Coffee Gone Cold? What to do with Leftover Brewed Coffee

It has happened to the best of us. You're running late one morning and don't realize until you've already left that the cup of perfectly brewed coffee you made is still sitting on the counter. Of course, you can always buy an emergency coffee on the way, but what to do with that mug waiting for you in the kitchen? If you're not a fan of reheated coffee, we have a few tips for what to do with leftover brewed coffee.

PEPPY PLANT FOOD

Sometimes your plants need a little pick me up as well. We've written before about how leftover coffee grounds can be used as plant fertilizer. Diluted brewed coffee can also feed your leafy friends. Coffee contains nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium, all essential nutrients for growing plants.

• Use about a 1:3 ratio of brewed coffee to distilled water (eg. 1/4 cup of brewed coffee plus 3/4 cup water makes 1 cup of coffee fertilizer).
• Give the fertilizer to your plants no more than once a week to avoid nitrogen burning.

NATURAL HAIR TINT

This idea works best with a dark roast , or when you add that extra scoop to the filter.

• Thoroughly mix a bit of thick hair conditioner into leftover coffee (roughly 2 tablespoons of conditioner for every cup of coffee used).
• Apply generously to hair, using a comb to make sure it is spread evenly.
• Tie up your hair in a bun or place a plastic shower cap over your head and leave for up to an hour.
• Then wash out with lukewarm water until water runs clear.

SWEET TREATS

Coffee-flavoured snacks are always a hit, and since most recipes call for the coffee to be cold, you're already one step ahead. A wonderful option that comes all the way from Sweden is chokladbollar or chocolate balls, perfect for a medium European roast.

• In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup sugar, 6 tablespoons softened butter, 2.5 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2.5 tablespoons leftover coffee, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• It should be very thick and hold its shape. Add more oats if too runny, or more coffee if not holding together.
• Form the "dough" into balls roughly 1-2 inches in diameter and roll in shredded coconut or coarse sugar.
• Chill and store in the refrigerator.

Of course, to have leftover coffee, you need the finest coffee available. Head over to Zavida to check out our selection or learn some tips for the best ways to brew coffee, and always feel free to contact us if you have any comments or questions.