Coffee is a popular drink across the globe and it has been consumed as a part of almost every culture. Its consumption has been so widespread that many people don’t realize that there is a proper way to consume it without burning their tongues. There is oft-repeated advice to wait before drinking so that the coffee cools down, but this is not the only way to protect yourself from a burned tongue.
The first step to not burning your tongue on hot coffee is using high levels of vigilance. No matter your preferred method of drinking coffee, a few seconds of testing the temperature is important. Make sure to pay attention to when the coffee is freshly-brewed and hot, but not so hot that it could cause a burn. The same goes for refilling. Respectful attention when drinking and refilling cups of coffee will always guarantee the temperature of the coffee and help to prevent burning your tongue.
The second step to not burning your tongue on hot coffee is to use the correct temperature and cup size. Many people assume that to keep coffee from burning their tongue, they must start with cold coffee. Studies have shown that it’s not necessarily the temperature of the coffee that causes the burn, but rather the size of the cup. If a cup or mug is too small, steam will escape too rapidly and the drinker will be subjected to scalding-hot liquid. To avoid this, use a cup size that allows the coffee to cool naturally, especially for drinks that have shorter brewing times.
Aside from cup size and temperature, the quality of the coffee has a lot to do with protecting the tongue from being burned. For example, if you’re going to use quality coffee and fresh-ground beans, the coffee will be much smoother, and easier to drink without scalding your tongue. Coffee-making experts suggest that coffee should be brewed and consumed at a temperature between 68 and 86 degrees Celsius to get the best flavor without causing pain.
Finally, the method of consuming is key to ensure that you’re not getting burned by coffee. Coffee has so many different drinking styles, and each one comes with its own risks. For example, if you’re drinking your coffee through a straw, the heat of the coffee can easily be transferred to your tongue. So, it’s important to recognize the risk of any particular method and adjust accordingly. For instance, if you’re drinking through a straw, you should use a thicker straw to protect your tongue from heat and try not to get the straw too close to your tongue.
Be Careful with Cream and Sugar
Using cream and sugar when making coffee is a great way to customize your cup, but it’s important to be careful as well. Milk and cream added to coffee can reach high temperatures and make your cup of coffee even hotter then it would be without any addition. Similarly, sugar doesn’t cool down the coffee. It just makes it sweeter. So, it’s important to use the right amount of cream and sugar, or go without it entirely, to ensure that your cup of coffee doesn’t get too hot.
Wait Before You Drink
The most fundamental piece of advice for anyone who doesn’t want to burn their tongue is to wait a few minutes before drinking. This way, you’ll give the coffee time to cool down naturally and you won’t risk burning your tongue. The temperature can be checked again in a few minutes, after which it would be safe to consume.
Invest in Temperature Sensitive Mugs
If you’re going to be drinking coffee quite frequently, investing in temperature-sensitive mugs might be a good idea. These mugs change color depending on the temperature of the liquid inside, warning you if the coffee is too hot. This way, you’ll be able to immediately notice when the coffee is ready to be consumed and avoid burning your tongue in the process.
Get Used to the Taste of Regular Coffee
Though adding cream, sugar or flavored options are popular, these additions make your cup of coffee exceptionally hot right off the pot. If you’re someone who often burns their tongue, it might be better to get used to the taste of regular coffee instead. Traditional coffee, without these additions, cools much quicker than other types of coffee and is thus not as likely to burn your tongue.
Use Cold Coffee Instead
If you’re still averse to the idea of drinking hot coffee, the best option for you might be to start consuming cold coffee instead. Iced coffee is a safer and refreshing alternative to hot coffee that falls into the temperature range that does not scald. Iced coffee is also a healthier alternative since it contains fewer calories and it’s easy to prepare.
Have It with a Snack
Having snacks when consuming hot coffee can help to reduce the temperature and make it easier to consume without burning your tongue. A cookie or cracker can absorb the temperature of the coffee and make it easier to consume without fear of burning your tongue. The trick is not to let the food make contact with the coffee too early, so that the temperature is still below scalding-hot levels when it’s time to drink.
Go for Coffee Alternatives
If none of the methods above work, then it might be time to investigate other coffee alternatives such as tea or iced tea. Tea is naturally lower in temperature than coffee and is a much safer option for those who often burn their tongues when drinking coffee. It’s also healthier, lower in calories and has many other benefits that coffee does not.
Invest in Temperature Testing Tools
Some people have been known to invest in temperature testing tools which come in handy when you’re drinking hot coffee. These tools can help you accurately test the temperature of the coffee and ensure that you’re not burning your tongue while consuming it. You can use the tools at home, in the office and even while travelling, to make sure your coffee is at the right temperature before consuming it.
