Drinking Hot Coffee in the Heat of the Summer Done Right

Posted on July 29, 2025 by admin

When summer’s in full swing and the temperature is climbing, most people reach for an iced coffee without a second thought. But what if you still crave that cozy warmth of a hot cup? Believe it or not, you don’t have to give up warm coffee just because it’s hot outside.

In fact, many warm-weather cultures have a long history of sipping hot beverages in the heat, and for good reason. Warm drinks can actually help your body cool itself by promoting perspiration and regulating internal temperature. The trick is knowing what kind of warm coffee to enjoy when the sun is blazing.

Here are some smart (and delicious) hot coffee options that won’t leave you overheated:

Espresso or Cortado

These are your go-to power shots of coffee. Small, concentrated, and packed with flavor, an espresso or cortado gives you the boldness of coffee without the commitment of a full mug. Since they’re small and quick to drink, they won’t overwhelm your system with heat. A cortado, with just a bit of steamed milk, keeps things smooth and satisfying.

Spiced Coffee with Cooling Flavors

Add a touch of the exotic to your cup! Try blending your hot coffee with cooling spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or even a sprig of mint. Cardamom and mint, in particular, are known in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern traditions for their natural cooling effects. These ingredients not only help your body regulate heat, but also elevate your coffee with a fragrant twist.

Light Roast Pour-Over

If you’re used to bold dark roasts, consider switching to a light roast for summer. Lighter roasts bring out the bright, citrusy, floral notes in coffee that feel more refreshing and clean on the palate. A pour-over method enhances these delicate flavors and avoids the heaviness of a rich, oily brew. It’s the coffee version of a crisp white wine on a hot day.

Coconut Milk or Oat Milk

Ditch the dairy and opt for something lighter. Coconut milk and oat milk not only add a creamy texture and slight natural sweetness, but they’re also easier on the stomach and less insulating than whole milk or cream. These plant-based options feel more refreshing and are great choices if you’re sipping a latte-style drink.

Turkish or Greek Coffee

In regions where the heat can be relentless, think the Mediterranean and Middle East Turkish and Greek coffee is a beloved staple. These traditional brews are rich, small, and meant to be sipped slowly. Served in tiny cups, they’re a mindful, flavorful ritual that offers warmth without overwhelming your body with too much liquid or temperature.

The Key: Balance & Tradition

The secret is all about balance. Choose smaller servings, flavor profiles that are bright and crisp, and ingredients known to promote cooling or calmness. Here is a possibility, bringing medium coffee and cinnamon together. Cultures around the world from Morocco to India to Italy have long embraced the idea of sipping warm beverages in the heat. It’s more about how and what you drink than avoiding heat altogether.

So next time you’re tempted to skip your hot coffee just because it’s warm out, don’t! There are plenty of satisfying ways to enjoy a cozy cup even during a heatwave. Just brew smart, sip slow, and maybe even enjoy your cup in the shade with a breeze on your face.

Stay cool, coffee friends.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Global Grinds: Enjoying Coffee Traditions Named After Nations

Posted on June 27, 2023 by admin

Coffee, one of the world’s most beloved beverages, has a rich and diverse tradition that spans across countries and cultures. The way it is prepared and consumed varies widely, offering a distinct testament to the unique culinary artistry of each region. These variations have often been so significant that several coffee preparations have been named after the countries or regions where they were originated or popularized. From the potent, drip-filtered delight of Vietnamese coffee to the sweet, rich notes of a Cuban Cafecito, the world of coffee is as diverse as the countries they represent. I have been researching popular named ones, here is a list of coffee drinks that are named after the countries they are associated with:

Vietnamese coffee: This is often made with a small metal French drip filter and sweetened condensed milk.
Turkish coffee: A method of coffee preparation where finely powdered roast coffee beans are boiled in a pot, usually with sugar, and served where the grounds are allowed to settle.
Italian coffee (Espresso): A concentrated form of coffee served in small, strong shots and is the base for many coffee drinks.
Greek coffee: Similar to Turkish coffee, but is sometimes served with a glass of cold water.
Cuban coffee (Cafecito): This is a type of espresso that originated in Cuba after espresso machines were first imported there from Italy.
Irish coffee: A cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, stirred, and topped with cream.
Mexican coffee (Cafe de olla): It is traditional Mexican coffee beverage. To prepare cafe de olla, it is essential to use a traditional earthen clay pot, as this gives a special flavor to the coffee.
Ethiopian coffee (Buna): Coffee is a huge part of Ethiopian culture, and the coffee ceremony is a common practice. Buna is a type of coffee prepared in a special Ethiopian clay coffee pot known as a jebena.

Remember, the naming of these coffees does not necessarily mean that they are exclusively consumed in these countries, or that they are the most popular coffee drinks in those countries. The names often reflect where the style of coffee was created or has a cultural significance. I will continue to expand on more particular information about these, I have already dug into a few of these and shared.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

Embracing the Greek Coffee Experience: More Than Just a Brew

Posted on June 14, 2023 by admin

Greek coffee stands out due to its unique brewing method, which involves the use of finely powdered coffee grounds and a traditional, long-handled copper pot known as a “briki“. This process allows the coffee grounds to mingle with the water, creating a rich, aromatic brew with a distinctive frothy layer on top, known as “kaimaki”.

This is quite different from other coffee brewing methods, where the coffee is typically filtered or strained out, leaving behind only the liquid. In Greek coffee, however, the grounds become a part of the coffee experience, giving the drink a unique texture and taste.

Not only is the brewing process special, but the way Greek coffee is served also contributes to its uniqueness. It’s not unusual to find the coffee grounds settled at the bottom of the cup. It’s a reminder of the authenticity of the method used and an indicator of the richness of the drink.

Furthermore, the taste of Greek coffee is also distinctive due to the use of a light roast, rather than the dark roast commonly used in other coffee types like espresso. The light roast helps preserve the complex flavors of the coffee, resulting in a smooth and nuanced taste profile that is enjoyed by coffee connoisseurs around the world.

A few more stand outs for Greek coffee are:

Taste: The coffee used is a light roast, which provides a unique, smooth flavor.

Tradition and Social Aspect: Drinking Greek coffee is considered a social activity and is often accompanied by conversation and relaxation. It’s a significant part of Greek culture.

Fortunetelling: Once a person finishes their cup, it’s common to turn the cup upside down to let the grounds dry, then read the patterns left by the grounds, much like reading tea leaves. It’s a fun cultural practice, although not everyone takes it seriously.

Health: Some studies have shown that Greek coffee, due to its method of preparation and the presence of coffee grounds, can be richer in antioxidants and thus beneficial for health.

It all adds up to a unique coffee experience to not miss.