I don’t know about you, but I don’t always drink my coffee when I make it and that means I put it in the fridge … is that OK to do? How will my coffee taste? Will the milk make changes in the flavor of the coffee after being in the fridge? Will the milk separate in the coffee? What is the best milk option to use? So many questions that need to be answered.
I do love coffee as much as the next person and I love to put milk and flavored milk in mine. In fact, I get teased that I have more milk than coffee in my coffee by my friends and co-workers. The BIG question is … can I put my coffee with milk in the fridge and will it still taste good and how long it can stay in the fridge.
The answer is YES you can keep your coffee with milk in the fridge, but it is not going to taste as good, and you will still have some bitterness. The addition of milk does help the coffee with curbing the bitterness and having your drink in a sealed airtight container is best for storage in the fridge. The fridge does help extend the life of your favorite coffee drink, but not by much.
How long can you keep coffee with milk in the fridge?
I have noticed that drinking my coffee within 24 hours after placing it in the fridge is about the longest, I really want to wait. It just is not going to make us happy if you leave it for much longer. I have tried using other kinds of milk as there are so many fun and unique options to choose from. I do want to say that the more fat in the milk the better my coffee tastes!
For Example:
- Whole Milk – Best Froth the Winner!
- 2% & Skim Milk
- Flavored Milk
- Oat Milk
- Almond Milk
- Soy Milk
- Rice Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Hemp Milk
- Raw Milk
- Organic Milk
- Lactose-Free Milk
- Cashew Milk
- Buffalo Milk (not sure on this one)
I hate to say it if you are going to try non-dairy milk beware my suggestion is to taste them on their own first and find out which you like on their own and then try them in your coffee. Some of the flavors taste better without coffee and adding to the coffee may create an imbalance and overpower your favorite drink. Keep in mind that the nut kinds of milk will have a “Nutty” flavor profile and may again overpower your drink.
More advice I would give is that if your fridge is full of smelly things like me, I always have all kinds of foods in my fridge, and they can transfer smells and tastes to your coffee drink. I would say if you are a lover of sardines, onions and garlic then do not put your drink in the fridge even with a cover. You will not be a happy camper! YUCK!
I would have to say the most popular and famous coffee and milk drink is my personal favorite a Cappuccino I am sure you would agree. There are so many others:
- Cappuccino – Double shot of Espresso equal parts milk and milk foam (YUM!)
- Macchiato – Espresso and dollop of milk
- Flat White – Same as a Latte with different Espresso and Milk ratios
- Latte – 2oz Espresso and 10oz steamed Milk
- Mocha – Espresso and equal parts Chocolate Sauce, steamed Milk, and Milk Foam (order is important)
I am a huge fan of “Latte Coffee Art” sorry fans your art will not last in the fridge, but it is sure fun to see your Barista create a masterpiece just for you.
Keeping coffee with milk in the fridge in general you have about two days as the dairy can spoil or separate for longer periods. If you are keeping Iced Coffee with or without Milk in the fridge it is best to remove the ice cubes as that will also water down your drink. If you are just keeping Iced Coffee in the fridge, you can keep it for up to about a week, but again the milk or cream just about two days.
It is always important to know that the lower your fridge temperature and the longer your coffee drink is kept in the fridge you run the risk of bacteria growing in your coffee. YUCK again!! If you do not cover the drink and it is in the open air, you will also end up with Oxidation that does not help the taste or freshness of your drink. You can tell your drink has gone bad by a strong smell, tasting bitterness, and sour taste.
Tips to make coffee with milk last longer in the fridge
If you do not have an airtight container, then use a paper towel or napkin over the top of the drink.
You can also use a Plastic Bag over the top of the drink just be sure to push out as much air as you can.
Using glass and an airtight seal is the best option and keeping the drink upright.
Conclusion
To keep you safe from getting sick put your drink in the fridge right away, store it in an airtight container and upright, don’t allow moisture to get into the drink, remove any ice cubes, and keep the drink away from smelly foods, check drink for bad smell, mold or discoloring before you take that first sip and be sure that your fridge is always at the right temperature.
