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Can you heat up a chilled coffee drink?


Many of us enjoy starting our day with a nice hot cup of coffee. However, as the day goes on that cup can cool down quickly, leaving an unappealing lukewarm or cold coffee drink. This raises the question – can you safely heat up a chilled coffee drink to make it hot again? Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider.

Does Reheating Change the Taste?

When coffee cools down, some of the aromatic compounds can start to dissipate which affects the taste. Reheating coffee after it has cooled results in a change in the coffee’s flavor. The coffee will lose some of its aromatics and taste stale or even bitter. This effect is more noticeable in coffee that contains milk since the proteins and fats in milk break down over time, giving reheated coffee a slightly curdled or sour taste. The higher quality the coffee, the more the taste is affected by reheating. Lower quality coffee may not taste significantly different after reheating.

Is It Safe to Microwave Coffee?

The microwave provides a quick way to reheat a cooled coffee drink. However, microwaving coffee can lead to scalding due to hotspots. It can also cause a loss of aromatic compounds compared to other reheating methods. The coffee may end up with a flat, bitter taste. Microwaving coffee in a ceramic mug can cause the mug to crack or shatter due to sudden temperature changes. A porcelain mug is a safer choice.

Microwaving Method Result
Microwave on high power Dangerous hotspots, scalding risk, most aroma loss
Microwave at 50% power More even heating, less aroma loss
Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between Most even heating, prevents boiling over

As the table shows, microwaving coffee comes with risks. But taking precautions like using lower power, stirring, and heating in intervals can help minimize aroma loss and prevent scalding.

Stovetop Reheating

Reheating coffee on the stovetop avoids the issues with microwaving but comes with its own considerations:

Pot on Stove

– Takes longer than microwave
– Even, gentle heating preserves more aromatics
– Risk of burning or boiling over

Small Pan on Stove

– Faster than pot, slower than microwave
– Less aroma loss than microwave
– Easy to burn if not stirred

The best way is to use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. Adding a small amount of water while reheating can also help preserve more of the coffee’s flavors.

Can You Reheat Iced Coffee Drinks?

While chilled iced coffee drinks like cold brew may sound unappealing to heat up, it is possible. Try reheating the coffee first on its own, then pouring it over ice to chill once more. This prevents diluting the coffee’s flavors. Heat gently over medium-low heat while stirring to prevent burning. Adding a splash of milk or cream after reheating also helps smooth out any bitter notes.

How Long Does Reheated Coffee Last?

It’s best to consume reheated coffee right away rather than leaving it hot for an extended period. Keeping reheated coffee hot for too long allows the coffee to continue brewing, increasing bitterness and acidity. Coffee that has been reheated once should not be reheated again. After one reheating, it’s best to discard any leftovers.

Conclusion

While reheating chilled coffee is possible, it often negatively impacts the taste. Quick reheating methods like the microwave lead to the most flavor loss and risk of scalding. Gentler methods like reheating in a pan or pot on the stovetop can help preserve more aromatics but take more time. For best results, drink coffee soon after brewing. But if a quick reheating is needed, go slow by using medium-low heat while stirring frequently. Avoid reheating coffee more than once, and be sure to drink reheated coffee immediately. With some caution, you can bring that cooled coffee back up to temperature for an enjoyable drink.