Cold Brew Concentrate: How Long Does It Last and How to Tell If It’s Spoiled

If you’re a fan of cold brew coffee, 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 with a glass of coffee on a table outside aerial resupply coffee

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 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.

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

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. 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.
  2. Place the coffee grounds in the pitcher or jar and add the water. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are wet.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Store the concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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.

How to Tell if Cold Brew Concentrate Has Gone Bad

Sour face from drinking bad cold brew coffee aerial resupply coffee

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.

How to Prevent Cold Brew Concentrate 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.

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.

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.