If you’re like me, you’re a serious coffee lover. You can appreciate the quality of a good espresso shot and the subtle nuances of roasting and brewing. But one question that I – and many other coffee lovers – have asked ourselves is “how long does an espresso shot last?”
Here’s, how long you can store your expresso.
How Long Does an Espresso Shot Last?
I’m sure we’ve all been there — standing in line at the coffee shop watching the barista pull shot after shot of espresso. But how long does an espresso shot last? Is it a few minutes or maybe a few hours?
The answer is that it really depends. Technically, an espresso shot can last anywhere from 5 – 7 hours if pulled correctly. However, if you’re trying to enjoy an espresso drink while out and about, you’ll want to drink it as fresh as possible — ideally within 30 minutes of pulling the shot. After this time, the crema starts to dissipate and the flavour begins to weaken.
All that being said, some home baristas report that their shots can last for up to 30 minutes before losing flavour and complexity. Eventually, over time, flavours do start to break down so you can expect your espresso shots served at a cafe or coffee shop will be best enjoyed immediately after pulling them.
What is the Shelf Life of an Espresso Shot?
Have you ever wondered just how long an espresso shot can last before it goes bad? Well, that’s a question I get asked all the time, and one I’ve been doing a fair bit of research on.
So, let’s take a look at the shelf life of an espresso shot. Generally speaking, a shot can last anywhere from an hour to five days. Of course, this depends on several factors such as the temperature it’s stored in and how you prepared it.
Here are some of the things to consider when trying to determine how long your espresso will last:
- Temperature: Espresso shots last longest when stored at cooler temperatures (around 37°F/2°C). The colder the temperature, the longer your espresso will stay fresh and flavorful.
- Brew Ratio: The brew ratio of your espresso also plays a role in its shelf life. The ideal ratio is typically around 1:2, meaning every gram of ground coffee used should be matched with two grams of water for optimal flavour extraction. If this isn’t met, then your espresso won’t last as long as it could have.
- Container: Finally, the container you store your espresso in matters too! Make sure to use one that is airtight and not too big (as this could cause oxidation). Also avoid using containers made with reactive metals like copper or aluminum as these may alter the taste of your drink.
Tips for Maximising Freshness:
As an espresso enthusiast, one of the most important things to me is keeping my shots as fresh and flavourful as possible, and there are a few ways to do that. Here are my top tips for maximizing the freshness of your espresso shots:
Buy fresh beans:
At the end of the day, it’s all about starting with fresh beans. So make sure that you buy freshly roasted beans from a reliable source. The fresher your beans, the sooner you’ll need to brew them, so get enough for only a couple of days ahead if you can — and always store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
High-quality espresso machine:
A good quality espresso machine is essential if you want to get maximum flavor out of every bean you buy. Investing in one will allow you to adjust the grind size and temperature for optimal results — plus, with a good machine, you can use less coffee for each shot for bolder flavors.
Keep it clean:
Regularly cleaning your espresso machine is key to maintaining its performance over time. A thorough cleaning should include descaling (which gets rid of mineral deposits) as well as dispersion-head cleaning and backflushing (which removes stubborn coffee oils from inside the boiler).
Conclusion:
In summary, espresso shots can last anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, depending on the method of extraction. However, the ideal time for an espresso shot extraction is within 30 minutes, as this allows enough time for the extraction processes to work through the grounds, but not too long for the shot to become too sour or bitter.
The extraction time isn’t the only factor that affects the quality of an espresso shot – the grind, the temperature of the water, and the tamp also play a role. When all of these elements are dialled in, you can enjoy a delicious espresso shot that’s full of flavour and body. So, the next time you want to add a little caffeine kick to your day, brew an espresso shot and savour the moment!
