Are Lattes Hot or Cold? Tips For a Perfect Latte at Home Shared

Lattes, like people, come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are hot and frothy while others are cold and refreshing. So which is the right way to drink them? Well, that all depends on your personal preference.

If you’re someone who likes their coffee hot and intense, then go for a classic hot latte. 

Should a latte be warm or cold? 

There are two types of people in the world: those who like their lattes hot, and those who prefer them cold.

So, which is the correct way to enjoy a latte? 

Well, there are pros and cons to both hot and cold lattes. 

Hot lattes are great for warming you up on a cold day, but they can also be too hot to drink quickly while cold lattes are refreshing and can be drunk more quickly than hot lattes, but some people find them too jarring first thing in the morning. 

Ultimately, the decision is yours. 

How the latte layers are made

Lattes are typically made with hot milk, but the espresso is added first because milk foam is easier to create when the milk is hot. The espresso is then added on top of the milk, allowing the two liquids to mix together and create that signature layered look.

When making a cold latte the milk and espresso are combined first and then poured over ice. 

Frothed vs. Steamed milk

The milk in a latte, as opposed to Caffè Misto, can be either frothed or steamed milk.

Frothed milk is first heated and frothed, creating a fluffy foam that’s light and irresistibly delicious.

Steamed milk, on the other hand, is warmed and aerated to create a smooth foam for your latte.

I prefer frothed milk when I make my latte at home, but it’s up to you to choose they one you like better. If you prefer your coffee sweet, you can froth creamer instead of milk.

What’s the right temperature for a great latte? 

Here’s the thing: you need the right temperature to make a delicious latte. Too hot and you’ll end up with a foamy brew, too cold and it won’t just taste right. 

So, the right temperature to make latte is 68 °C- 74  °C (155-165 Farheneit). When you heat your milk at this temperature the texture is smooth and velvety. If you’re a latte rookie, you might need some practice at the start, but you’ll soon find the sweet spot for delicious latte.

Latte at a cafe 

Cafès can easily create lattes at the ideal temperature every time because they have expert brewing equipment. A professional latte is typically served steaming hot with a tower of properly foamed milk on top.

Latte to take out 

Lattes are frequently served in cafès in large, bowl-shaped cups that have plenty of area for froth. These cups are suitable for drinks of any temperature; they retain heat effectively and are simple to sip from.

Latte at your home

Typically, homemade lattes are colder than those made by professionals. This is due to the fact that most countertop espresso machines are only capable of heating water to a certain temperature; unless you have high-quality equipment, your water boiler may not truly hit 73 165 °C.

Where does the name ‘latte’ come from? 

The word caffe latte, which translates to “coffee with milk,” was first used in Italian. The last ‘e’ may be deleted or accented in English spelling (a hyperforeignism or to show it is spoken differently than the ordinary caffè latte).

Why do people obsessively order extra hot drinks? 

If you’ve ever ordered a coffee at a café and found yourself struggling to drink it because it’s too hot, you’re not alone. In fact, A recent study found that the preferred temperature for their coffee is 60 °C.

There are a few possible explanations for this trend:

• Temperature is one of the key ways we experience flavour. 

• Extra hot drinks tend to have a more intense aroma, which can be appealing to coffee and tea lovers. 

• A hot drink can be comforting on a cold day, and sipping on something steamy can make us feel more awake and alert. 

Why is my latte getting too cold so quickly? 

There’s nothing worse than taking that first sip of your morning latte only to find that it’s already cold. 

It turns out there’s a scientific reason for why your latte gets cold so quickly, it has to do with something called the heat capacity of coffee. 

The heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise its temperature by one degree. Water has a high heat capacity, which is why it takes a lot of heat to raise its temperature.

Coffee, on the other hand, has a low heat capacity, which means it doesn’t take much heat to raise its temperature. 

This is why your coffee can go from piping hot to lukewarm in just a few minutes.

How to keep a hot latte warm for longer 

Here are four ways of keeping your hot latte warm for longer.

Brew it at higher temperature

Make sure to use hot water when brewing your coffee and use less milk than usual. The milk will become foam when it hits the hot water and this will insulate the coffee and keep it hot. 

Top tip:  Don’t stir your latte too much, the friction from stirring will cause the coffee to cool down faster. 

Brew and Steam at the same time

When making your espresso first and then moving on to steaming milk, your coffee sits for minutes and loses its temperature. If you own a machine that allows you to do both simultaneously (without making a mess), I suggest you give this a go.

Don’t forget to preheat your mug

By taking a few extra seconds to warm up your mug, you can ensure that your coffee will stay hot for longer. 

Use a good mug

If you consider making coffee to take it out when going to work or taking a stroll it’s good to use a stained flask that keeps your coffee warm for longer.

Is Latte healthy? 

While lattes do contain some antioxidants and vitamins, they also pack a significant amount of sugar and calories. The typical small latte (220 ml of normal milk) has about 120 calories.

So if you’re trying to watch your waistline, you might want to stick to your old pal black coffee. 

Hot latte vs cold: the main differences summarised

For starters, hot lattes are made with espresso that has been brewed at a higher temperature than cold brew coffee. This results in a more robust flavour. Hot lattes are also generally milkier than cold ones; the milk is steamed and combined with the espresso before it is served. 

In contrast, cold brew coffee is brewed at a lower temperature, hence its smoother taste. It is then combined with milk and ice, giving it a refreshing quality.

Latte vs. regular coffee: the main differences explained

For starters, latte is made with steamed milk, while brewed coffee is made with hot water. So, lattes are usually creamier and have a milder flavour than brewed coffee.  In terms of caffeine content, lattes typically have less caffeine than brewed coffee because they are diluted with milk. 

How to order a latte?

Choose your milk – do you want whole milk, skim milk, or something in between? Next, decide on frothed milk or steamed and don’t forget to add a flavour – vanilla is always a safe bet. 

How to make your own latte at home

To make latte at home follow the steps bellow:

• Start with brewing an espresso
• Steam or froth your milk (about 2-3 minutes)
• Pour the espresso first and then your warm milk 
• If you fancy a cold latte, pour the mix over crushed ice.

These are lattes with flavour

From chocolate to caramel, these drinks are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try some unusual flavours like lavender or matcha. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic flavour or something new, there’s a flavoured latte you can go for. By the way, Starbucks has some great hazelnut lattes.

Let’s wrap it up

Are lattes hot or cold? The answer, of course, is both. It’s up to you to go for a cold or hot one. Remember, there are two types of people in this world.