How Long Does Espresso Last – Does Espresso Really Expire?

Many people are searching for the answer to how long does espresso last with an express aim for enjoying the freshest possible espresso shot.

Others simply want fresh coffee to remain fresh and know how long it will last in the fridge before going off or how long it will take for an espresso to go bad.

Or perhaps you belong to the another group – those that want to know the effects of caffeine and how long it will take for caffeine to wear off. This is not the principal topic of this article – just to let you know, it will vary and depend on how sensitive you are to caffeine and how many espresso’s you had.

It takes 6 hours for the amount of the world’s most popular stimulant to half. It is safe to say the effects will last for at least 6 hours.

With the little minor diversion dealt will, let’s crack on and find out how long does an espresso last and if it really does expire and go off.

How Long Does It Take For Espresso To Go Bad – Does Espresso Really Expire?

You will always get a whole series of different answers to this question, with answers ranging from 10 seconds to a whole month – not much of a difference there eh!

These are two very different answers to two very different questions.

An espresso shot will remain okay to drink for up to 24 hours at room temperature. Store it well and refrigerated; it will keep well for up to an extra day before it’s flavor starts to deteriorate.

The claim that an espresso will last only 10 seconds are referring to the frothy crema on top of an espresso shot.

If you are pulling an espresso and your layer of crema is only lasting for 10 seconds, then you certainly want to have a good look at your settings and how your espresso machine is set up. Without a doubt, you have no dense crema if it disappears in seconds!

Have a look at increasing the water pressure and/or the amount of grounds and double-check your tamp to ensure it is perfect and not channelling.

You will need to make adjustments to get a long-lasting espresso crema. I’ve never had, in all my time, of pulling a shot of espresso frothy crema that is gone in seconds.

I’ve pulled thousands, tens of thousands over the years. A shot of espresso should maintain the crema. If you have adjusted your machine, and you are still losing the crema quickly, have a good look at the beans you are using – are they fresh? Are they espresso roasted?

You might need to switch your beans.

A shot of espresso coffee, of course, does expire. It is a food product, and it will go off and expire with time.

Read: How do espresso machines work?

How Long Does Espresso Last In The Fridge?

There is no reason why you should or even want to store your espresso in the fridge in the first place. It’s a shot of espresso – just drink it!

If you must keep it in the fridge, it will last you up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with a lid of some kind to prevent it from taking on and absorbing the scent.

How To Store Espresso Shots

You can store your espresso shots overnight in the freezer or in the fridge, and it will still taste fine. However, if you reheat it, you won’t get the same taste. You will also have problems and issues with making the crema reintegrate, and you will have lost a good part of the body and flavor.

As I say, an espresso is tiny – it is just a shot. Drink it don’t store it!

Read: Best coffee beans for espresso machine

Does Espresso Lose Caffeine Over Time?

No,

your coffee is still coffee and an ounce of espresso is still an ounce of espresso. As any coffee lover will tell you, your coffee will still retain its nutritional and energy content. There will be no extra energy of caffeine nor any less caffeine.

It will over time lose its flavor profile and not taste so well. This is simply because it is a food product, and it will go off, be it a regular coffee, drip coffee or any other cup of coffee it will deteriorate with time.

The peak flavor of an espresso lasts only 10 to 20 seconds, with the crema lasting for 2 to 4 minutes typically. It is unreasonable to expect you to drink an espresso in a 10 to 20 second time frame (unless with ice) as it is a hot coffee.

How Long Does The Crema Last In An Espresso?

You have seen that some people claim the rich crema disappears after 10 seconds. If this happens, it has not been made properly.

Your espresso should be able to retain the thick rich crema for up to 2 to 4 minutes. The crema is a result of the soluble coffee oils and the carbon dioxide microbubbles being released due to the water pressure.

The better the quality of the beans, fresher and properly roasted to an espresso roast and good, correct settings on your machine, the crema should last 2 to 4 minutes.

How Can You Tell If Espresso Has Gone Bad?

The quick and easy way is to give it a quick sniff and if it smells off, it probably is. If the smell is okay, give it a very light taste. If it tastes off, it is most likely off. Throw it out and make a fresh one!

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Does Espresso Last

How Long Does It Take For Espresso To Go Bad?

Espresso shots will only keep well for a few days to a few weeks. How well it will stay fresh for depends on how well it is stored, the temperature of the environment it is stored in and if freshly roasted grounds were used.

How Long Is A Shot Of Espresso Good For?

Ideally, an espresso shot is consumed shortly after it has been brewed. It’s only a short drink and really there is no reason for storing a shot of espresso. The flavor will start to degrade quickly after 15 to 20 minutes and eventually become overtly bitter.

If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in your fridge, and it will be reasonably good for 12 hours.

Can You Drink 2 Day Old Espresso?

A 2-day-old espresso won’t have the same vibrant flavor and fresh spark that a freshly brewed shot of espresso has. You can drink it just as long as you kept it in an airtight container and in your fridge.

How Do You Store Leftover Espresso?

All coffee and not just espresso is best stored in an opaque container that is airtight and stored in either your fridge or freezer. You will lose a degree of the flavor no matter how you store it, but by storing it well you will prevent it from going rancid and at least drinkable.

Can I Drink Espresso That Was Left Out Overnight?

It is perfectly safe to drink a shot of espresso or black coffee that has been left overnight at room temperature. Sniff it to check for any off odors, sip it to check for any rotten tastes then, if all is okay then drink.

Is It Okay To Reheat Espresso?

Reheating coffee of any type, even a shot of espresso, is never a good idea. When you reheat coffee, you reorganize the chemical structure and make up of your coffee which ruins the flavor.

Frappe-Ing It All Up – How Long Does Espresso Last?

To reiterate how long does espresso last, it will last for up to 24 hours at room temperature and for a few days in the fridge if stored well.

However,

there is no reason for you to store your espresso at all. It is a coffee drink that is best enjoyed fresh. It is a short drink, so there is no real reason not to drink it straight away.

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Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location