What is the best milk temperature for coffee?

They say a coffee a day keeps the blues away. We all appreciate the power of a good cup of coffee, but what is the best milk temperature for coffee? This article will answer this question.

The best milk temperature for coffee is around 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-70 degrees Celsius).

I steam to 140-149 degrees Fahrenheit (60-65 degrees Celsius) for latte and cappuccino. For flat whites and macchiato, I steam the milk to a slightly higher temperature, around 149-158 degrees Fahrenheit (65-70 degree Celsius). I learned these hacks while working part-time at a coffee restaurant. So if you want to perfect your coffee-making skills, you are in the right place! Read on to find out more.

Table of Contents

What is the best temperature to add milk to your coffee?

The temperature at which you add milk to your coffee can differ according to personal preference, but a popular rule of thumb is to add cold milk to hot coffee or hot milk to cold coffee. This helps to prevent milk from curdling and maintains the coffee flavor. If you prefer adding hot milk, heat it separately to around 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-70 degrees Celsius) and then pour it into the coffee to avoid overheating and maintain both flavors.

What is the best temperature for milk to add to hot coffee?

What is the best milk temperature for yogurt ? — Adding milk to hot coffee. Image source: Freepik

The suitable temperature to add milk to hot coffee is 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-70 degrees Celsius), allowing the milk to mix well with the coffee without losing its sweetness or burning. Avoid pouring cold milk into hot coffee, which can curdle and result in an unpleasant taste. You should heat the milk separately to the desired temperature and then add it to the hot coffee.

Heat the milk to 140-149 degrees Fahrenheit (60-65 degrees Celsius) for lattes and cappuccinos to create a creamy texture and enhance sweetness. Flat whites and macchiatos require a slightly higher temperature, 149-158 degrees Fahrenheit (65-70 degree Celsius), to form a thicker foam on top of the espresso shot.

What is the best temperature for the milk to add to iced coffee?

You should use cold milk or milk that has been refrigerated. The best way is to chill the milk to around 39-41 degrees Fahrenheit (4-5 degrees Celsius). Adding hot milk to iced coffee can cause the ice to melt too quickly, diluting the coffee’s flavor. However, you can use warm or steamed milk with a creamier taste. If you decide to use warm milk, it is best to cool it down before adding it to the iced coffee by pouring it into a metal pitcher and placing it in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes.

Final thoughts

It is recommended that the best milk temperature for coffee is around 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-70 degrees Celsius). However, for iced coffee, it is 39-41 degrees Fahrenheit (4-5 degrees Celsius).