Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, with millions of people enjoying it every single day. But one question that is often asked is: What is the perfect temperature for drinking coffee? While it might seem like an inconsequential question, there is actually a lot of science that goes into finding the ideal drinking temperature.
Linda Lee, a prominent coffee scientist, explains that there is a range of ‘ideal’ drinking temperatures that vary based on the type of coffee being brewed. Generally speaking, a lighter roast should be enjoyed at a lower temperature, while a darker roast should be enjoyed at a higher temperature. Lee states that ‘the temperature of the coffee should be hot enough to bring out the flavors of the bean, while still not being scalding to the tongue’.
The perfect coffee drinking temperature ultimately comes down to personal preference. Coffee drinkers who prefer a mellower flavor may opt for a drinking temperature of 175–185°F, while coffee drinkers who like a bolder flavor may opt for 195–205°F. However, coffee that is hotter than 205°F may start to lose some of its more delicate flavors and aromas.
Brewing temperature is just one variable in the pursuit of perfect cup of coffee. According to Ben Utley, founder of Counter Culture Coffee, brewing temperature is one of many essential elements needed to make an excellent cup of coffee. Other elements to consider include ‘the grind size of the coffee, the proportion of coffee to water, and the extraction time’.
A study conducted by Takayama and Ohta in 2009 suggests that there is a general consensus on the perfect coffee drinking temperature. The study found that coffee drinkers liked their coffee at temperatures ranging between 160–170°F, with a sweetness peak at 165°F.
Overall, it appears that there is no single perfect temperature for everyone when it comes to drinking coffee. What matters most is personal preference and the type of coffee being enjoyed. By finding the right combination of brewing temperature and other variables, coffee drinkers can enjoy their cup of coffee to the fullest extent.
Grind Size
Choosing the right grind size can be essential to creating the perfect cup of coffee. Grind size refers to the size and shape of the ground coffee particles, which will be determined by what kind of coffee brewing method you are using. Utley says that for filter brewing methods, like pour-over, a medium-fine grind size is usually ideal. A medium-fine grind size will allow the water to evenly extract the desired flavour compounds, without over-extracting the coffee and making it overly bitter.
Spmar, a renowned coffee shop in New York City, points out that grind size is also important when making espresso. A finer grind size will lead to a slower extraction, while a coarser grind size will lead to a faster extraction. It is important to adjust the grind size to match the espresso machine’s pressure, if you are using one. Too fine a grind leads to slow extraction, while too coarse a grind leads to over-extraction, both of which can lead to an unbalanced shot.
Ultimately, grind size is just another variable that contributes to a great cup of coffee. For filter brewing methods, a medium-fine grind is usually ideal and for espresso drinks, adjusting the grind size to match the pressure of the espresso machine can help create a perfectly balanced shot.
Water Quality
Water quality can be hugely influential in the flavour of coffee. Utley explains that ‘the minerals and other compounds in the water can affect the flavour of coffee that is brewed with it’. He suggests using filtered water to ensure there are no off-flavours in the coffee.
Coffee expert Chris Bryon recommends using bottled spring water for coffee brewing. He argues that good quality spring water, which is free from pollutants and chemicals, helps to bring out the coffee’s best flavours.
Ultimately, choosing the right kind of water can make a big difference in the flavour of the coffee. Using filtered water is generally a good option, especially for filter brewing methods. For espresso drinks, using bottled spring water can help to bring out the best flavour of the coffee.
Coffee to Water Ratio
Finding the right coffee to water ratio can be an important step in finding the perfect cup of coffee. Utley recommends using a 1:16 ratio of coffee to water for filter brewing methods. He explains that this ratio ‘allows for enough flavour to be extracted from the coffee, but not too much’.
Bryon suggests that for espresso drinks, a 1:2 ratio of coffee to water is typically ideal. Although some people may like a higher or lower ratio, Bryon argues that this is the basic ratio that will bring out the espresso’s optimum flavour.
Choosing the right coffee to water ratio is essential for creating good tasting coffee. For filter brewing methods, a 1:16 ratio of coffee to watr is usually ideal, while for espresso drinks a 1:2 ratio is usually recommended.
Extraction Time
Brewing time can also be an important factor to consider when brewing coffee. Utley argues that ‘the brewing time should be long enough to ensure that the desired flavour compounds are extracted, but not so long that the coffee is over-extracted’.
For filter brewing methods, Utley suggests brewing for 3–4 minutes, although this time frame may vary depending on the grind size and the coffee to water ratio. For espresso drinks, Bryon suggests an extraction time of around 25–30 seconds.
Extraction time can be an important factor to consider when making coffee. For filter brewing methods, 3–4 minutes is generally considered to be an ideal amount of time to achieve balanced extraction, while for espresso drinks, 25–30 seconds is usually recommended.
Technique
Technique is another factor that can have a big effect on the quality of a cup of coffee. Utley recommends using a slow and steady pouring technique when using a pour-over brewer. This technique helps to evenly saturate all of the coffee grounds, creating a balanced cup of coffee.
When making espresso drinks, Bryon suggests using the right technique to ensure the espresso is properly extracted. He suggests gently pulsing the water into the espresso until the desired extraction time is reached. This ensures that the espresso is properly extracted, without any bitterness or sourness caused by over-extraction.
Technique is an often underappreciated part of making good coffee. For filter brewing methods, a slow and steady pouring technique is recommended, while for espresso drinks, pulsing the water into the coffee until the desired extraction time is reached is usually the best way to go.
Storing & Reheating
Storing and reheating coffee can also have an effect on the flavour of the cup. Utley recommends not to store brewed coffee in a plastic container and to store it in an airtight glass jar instead. He suggests that a glass jar is the best way to store coffee, as plastic containers can absorb and transfer flavours to the coffee.
Utley also recommends against reheating coffee, as it causes the coffee to become bitter and lose its freshness. He suggests that iced coffee is a better option for extending the life of your coffee.
Storing and reheating coffee can have an effect on the flavour of the cup. Utley suggests avoiding plastic containers for storing coffee and suggests an airtight glass jar instead. He also suggests avoiding reheating coffee, as it can lead to an unpleasant cup.
