Are Lattes Hot Or Cold? [ Disclosing the perfect temperature ]

Is coffee a hot commodity for a good start to the day? Absolutely!

Coffee has several recipes, flavors, and blends to satisfy your cravings.

There are countless ways to make coffee. A latte can be the right type of coffee for you if you love to indulge in milk-based coffees that serve a well-balanced taste.

Should it be served hot or cold?

The Latte might seem like an ideal hot drink on chilly days, but iced lattes have become increasingly popular recently.

The world’s most popular beverage lets you customize its taste, strength, and flavors, but what about its temperature?

If you are not in the mood for a hot coffee, the change in its temperature can bring you a variation in your coffee experience.

The temperature of the coffee affects its overall taste, just like coffee concentration and brewing techniques do, especially in espresso-based drinks.

We have your back if you need clarification about the right temperature to enjoy a latte.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the different ways to enjoy lattes and the right temperature to drink them at.

Are Lattes Hot or Cold?

Traditionally, Latte is a hot beverage with a thin layer of foam made from hot Espresso and steamed milk. It is served at about 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It consists of Espresso and steamed milk. Espresso is brewed at 195-205°F, and milk is steamed at 140-165°F.

However, the temperature of a latte depends on your preference. You can have a delicious hot Latte or enjoy a refreshing iced latte. Nowadays, iced lattes have taken the coffee world by storm with their various tasty flavors.

What is a Latte?

The word “latte” derives from the combination of two words: Espresso and milk, known as “caffè e latte.”

A latte is an espresso mixed with steamed milk, typically in the ratio of one-third to two-thirds of steamed milk. About 8 ounces of Espresso in a latte and 12-18 ounces of steamed milk.

The drink has a velvety and smooth texture but to enhance it further; it is topped with about 2 ounces of a thin layer of milk foam.

You can customize lattes according to your taste and preferences. You can add various toppings and sweetening syrups to make it extra delicious. The drink is best complemented by vanilla and caramel syrup.

Those who avoid lactose and dairy products can use soy, oat, or almond milk; The Latte will be just as tasty.

On the other hand, In iced lattes, steamed milk is substituted with cold milk and ice in iced lattes, which are refreshing and silky smooth. Iced lattes are best enjoyed with whipped cream and flavored syrups. 

How hot should a latte be?

The optimum temperature to serve a latte ranges between 155° and 165° Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, the drink will become excessively foamy.

A latte consists of layers of Espresso, milk, and foam. These layers can only be created when you get the temperature right for your hot Latte.

The Espresso should be hotter than the steamed milk to achieve uniform layers in a latte.

Some people believe latte milk should be extra hot to dissolve the coffee grounds fully and create a rich, creamy beverage. The ideal order of business is to steam your milk before you brew Espresso.

When your Espresso is ready, the milk will cool down and neither be too hot nor too cold. Additionally, the drink might taste burnt if the milk is too hot. 

What is the difference between a Hot Latte and an Iced Latte?

We will explain the similarities and differences if you need help deciding between a hot or cold latte. The following table distinguishes both variations of a latte drink:

Latte vs. Cappuccino vs. Cortado: What are the differences?

Latte, cappuccino, and cortado are all espresso-based drinks, so are they any different? 

Yes!

All three drinks differ in their ratios of milk to espresso shots, prepared steamed milk, and overall taste and texture. 

The ratio of Espresso to Milk

• Lattes consist of a single espresso shot or two and two-thirds cups of steamed milk.
• A Cappuccino has a 1:2 ratio of Espresso to milk.
• A Cortado has an equal quantity of Espresso and milk in it. 

Taste

• A Latte consists of a subtle espresso taste and milky flavor.
• Cappuccino has a strong and bold taste; it’s more bitter than a latte.
• A cortado suits people who like strong but well-balanced coffee. 

Texture

• A latte has a creamy and smooth texture, Topped with a thin layer of foam.
• A cappuccino is fluffier and creamier because one-third is made of milk foam.
• A cortado doesn’t add foam milk, so it has a silky and smooth texture. 

What are variations of standard Latte?

In addition to the standard Latte, there are variations with different names.  

Coffee with steamed milk or Espresso with warmed but not foamed milk is called a “cafe au lait,” and Espresso with warmed but not foamed milk is called a “flat white.”

People who prefer something other than bitter and strong coffee can make their lattes using flavored syrups like French vanilla or hazelnut. It makes the drink sweeter and gives it a different flavor.

Coffee shops around the world, like Starbucks, offer different varieties of lattes. The popular Starbucks lattes are Pumpkin Spice Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, Caffè Latte, and Caramel Brulée Latte.

How to make a Latte at Home?

If you crave a soothing hot latte or a refreshing iced drink but want to avoid the hassle of going to the coffee shop, we are here to help.

You can easily make your favorite drink at home with the right equipment, a few ingredients, and our latte recipe. 

Note: The following recipe is for a 12 oz latte; adjust the ingredients according to the size of your drink. 

Equipment:

• A coffee brewer (we are using a Nespresso espresso machine) 
• A milk frother (we are using Aeroccino 3) 
• An Insulated cup
• A coffee grinder if you are using coffee beans

Ingredients:

• Coffee Beans or Coffee Pod
• Milk of your choice (7 to 9 oz)
• Flavored syrup of your choice (1 to 2 tbsp)

Method:

1. Prepare an espresso shot for your Latte. You can use any espresso machine; we are brewing a voltesso capsule.
2. Prepare hot milk by heating it in the microwave to reach 150 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Pour the milk into the frother and froth it till it is doubled in volume. You can also use a hand whisk or an immersion blender for this step. 
4. Add flavored syrup to the espresso glass; you can adjust the quantity according to your taste. 
5. Pour the frothed milk over the Espresso, leaving the foam on the top.
6. Enjoy your delicious Latte!

For an Iced Latte,

Repeat the same steps as the hot Latte to make an iced latte, except for preparing steamed milk. Add chilled milk to prepare your coffee drink. You can froth it, but straight milk will also work well. 

Combine Espresso and milk and pour it over lots of ice; your iced coffee is ready! Not all iced coffees are served with whipped cream, but you can add it for extra creaminess.

Things to Consider While Making Hot or cold Lattes

Making a latte that matches the standard of coffee shop hot lattes or iced coffee may sound like a good idea. Still, a lot can go wrong, so follow these steps:

• The ideal latte temperature is between 150 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit. An extra hot latte is not a thing.
• The steamed milk temperature for your Latte should range between 135 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is hotter than that, your Latte will taste burnt and become extra foamy.
• If you are using sugar to sweeten your Latte, add it to the recipe mug and then pour hot Espresso so it easily dissolves. 
• Brew espresso at the correct temperature to prevent your Latte from being bitter and tasting acidic. It should range from 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips and Tricks to Keep your Latte Hot

If you love your hot cup of Latte, you want it to stay hot for longer. We have some smart tips for your homemade and takeaway lattes; let’s check them out.

For homemade Latte:

• Brew espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously, so none gets cold till you bring the recipe together.
• The Latte will decrease its temperature faster if you pour it into a cold mug, so warm your recipe mug with hot water first.
• Use a double-walled glass for your Latte to brew Espresso directly into it.
• Add all the milk foam you got on the top of the Latte. It will slow down the cooling process.

For takeaway Latte:

• Take your thermal mug or thermos to the coffee shop and get your order instead of disposable cups. 
• Ask for a cup sleeve. It will secure your coffee from getting cool.
• To keep your Latte on the go hot, ask for an extra espresso shot.
• Only remove the lid of your drink if you will indulge in it instantly.

How latte temperature affects the taste?

Most people might think only Espresso and milk contribute to a latte’s overall taste and texture; however, that’s not the case.

The temperature of a latte is critical and equally important as other factors affecting its taste and texture. A perfect latte has a standard serving temperature between 155° and 165° Fahrenheit.

A latte must have the ideal temperature to have the authentic flavors you expect.

If it is extra hot, it will have a burnt and bitter taste. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, it will taste bland and watery. 

The temperature of the ingredients, the Espresso, and steamed milk, also contribute to a latte’s overall taste. Ensure that the Espresso and steamed milk have an optimum temperature.

Is caramel latte hot or cold?

A caramel latte is a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without having a sugar rush. However, is it a hot or cold beverage? Or both?

A caramel latte is made with Espresso, steamed milk, and caramel syrup, having th perfect coffee and sweet flavors.

However, you can also enjoy a chilled caramel latte if you skip steaming the milk and add lots of ice.

You can enjoy Caramel latte in both ways; hot and cold. It depends on your preference and taste. 

FAQs

Why must Espresso use finely ground coffee?

The ground coffee for brewing espresso must be fine, like sand, because it requires water passing through them to extract the flavors and strength. If the ground coffee is too coarse, the water will pass through it slowly, making the Espresso bitter. 

Are Starbucks lattes hot or cold?

Starbucks lattes are both hot and cold. You can order any flavored latte in hot or cold variations. 

Are McDonald’s lattes hot or cold?

Mcdonald’s offers both hot and cold lattes. Their vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and cinnamon latte is widely loved in both hot and cold forms.

Do lattes taste better hot or cold?

Hot and cold lattes taste equally delicious and contain all the flavors you can enjoy. However, whether you like it hot or cold depends on your preference. 

Are vanilla lattes cold?

Vanilla lattes are the most popular iced coffees. However, Starbucks’ hot vanilla latte made with blonde Espresso is a favorite for snowy days.

Which is stronger: A latte or a cappuccino?

A cappuccino is stronger than a latte because it contains less ratio of milk. 

What is the difference between steamed and frothed milk?

Frothed milk is aerated and forms larger air bubbles that add texture to the drink. Steamed milk consists of tiny air bubbles that create a light foam.