Is a latte hot or cold? (What is the best temperature for lattes + more information)
Is a latte hot or cold? If you wonder about the answer to this common question, stick around to the end of this article to understand why lattes taste best at specific temperatures.
Espresso drinks (which include lattes) taste the best when served between temperatures of 150OF(65.6°C) and 165OF(73.9°C), with 160OF(71°C) being the standard temperature for an on-the-go latte. The temperatures you want your latte to be will largely depend on your preferences, so there is nothing wrong with drinking a warm or cold latte.
In my experience as a Starbucks barista, I observed that most people enjoy lattes taking on a subtle, smooth, and warm taste – and there is a good reason for that. Temperature affects the outcome of any drink you brew, so I needed to learn to control the temperature of any drink I would serve to a customer. Latte brewing was among the greatest lessons I got, and I will explain why it is best to serve it hot, so read on.
Table of Contents
Can lattes be warm?
Yes, they can be warm. Combining expertly-brewed espresso and perfectly steamed milk results in a warm latte, which is sweet and has a smooth texture.
Therefore, lattes can be warm (this is the best temperature to serve them in), although you can still get them cold or hot (but they will not taste as good), depending on your preferences.
What is the best temperature for a latte?
To answer this question, you need to understand what goes into a latte and how temperature affects it. Lattes are coffee drinks consisting of steamed milk with some microfoam at the top and espresso at the base. It is different from a cappuccino because it has less foam and more milk.
When brewing the latte, the best results will require the milk to be steamed at moderate temperatures (usually, these will range between 140OF(60°C) and 150OF(65.6°C)). This will allow the milk to form a thin microfoam layer on its top without ‘scalding’ or losing its sweetness.
The espresso also plays an essential role in how the latte tastes like. The best latte espressos are brewed at temperatures between 195OF(90.6°C) and 205OF(96°C) – anything beyond this temperature range results in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. At the same time, temperatures that are too low result in a muted latte that does not have much flavor to it.
The best lattes are served at temperatures between 155OF(68°C) and 165OF(73.9°C) because it is not scalding hot but still warm enough to balance out the flavors of the espresso beans and the milk.
Can I order an extra-hot latte from Starbucks?
When thinking about it, having your latte stay warm for a longer time sounds convenient and allows you to enjoy it for a longer time, so you may think about getting it extra hot. While this is possible in some cases, it is not necessarily a good decision for two reasons: you will sacrifice the quality of the drink, and it also presents a hazard to the barista handling the latte.
It is challenging to maintain the consistent texture of the milk when making an extra-hot latte because the milk begins to degrade and produce too much foam, and then the latte will take on a boiled taste due to the milk.
Additionally, many baristas dislike making extra-hot lattes because it can result in workplace injuries like burns and scalds. However, you can still find some baristas willing to do it for you, especially if they are the type to work very quickly.
What do I do if my latte is too cold?
There are some measures you can take to heat the latte, which include:
- If you are making the latte at home, buy an espresso machine to brew the espresso as you heat the milk.
- You can pre-heat the mug or cup you use before pouring in the latte.
- Get a thermometer to make it easier to control the temperatures of the milk and espresso if you are making it at home.
Do hot lattes taste better than cold lattes?
This depends on your preferences more than anything else, as well as how the latte was prepared. Hot lattes will tend to be more bitter than cold lattes, especially if the latte or its ingredients are exposed to heat for a longer time; additionally, hot lattes may have higher acid content, and these issues are absent in cold lattes.
Cold lattes are better if you do not like caffeine as much and want a mild version of a coffee drink, but hot lattes may taste better if you want a warm, sweet coffee drink with intense flavors.
Why lattes are usually served hot
There are specific reasons why hot lattes taste better, which are:
- It is easier to dissolve milk solids in hot coffee, resulting in a smooth drink.
- Espresso is essential in making a latte, so it is important to serve it in the latte after brewing it because making it hot under high-pressure results in it cooling very quickly.
- Hot lattes taste better than cold lattes because the flavors of the milk and coffee are brought out best by the warmth in the drink.
Conclusion
Lattes are versatile drinks and can be served at any temperature, but they taste best when hot– around 160OF(71°C) . Regardless of its temperature, ensuring its ingredients are in the best condition will result in a latte cup you enjoy on any day of the year.
FAQ Section
Should I heat my cup for an extra-hot latte?
Yes, you can, as long as it is a thermal mug or cup to protect your hands when handling it.
How long do lattes stay hot?
The latte can remain hot for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. However, the longer it stays, the higher the risk of the milk becoming rancid and spoiling the drink, so it is essential to drink it as soon as possible.
Can Starbucks deliver hot lattes?
Yes, it does, in select areas.
Does temperature affect the taste of the latte?
Yes, lattes are sensitive to temperature extremes due to their milk composition since milk begins to degrade in quality when it is exposed to temperatures beyond 154OF(67.8°C).
