How Long Does Espresso Last After Brewed?

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on January 15th, 2023

Do you need a pick-me-up in the morning but are short on time? If so, making espresso at home is a great way to fix your caffeine quickly and easily. But when you’re getting ready to work, you might be doing other things and forget to drink your espresso as it sits on your kitchen counter.


One of the biggest questions that often comes up is: how long does espresso last after brewing? Well, we have all the answers for you here!

espresso

How long after brewing espresso is it good?

Let’s start with the most optimal timeframe you should drink your espresso.

The ideal time to drink espresso after brewing is 20-30 seconds, after you pull the shot of espresso. After that, the clock starts, the flavor begins to degrade, and the espresso can become bitter. If you can’t drink the espresso within 20-30 seconds, then continue to read on.

  • 20-30 seconds = optimal
  • 0-3 minutes = good
  • 3-15 = decent
  • 15+ minutes = throw or put in the refrigerator

How long does hot espresso last?

Brewed espresso is best consumed immediately, as the flavor begins to deteriorate after a few minutes. If you can’t within the first 3 minutes of brewing, then you can enjoy the espresso’s full flavor and aroma.

An espresso shot should be consumed within 15 minutes of brewing to get the full flavor experience. 

After that, the flavor starts to break down and becomes more bitter. The espresso may still be safe to drink, but the quality will have diminished substantially.

If you cannot drink the espresso immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 hours. After that time, the espresso will lose its flavor and texture. As with any food item, it is important to note that the longer it sits, the greater the risk of bacteria growth. Therefore, it is best to consume any leftover espresso as soon as possible.

How long does iced espresso last?

Iced espresso is typically made with cold milk, so it should last longer than hot espresso. If stored correctly, iced espresso can stay fresh for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Keep the lid on the container tightly sealed to prevent the espresso from becoming bitter or sour.

It’s also important to store iced espresso away from other foods and beverages with strong aromas or flavors, as these can affect the taste of your drink. When ready to enjoy your iced espresso, stir it thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Factors that impact the shelf life of espresso

Several factors affect espresso’s shelf life, such as time, temperature, and type of espresso. Hot espresso is generally considered safe for up to 15 minutes after brewing. After this time, the flavor degrades, and the espresso may become more bitter. Iced espresso is slightly more resilient, staying good for up to 10 hours in the refrigerator.

However, when it comes to extending the shelf life of espresso, the type of espresso being brewed is also an important factor. A stronger shot of espresso will last longer, as the coffee grounds used are more concentrated and have higher caffeine content.

This espresso will be more resilient to flavor degradation over time and can keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. On the other hand, weaker shots of espresso tend to break down faster and should be consumed soon after brewing.

It’s also important to consider how the espresso is stored. Brewed espresso should be kept in a dry, airtight container and stored at cool temperatures for optimal shelf life. Refrigerating leftover hot or iced espressos can extend their shelf life significantly.

Still, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container or covered cup so they don’t absorb any odors from other items in the fridge. Reheating espresso can also help extend its shelf life, but it should be done carefully to prevent burning or over-ext

Preparing and storing hot espresso

When preparing and storing hot espresso, it is important to remember that it can start to deteriorate in quality after 15 minutes. Therefore, it is important to drink your espresso as soon as possible after brewing, within 20-30 seconds. If you need to store espresso, it can be kept at room temperature for up to a day.

However, this will depend on the quality of the beans and how fresh they were when you brewed them. If you want to keep your espresso fresh for longer, you can store it in the fridge. However, you should note that this will reduce the crema and make the espresso less flavorful.

When storing in the fridge, use an airtight container and consume within two days. For optimal results, you should also store the espresso in small portions, which will help reduce oxidation.

Preparing and storing iced espresso

Iced espresso is becoming increasingly popular, and you might wonder how long it can last after brewing.

Generally, iced espresso will stay good for up to 24 hours if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The important thing to remember is that iced espresso should always be made with cold water, not hot, to avoid any spoilage.

Additionally, if you’re looking to make an extra strong espresso, try using two shots instead of just one. This will give you a more concentrated flavor that will satisfy your taste buds!

Refrigerating leftover hot or iced espressos

When it comes to refrigerating leftover hot or iced espressos, the process is quite simple. For hot espresso, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and then placing it in the refrigerator.

It should last up to two days in the fridge. For iced espresso, simply transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. It is important to remember that the longer espresso is stored, the more its flavor will start to deteriorate.

Reheating leftover hot or iced espressos

Reheating leftover espresso is an option that many espresso lovers consider, but it is important to understand the risks and rewards of doing so. Reheating espresso can help to restore some of the flavor and aroma lost in the cooling process, but it can also cause the espresso to become bitter or stale.

However, when reheating, it is important to use a low heat setting and to avoid boiling the espresso. For hot espresso, the best method is to use a stovetop and not the microwave; using a hot water bath on the stove is recommended.

However, it is important to remember that reheating espresso will never restore its original flavor, and drinking it cold may be the better option. It’s much better to drink the espresso on ice or when in an ice cube, use it for smoothies, or create another iced coffee with the iced cube espresso.

Conclusion

When it comes to espresso, it is best to enjoy it while it is fresh. Brewed espresso can stay fresh for up to a day at room temperature and up to two days if stored in the fridge. After this time, the flavor starts to degrade, and the crema dissipates.

Prepare your espresso shot carefully and store it properly to ensure its freshness. If you have leftover espresso, remember to store it in the fridge and reheat it carefully to enjoy the best flavor. Making an extra strong espresso can help extend its shelf life, but consuming it as soon as possible is still best for the best taste.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.