Many coffee drinkers prefer to drink their coffee while it’s very hot, while some like to sip it once It’s cooled down a bit. This is because our taste buds identify flavors differently at different temperatures. Therefore, drinking coffee at certain temperatures can allow you to appreciate its nuances better.
If you’re like most people, the ideal temperature of your morning coffee is about 180-185. Coffee is typically brewed at just under boiling, in a range of 200-210, but that’s too hot to consume or taste all the flavors properly. Some prefer their coffee even cooler, as low as 120-140.
People have different preferences regarding their coffee temperature. For most of us, drinking very hot coffee that scorches the tongue and burns the throat is not an option. Neither do we want to drink cold or even lukewarm coffee. Let’s look at what the different coffee temperatures indicate and what should be the optimal temperature for your morning coffee.
What is the Ideal Temperature for Serving Coffee?
According to research, serving food and drinks at high temperatures can amplify their taste and flavor. Serving coffee at a high temperature can also help enhance its bitter and sweet notes, but going too high will make it difficult for you to taste its authentic flavor.
The National Coffee Association stipulates that you should serve coffee with a temperature of 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit to your customers. Many coffee shops and restaurants that sell coffee follow this practice. However, it’s vital to note that there are other considerations.
The coffee temperature that scorches your tongue varies from person to person. However, anything between 160-185 degrees Fahrenheit can scald your tongue and cause severe burns, even if you just took a little sip.
Some people find the temperature range between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit ideal for drinking coffee. They believe that this is the temperature at which they can discern the subtle flavors of coffee.
Another thing to remember is that low-quality coffee tastes more bitter as it cools down. That’s why it’s more enjoyable when consumed at very high temperatures. High-quality coffee, on the other hand, tastes sweeter as it cools down.
To really dial in the right temperature for you, you can use a simple kitchen thermometer (on Amazon) to figure out what you like. And depending how committed to consistency you are, you can purchase a product like the Ember Mug (also on Amazon) which allows you to set the temperature of the liquid in the cup and keep it there.
Brewing Temperature vs. Serving Temperature
It’s essential to note that the brewing temperature for coffee will be different from its serving temperature. While coffee is consumed at varying temperatures, the range of brewing is slightly narrow.
The water for your coffee should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coffee grounds should be at room temperature.
If the water is below 195 degrees Fahrenheit, your coffee will be under-extracted; if it’s above 205 degrees Fahrenheit, it may burn your coffee grounds and cause your coffee to taste burnt as well.
Having a water temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for brewing coffee. To make sure that the water for your coffee is just right, you can:
- Set your temperature-display kettle to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
- Transfer water to a different vessel after boiling it or
- Let the water stand for almost 30 seconds after boiling without changing the vessel.
A serving temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit will allow you to enjoy the fresh and delicious taste of your coffee. On the other hand, you’ll not be able to truly taste the flavors of your brew if its temperature is above 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Happens When Coffee Temperatures are Too Low?
Too low coffee temperatures can make the bitterness or sourness in it too pronounced. The bitterness in your coffee is most intense at around 56 degrees Centigrade.
What Happens When Coffee Temperatures are Too High?
Drinking coffee with a temperature of over 150 degrees Fahrenheit will make it difficult for you to actually taste it, as heat overpowers its taste.
Some people like the way a scalding cup of coffee warms them up; however, at this temperature, it’s impossible for the taste buds to identify the delicate nuances in your coffee cup.
How to Choose Your Perfect Coffee Temperature
The right serving temperature of your coffee dramatically depends on your personal preference. Typically, the preferred drinking temperature of coffee is approximately 139 degrees Fahrenheit. Let’s look at some directional signs that can help determine your perfect coffee temperature:
- For people who prefer the sweet, bitter, and rounded notes of coffee, the temperature range of 155-175 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
- If you’re one of those people who enjoy a more acidic, sharper, and brighter cup of coffee, then you’d find the temperature range of 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit to be more to your liking.
- But if you drink coffee for its warming sensation rather than the flavor, then a cup that falls within the range of 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit would be perfect for you.
No matter whichever temperature you prefer, be sure to drink your coffee while it’s hot, as reheating it could change its profile and ruin its taste.