A traditional classic latte should be served hot. The essence of the latte is warm espresso with steamed milk, which tastes perfect when served hot. However, a latte drink can be made cold by adding iced cubes and cold espresso. So today’s topic, is a latte hot or cold? It is actually served both hot and cold depending on what you prefer.
A latte is a flexible coffee flavor, you can add your desired flavors and syrups. Also, no restriction in making it warm or icy. Both hot and cold lattes can be prepared depending on preference.
What makes us decide whether a latte should be hot or cold?
You can brew a hot or cold latte. What should be your first choice or what factor in your mind to decide about a latte?
Well, if you live in a cold region you know the importance of a hot coffee. A hot coffee makes you feel better and relax on a cold chilly day.
In a hot region, you preferably look for something cold and chilly. Nothing is more enjoyable and yummy than a cold latte by adding iced cubes to a strong espresso.
However, there is no hard and fast rule to enjoy a latte. You can make a hot or cold latte in any weather.
Why a hot latte is a favorable drink?
Espresso is the key ingredient of the latte along with steamed milk. If you love espresso, you would know that a warm pure espresso has no comparison. It comes with steamed milk and slight foam at the top, making it a sweeter and smoother drink.
A traditional Latte has double the volume of milk to espresso, which makes it a creamy and milky drink. Other coffee flavors like cappuccino and Cortado have a lower ratio of milk compared to latte.
Also, a latte can be made cold by adding iced cubes to cold milk and chilled espresso.
What is a cold latte?
If you want some changes in the traditional hot latte, here is a cold latte, an iced version of a latte. An inspiring drink for the summer season, you can brew it while making certain changes at home.
A cold latte is prepared differently from a hot latte, it adds iced cubes, uses cold milk, and chilled espresso. Since a cold drink, you can easily add some flavors to it. You can add either vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrups at the top of the icy latte.
Unlike a hot latte, it only adds cold milk with no creamy or foamy taste and texture.
Can you make a customized latte at home?
A latte is a highly customizable drink. You can add a different flavor to this coffee drink. For a traditional latte, you need a steam wand to make steamed and foamed milk. Or you can use the traditional manual method for steaming the milk.
If you like changes, a hot latte can be made by adding various flavored syrups and topped with whipped cream. Similarly, an iced latte also adds different flavors and syrups.
There are no restrictions in making a customized hot or cold latte. You can brew a customized biscoff latte.
Is caramel latte hot or cold?
Like a regular latte, caramel is also a flexible coffee beverage. You can brew it hot or cold, depending on your preferences. However, a caramel latte is sweeter and creamier than a traditional latte. Both hot and cold latte are easily available in any coffee shop. You just ask Barista to make a hot or a cold latte.
- Hot caramel latte
A hot caramel latte is prepared with two shots of espresso, a 2/3 ratio of steamed milk, and two tablespoons of caramel syrup. It tastes creamy, sweet, and hot espresso kick.
Caramel dissolves perfectly well in hot espresso and steamed milk. Whereas may not dissolve well in an iced latte.
- Iced caramel latte
This drink contains iced cubes, cold espresso, cold milk, and caramel syrup. It tastes refreshingly sweet, mellow, and enjoyable. The caramel syrup gets sweetness with hints of toffee and a slightly rich, buttery flavor.
Iced Caramel latte at Starbucks
Don’t have time to make an iced latte at home, try it from Starbucks. You can get a signature drink with slight variations available at Starbucks. Also, you can ask a barista for a customized latte.
At Starbucks, the iced latte is made with espresso, milk, iced cubes, caramel Brulée sauce, and slightly whipped cream at the top.
Final thoughts:
No other drink can compete with a latte. The latte can be served hot or cold depending on personal choice. However, a traditional hot latte is the most popular beverage worldwide.
In particular, a hot latte is preferred in cold countries where people want something strong and delicious. However, a cold latte is a good alternative if you feel to get something icy and refreshing.
I must say both flavors have some qualities that make them unique and enjoyable. A latte always has more milk than any other coffee flavor. So, if you like milk in your coffee, you should try both iced and hot flavors.
