Chilling coffee in the fridge overnight to make iced coffee is a common practice and can yield delicious results. The coffee will retain its strength; however, there are a few factors to consider:
Dilution: As the chilled coffee sits in the fridge, it may become slightly diluted as some of the ice melts. To minimize this, you can either brew the coffee a bit stronger than usual or use coffee ice cubes to maintain the flavor without dilution.
Brew method: The strength and flavor of the iced coffee depend on the original brewing method. If you brew the coffee using a cold brew method, it will have a naturally smoother and less acidic taste compared to traditional hot brewing and then chilling. Cold brew coffee is typically more concentrated and can be diluted to taste when serving.
Freshness: Coffee is best when consumed fresh, and the longer it sits, the more the flavors can change. If you plan to make iced coffee regularly, you can consider brewing a fresh batch each time for optimal taste. However, chilling coffee overnight is still a practical and convenient way to have iced coffee on hand for the next day.
Storage: Ensure you store the coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator to avoid absorbing other food odors and to maintain its freshness.
Ultimately, making iced coffee by chilling it in the fridge overnight is a great way to have a refreshing drink the next day. You can adjust the brewing strength and experiment with different methods until you find the perfect iced coffee that suits your taste preferences.