11 Surprising Ways To Use Leftover Coffee

There's good news if you’re tired of tossing out your leftover coffee. You can repurpose it in several creative ways. Check out these surprising and practical uses for that extra cup of joe from cooking to gardening.

Make Coffee Ice Cubes

Why let your coffee go to waste when you can freeze it into ice cubes? These coffee cubes are perfect for cooling down iced coffee without watering it down, or adding a subtle coffee flavor to milk, chocolate milk, or even cocktails.

Enhance Your Baked Goods

Coffee adds depth and richness to baked goods like brownies, chocolate cake, or cookies. Use leftover coffee instead of water or milk in your recipes for an extra layer of flavor that complements chocolate beautifully.

Create a Marinade

Coffee can be an unexpected addition to marinades, according to Kitchen Supply, especially for red meats like steak or ribs. The acidity in coffee helps tenderize the meat while adding a smoky, slightly bitter undertone that enhances the flavor.

Flavor Your Oatmeal

Next time you’re making oatmeal, swap out some of the water or milk for leftover coffee. It gives your oats a subtle coffee flavor and pairs perfectly with sweet toppings like honey, brown sugar, or fruit.

Use It in a Hair Rinse

According to Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve, coffee can boost shine and add richness to your hair, especially if you have dark hair. Use cooled leftover coffee as a hair rinse after shampooing, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out to leave your hair looking glossy.

Mix into Chili or Stews

Adding leftover coffee to chili, stews, or even soups gives them a deeper, more robust flavor. The coffee enhances the savory elements and adds complexity without overpowering the dish.

De-glaze a Pan

After cooking meat or vegetables, de-glaze your pan with leftover coffee. It helps loosen the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and adds a unique depth to sauces, gravies, or stir-fry dishes.

Water Your Plants (in Moderation)

According to Gardening Know How, leftover coffee can be diluted and used to water acid-loving plants like azaleas, hydrangeas, and roses. The coffee's acidity helps create a favorable environment for these plants to thrive.

Boost a Smoothie

Add a splash of leftover coffee to your morning smoothie for an extra kick. The coffee pairs well with flavors like chocolate, banana, and almond butter, adding a slight bitterness and energy boost to your blended drinks.

Make Coffee Ice Cream

Turn your leftover coffee into a homemade treat by incorporating it into ice cream recipes. The coffee flavor gives a rich, refreshing twist to classic vanilla ice cream, or you can mix it into a milkshake for a frozen coffee fix.

Create a Syrup

Use leftover coffee to create flavored syrups for desserts or cocktails. Simmer coffee with sugar or other sweeteners to make a rich syrup that can be drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, or mixed into drinks.