it to light, heat, or air.
Use the concentrate within two weeks and do not freeze it.

Using freshly brewed cold brew can maintain its flavor and quality longer when stored correctly.

Why Choose Aerial Resupply Coffee for Your Cold Brew Concentrate

Aerial Resupply Coffee is a veteran-owned coffee company that offers premium and gourmet coffee roasts for all your coffee needs. Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasts, you’ll find a blend that suits your taste buds and personality. Additionally, you can make various types of cold coffee, such as cold brew and iced coffee, using Aerial Resupply Coffee's roasts.

Some of the benefits of choosing Aerial Resupply Coffee are:

You’ll support a mission-driven company that is committed to supporting veterans, first responders, military spouses, and law enforcement personnel.
You’ll enjoy exclusive Colombian Supremo beans that are less acidic and more flavorful than standard Arabica beans.
You’ll have diverse coffee options, from whole bean to ground to single-serving pods.
You’ll savor the exceptional flavor profiles of each roast, from the smooth and nutty Lifeline Light Roast to the bold and smoky 15W40 Dark Roast.
You’ll join a community of coffee lovers who appreciate service and good coffee alike.

Ready to try Aerial Resupply Coffee for your cold brew concentrate? Visit their website and order your favorite roast today. You won’t regret it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cold brew coffee is a delicious and convenient coffee drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By using cold brew concentrate, you can enjoy a more efficient and convenient way to make cold brew coffee. However, it’s essential to store cold brew concentrate properly to ensure that it remains fresh and flavorful. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can enjoy your cold brew coffee for a longer period and avoid common mistakes that can affect its shelf life. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just starting to explore the world of cold brew coffee, this article has provided you with the knowledge and expertise to enjoy your favorite coffee drink to the fullest.