Drinking coffee is a time-honored ritual for many people, but the temperature at which to drink it can be the source of much debate. From “sipping just-right cups” to “blasting their esophagus with molten lava”, opinions vary from enthusiast to enthusiast. It’s an interesting and sometimes heated subject, to which experienced baristas and coffee drinkers can attest.
For starters, it’s important to know that optimal drinking temperature for coffee is different for everyone. For those who have chronic stomach problems, it is typically recommended to wait a few minutes before taking a sip of warm coffee. For the average drinker, however, the warmer the better. Hot coffee creates flavors and aroma molecules that simply cannot be found in cold brews or iced coffees. Moreover, many hot drinks are easier to digest than cold ones, providing the perfect solution for those looking to save time and get their caffeine fix at once.
But how hot should one’s coffee get? In general, experts agree that the optimal temperature for drinking coffee is 165°F to 175°F (or 74°C to 80°C). Anything below that range may leave drinkers with an unfulfilling experience, and anything higher can result in scalding and even cause burns to the throat and esophageal lining.
For the longest time, coffee trends have been leaning towards more extreme levels of coffee temperatures. But such coffee may overpower more delicate notes, mask key components and make for an overall unbalanced cup. Brewed coffee temperatures have a significant effect on its taste, so it’s important to strike the right balance.
Apart from drinking temperature, there’s another important factor to consider – brewing temperature. If coffee is brewed too hot or left to steep for too long, a bitter flavor might take over. However, if the temperature is too cool or the brew time too short, the final result may be watery and lacking in flavor. There is a “Goldilocks Zone” when it comes to brewing temperature, and getting it just right takes time and experience.
Finally, keep in mind when should you drink your coffee. Ideally, warm up the cup for about two minutes and drink it before it loses its temperature and taste. This gives you just enough time to truly enjoy the flavor of your freshly brewed cup.
Different Types of Coffee
There’s more to coffee than the standard cup of Joe. Different brewing methods give rise to various types of coffee drinks, each with its own unique taste and preparation. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular ones and their preferred temperatures.
Cappuccino, for instance, is probably the best-known espresso beverage, a combination of espresso, steamed milk and foam. It’s usually served at a hot, but not burning, temperature, around 140°F (60°C) to 158°F (70°C).
Latte, on the other hand, is made up of espresso and steamed milk, with a generous topping of milk foam. It’s best consumed at temperatures between 140°F (60°C) to 158°F (70°C).
Iced coffee and cold brew, as the name implies, are served cold. Some variants use cold milk, while others add ice cubes. The ideal drinking temperature for these coffees is 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 12°C).
Finally, there’s instant coffee, a lightweight, powdered blend of coffee and water. While instant coffee is traditionally served hot, it can also be enjoyed over ice. The optimal temperature for this type of coffee is 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 12°C).
Tips for the Perfect Cup of Joe
Those who are looking to enjoy a delicious and well-balanced cup of coffee don’t necessarily have to be a coffee connoisseur. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you get it just right.
Grind fresh beans just before brewing. This ensures best flavor and aroma. The finer the beans, the hotter the temperature should be — so adjust accordingly.
Brew your coffee at the right temperature. The optimal temperature is dependent on the alternative brewing method, and you may have to experiment to find the right one.
Pre-heat your cup for about two minutes. This helps maintain the ideal drinking temperature for longer.
Let the coffee cool off for about 30 seconds after it’s done brewing. This will help reduce boiling and scalding.
Advantages of Drinking Hot Coffee
In general, drinking hot coffee offers several benefits. Studies have shown that it can improve circulation and prevent Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. It can also help boost your metabolism and speed up the process of fat burning.
Moreover, drinking hot coffee can make you alert and improve your mental focus and concentration. Studies have also found that it can reduce stress, improve mood, and keep you feeling energized for the day.
Apart from its health benefits, hot coffee is also rich in flavor and aroma. The heat releases aroma and flavor compounds in the beans, which is why a cup of well-brewed coffee is so smooth and aroma-rich.
Disadvantages of Drinking Hot Coffee
Drinking hot coffee comes with both advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned previously, heated coffee can potentially cause burns to the throat and esophageal lining. Moreover, it can worsen heartburn and irritate fragile membranes.
In some cases, caffeine can have adverse effects on the nervous system. Overheated beverages can promote anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness because the caffeine acts faster on a hot beverage.
Lastly, drinking hot coffee can also contribute to dehydration. Caffeine is famously a diuretic, which means that it can cause increased urination.
Do’s and Don’ts of Coffee Drinking
When it comes to coffee consumption, there are a few do’s and don’ts that one ought to keep in mind.
Firstly, do not overheat your coffee and make sure to follow the recommended temperature of 165°F to 175°F. Anything above this range can cause scalding and burns.
Secondly, wait for about 30 seconds after brewing for the coffee to cool off before drinking. This will help reduce scalding and promote even, balanced flavor.
Thirdly, if you decide to use cold milk, make sure to pour it in after the coffee has cooled off in order to preserve its flavor and aroma notes.
And finally, do not forget to pre-heat your cup. This helps preserve optimal drinking temperatures for longer.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee at the right temperature is key to achieving a well-balanced and flavorful cup. From the right brewing temperature to pre-heating your cup, there are several factors to consider. Follow the tips outlined above and you’ll be well on your way to a perky and pleasurable cup of joe.
