8 Reasons Why Coffee Served Hot Is The BEST!

There is more to a hot coffee than its steaming presence. You would be surprised by what you are missing out on. Read on to find out why coffee served hot is the best!

Hot coffee doesn’t get a lot of love these days. The demand for iced coffee has only increased by the year, so much so that it is the preferred drink even during wintertime.

I partially blame the fast-paced way of living we have these days. Hot coffee sometimes demands patience as you should sip it slowly to appreciate its magnificent flavor, and some of us can’t afford this given the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Although iced coffee has advantages, its fiery counterpart also features an edge that the cold beverage can’t offer, provided you drink it with loving care and ample precaution. I am not saying you should give up iced coffee, but I want to convince you that you should also start paying attention to hot coffee! Here are the reasons why hot coffee deserves some love. 

1. Hot Coffee Just Tastes Better

Temperature and aroma play a role in enhancing the coffee’s flavor, and science backs this theory up! Our sense of smell brings information to our brain and signals that what we are about to eat or drink will be good. Since hot coffee releases more aromatic compounds, it makes a greater impact in making the java flavorsome.

When it comes to the tongue, the taste receptors are crafty too. The hot temperature masks the bitter molecules of coffee, so our bitter receptors won’t be able to detect them. This makes the sweetness of the coffee more prominent.

As for the perfect temperature for hot coffee, a study published by the National Library of Medicine suggests between 160°F and 185°F as this allows your tongue to take in the flavors without burning it.

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2. Hotness Prolongs The Coffee’s Freshness

One good reason for buying hot coffee is you can enjoy it longer. Generally, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes before your coffee cools down completely. This is ideal if your work requires you to always be on the road or stuck in traffic.

You can opt to keep your coffee warm by purchasing insulated mugs or containers. You can check out our list of the best travel mugs to help you choose! If you are not in a hurry but want to let your coffee chill for a bit, read our guide on how to make it cool faster.

3. The Smell Of Hot Coffee Makes You Happier

The aroma of your hot coffee can actually improve your mood and make you more energetic! You can argue that this works for both hot or iced, but it can be most effective when it is the former since more aromatic compounds are released in high temperatures.

A study published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that with the help of the coffee bean’s aroma, the effects of stress were significantly reduced in sleep-deprived rats. Meanwhile, another study conducted on people aged 18 to 22 suggested that the fragrance of coffee was able to enhance cognitive skills such as memory and alertness.

4. Hot Coffee Has More Antioxidants

Researchers have found that hot coffee has more antioxidants than cold brew, although it is still inconclusive if the same applies to other cold coffee blends. As to the reason why, the researchers believe it is because the hot water extracts more of the coffee’s natural properties, something that cooler water can’t do.

Antioxidants are important as they can fight off free radicals, compounds that contribute to cardiovascular illnesses, rapid aging, and cancer.

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5. Hot Coffee Has (Slightly) More Caffeine

Hot water can do wonders for your coffee because it extracts slightly more caffeine as it dissolves effectively in high temperatures. However, do take note that the disparity is not that great, and caffeine content still mostly depends on how many coffee beans you use. 

6. Hot Coffee Is A Great Pre-Workout Drink

The International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism showed that athletes who drink hot coffee before their session burn about 15% more calories. In addition, it can also help prolong physical activities, as hot coffee can give you more energy.

If you are a coffee lover who plans to be physically active, you can check out our guide on the best coffee for pre-workout fueling.

7. Hot Coffee Is A Flexible Drink

Hot coffee isn’t as boring as you picture it to be. Yes, you have the usual hot lattes and cappuccinos, but there are unique hot coffee drinks around the world that you can try. 

For instance, Mexico’s café de olla is a hot beverage prepared in a clay pot to give it a pleasant earthy flavor. It is brewed hot as Mexicans add sugarcane candy or piloncillo and let it melt with the coffee. They also add cinnamon sticks which they leave to steep in the steaming beverage for an extra kick. 

Another example is the kaffeost, a Scandinavian hot cup of Joe prepared with a cube of cheese made from either cow or reindeer’s milk that gives the java a rich and creamy texture. The flavor can be exciting as it can taste different with every sip as the cheese slowly melts.

8. Hot Coffee Can Do The Talking For You

Here is an interesting fact; you are more likely to be an extrovert if your preference is hot coffee. It is also an indicator of age, as the same study reveals that you are most likely in your late 20s to early 60s if you prefer your beverage hot. 

Although these are trivial, drinking hot coffee in public can give social cues and help you expand your circle. It makes people think you are friendly and outgoing!

FAQs On Hot Coffee