How to Store Leftover Coffee

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References Tested

Made a little too much coffee this morning? It can feel like a crime to let all of that delicious coffee go to waste after you’ve already gotten your caffeine fix. Not to worry! We’re here to walk through all your frequently asked questions about coffee storage, so you can put that leftover joe to good use.

Question 1 of 14:

How long is brewed coffee good for?

Freshly-brewed coffee is best within 30 minutes. For the best-tasting coffee, grind the beans and make a pot or cup of coffee right away.^{[1]
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Research source} Coffee tends to lose its delicious aroma within moments after you brew yourself a cup.^{[2]
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Research source} Black coffee is still safe to drink after a few hours, but it won’t taste as good.^{[3]
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Question 2 of 14:

How can I make fresh coffee last longer?

Pour it into an airtight thermos. Coffee loses its delicious flavor as it’s exposed to the air. To slow down this process, pour it into an airtight thermos or another container, which will keep your coffee fresh for an extra hour.^{[4]
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Question 3 of 14:

Is it okay to drink old coffee?

It’s better to just make a new cup. If your black coffee is a few hours old, it’s probably safe to drink. However, it won’t taste super great.^{[5]
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- Toss out any old coffee that has milk or creamer in it. After 2 or more hours of sitting out, it won’t be safe to drink anymore.

Question 4 of 14:

Can you refrigerate leftover coffee?

Yes, you definitely can. Freshly-brewed coffee is perfectly safe to store in the refrigerator.^{[6]
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Question 5 of 14:

How long can you keep brewed coffee in the refrigerator?

Keep coffee in the refrigerator for up to a week. Leftover coffee lasts up to a week, but definitely tastes better within 3 to 4 days.^{[7]
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Question 6 of 14:

What is the best storage container for brewed coffee?

Refrigerate your leftover coffee in a covered container. Pour the coffee into a separate container, like a pitcher, and cover it with plastic wrap.^{[8]
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Research source} Once the container is tightly covered, slip it in the refrigerator.^{[9]
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Question 7 of 14:

Can you freeze brewed coffee?

Yes, you can. Grab an empty ice cube tray and pour the coffee into each of the wells. Then, slide the tray into the freezer. The next time you’re enjoying a cup of iced coffee, plop in a few coffee ice cubes to boost the flavor!^{[10]
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Question 8 of 14:

What is the best way to reheat coffee?

Heat up the coffee on your stovetop. Pour your leftover coffee into a saucepan. Then, turn your stovetop to low heat. Give your drink a few minutes to slowly heat up, so the coffee doesn’t burn in the process.^{[11]
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- If you heat up coffee too quickly, the liquid may burn and taste bad.

Question 9 of 14:

Can I microwave coffee?

It’s not a good idea. The microwave ends up breaking down the distinct, fragrant coffee aroma that makes your beverage so delicious. After a cycle in the microwave, your coffee will probably taste stale.^{[12]
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Question 10 of 14:

Can you reheat coffee with milk?

You can, but milk doesn’t taste as good when it’s reheated.^{[13]
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Research source} While there’s no official recommendation on how to reheat coffee with milk, your best bet is reheating it at a low temperature on the stovetop.^{[14]
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Question 11 of 14:

How do you store leftover coffee beans and grounds?

1
Keep your coffee in a sealed container on a dark shelf. Pick a dry, cool spot that isn’t exposed to any heat, moisture, or light.^{[15]
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Research source} Try to use your coffee within 1-2 weeks, so it tastes fresh and delicious.^{[16]
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- If you don’t have a special container, always secure the top of the beans or grounds bag with a rubber band. Then, slip the coffee into a sealable plastic bag.^{[17]
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Freeze small amounts of coffee for up to a week. Pour a small number of beans or grounds into a freezer-safe, airtight container. Leave it in the freezer for up to 1 week, so your coffee doesn’t get freezer-burned.^{[18]
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Question 12 of 14:

Can you reuse leftover coffee grounds?

No, this isn’t a good idea. When you prepare a batch of coffee, the delicious flavors from the ground beans are removed and transferred to your coffee. If you make coffee with the leftover grounds, it won’t taste very good.^{[19]
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Question 13 of 14:

What can I do with leftover coffee grounds?

1
Give your dishes a good scrub. Add a spoonful of coffee grounds to a dirty pot or pan. Then, add in a few drops of dish soap. With the coffee grounds, scrub down the dish so it looks squeaky clean.^{[20]
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Clear away unpleasant odors. Scoop a few spoonfuls of coffee grounds into a small bowl, and place it next to your kitchen sink. The coffee grounds will keep the air smelling fresh as you work with smelly ingredients, like onions or garlic.^{[21]
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Question 14 of 14:

What can I do with leftover coffee?

1
Spike a mug of hot chocolate. Prepare a mug of your favorite hot cocoa. Then, mix in a splash of leftover coffee. Your hot chocolate is now a delicious mocha drink!^{[22]
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Amp up your oatmeal. Check the prep instructions for your morning oatmeal. Replace some of the water with coffee to give your oats a delicious flavor, as well as a dash of caffeine.^{[23]
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Mix it into your baked goods. The next time you make chocolate cake, brownies, or another chocolate sweet treat, pour a small amount of coffee into your recipe. This will give your dessert a delicious jolt of flavor!^{[24]
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