Can You Put Hot Coffee in the Fridge?

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Freezing is the quickest way to cool and store edible things. Sometimes you may not want a hot cup of coffee, or you want to drink the rest later. So, can you put hot coffee in the fridge and drink it later?

The answer is yes, but there are a few cautions. 

In this post, we will describe in detail what you need to know while storing coffee in the fridge. Keep reading to learn more.

Here Is the Answer:
In short, you can put hot coffee in the fridge. However, note that this will cause the coffee to cool down significantly and can alter the taste.

When you store brewed coffee in a fridge, make sure that the coffee is tightly sealed so that it does not absorb any unwanted flavors from the refrigerator.

The best way to maintain the freshness of your coffee is to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.

hot coffee

Can You Put Hot Coffee in the Fridge and Reheat It?

Yes, you can put hot coffee in the fridge and reheat it. But, doing it can affect the taste and quality of your coffee. 

When coffee is exposed to extreme temperatures, its flavor and aroma molecules begin to break down. That’s why it is generally best to brew coffee at a moderate temperature and drink it fresh.

If you want to refrigerate and reheat your coffee, make sure to do it gently to preserve as much of the flavor as possible.

Do You Have to Let Coffee Cool before Refrigerating?

No, you don’t have to let coffee cool before refrigerating. You can refrigerate it right away.

However, if you are going to reheat the coffee, you should let it cool first so that it doesn’t get too hot and become burnt.

Does Coffee Lose Its Caffeine When Refrigerated?

No, coffee doesn’t lose caffeine when refrigerated. Instead, refrigeration can help to keep the caffeine level of coffee steady.

According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), coffee can retain more caffeine when stored in a cold environment like a fridge. It is a big reason cold brew has higher caffeine compared with other coffee variations.

How Long Can You Keep Hot Brewed Coffee in the Fridge?

You can keep hot brewed coffee in the fridge for up to a week. Your coffee will remain entirely safe and edible.

However, brewed coffee stays in good condition for longer than that period in the fridge. You can freeze brewed coffee for up to 3 months.

Can You Put Hot Coffee in the Fridge in a Glass?

Yes, you can put hot coffee in the fridge in a glass. The coffee will cool down, and you will be able to drink it cold.

But, if you leave the coffee open in the fridge for too long, it will become stale and lose its flavor. The best way is to put coffee sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Drink Day-Old Coffee in the Fridge?

The answer is yes, you can. Even cold brew coffee is a popular method of brewing coffee that involves steeping grounds in cold water for an extended time.

Is It OK to Put a Hot Drink in the Fridge?

Is It OK to Put a Hot Drink in the Fridge?

Without any doubt, you can put hot coffee in the fridge. But, what about the other hot drinks?

It seems like a good idea to cool your drink down quickly by putting it in the fridge. But, it may not be a good idea because the temperature change can cause bacteria to grow in the drink.

If you want to cool your drink down quickly, put it in the freezer for a while or wait until it comes to room temperature on its own. 

In contrast, always remember to refrigerate perishable items like milk and juices as soon as possible.

What Is the Fastest Way to Cool down Coffee?

To cool down coffee the fastest way, pour it into a regular cocktail shaker with some ice. This technique should work like magic.

Brewing iced coffee will also help to lower the drink’s temperature. Moreover, placing the cup of coffee in the freezer for a few minutes will also work if you are in a rush. 

Can You Turn Hot Coffee into Iced Coffee?

Yes, you can turn hot coffee into iced coffee. Pour the hot coffee into a cup filled with ice cubes, and your iced coffee is ready. 

The heat from the coffee will cause the ice cubes to melt. As they melt, they will cool down the coffee faster as well. Depending on how much ice you use, you can make your iced coffee as strong or weak as you like.

If you want a more robust iced coffee, simply use less ice. For a weaker iced coffee, use more ice. You can also add milk, cream, sugar, or any other desired additives to your iced coffee once it is cooled down. 

Can You Leave Hot Coffee out Overnight?

Yes, you can leave hot coffee out overnight. But, coffee experts discourage from doing it because the coffee will become stale and lose its flavor. If you must leave your coffee out overnight, make sure to put it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Our answer is yes to the question – can you put hot coffee in the fridge? If you want to cool down hot coffee fast, there is no restriction to doing it. You don’t even need to wait to let it cool before putting it in the fridge.

But, you should not keep it open in a fridge. To avoid unwanted flavor and watery taste, you must store coffee in an airtight container before putting it in a refrigerator.

After putting coffee in a fridge, you can reheat it and drink it immediately. Refrigeration doesn’t reduce the caffeine level in coffee. So, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week and drink it gradually.

References:
https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/10872-quickest-way-to-cool-hot-liquids
https://www.readersfact.com/can-you-put-hot-drinks-in-fridge/


Author
Based in Millburn, NJ, I'm a passionate barista and expert roaster committed to the art of the perfect brew. I have a strong following of loyal customers who appreciate my expertise and friendly demeanor. In my free time, I'm experimenting with innovative coffee recipes and brewing methods to share with my community.

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