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How Long Should You Finish an Americano? Is Latte Better Hot or Iced? Can You Drink Coffee the Next Day?

Published: 2026-01-28 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/28, Owner! I'll have a latte, hot or iced, which tastes better? This simple question is something you've likely heard frequently, whether you're a regular café visitor or a barista. That's right, is a latte better hot or iced? This is an open-ended topic. Your current environment, your personal

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"Boss! I'd like a latte. Which tastes better, hot or iced?"

This simple question is something you'll often hear, whether you're a frequent café visitor or a barista. So, do lattes taste better hot or iced?

This is an open-ended topic. Factors such as your current environment, personal taste preferences, and your body's tolerance will all influence the answer. Moreover, our sensory perception of flavors varies at different temperatures. Therefore, there's no standard answer.

So, some might ask: How long should it take to finish a cup of coffee? Regarding this question, let's first look at the two most basic coffees on the menu:

Understanding Basic Coffee Types

Americano = Espresso + Water. Americano is generally abbreviated as Americano, and the preparation method is simply adding hot water to espresso: the flavor is the same as espresso, just diluted.

Latte = Espresso + Milk. A latte is espresso paired with steam-heated milk. Latte coffee has many similarities with cappuccino, but the foam on the surface of a latte is minimal.

Temperature and Flavor Perception

FrontStreet Coffee suggests everyone try to perceive the flavor changes in coffee from high to low temperatures. You'll discover that at lower temperatures, our tongue's sensitivity to bitterness and sweetness decreases, while sensitivity to acidity increases. Why? This is because the quinic acid in coffee degrades into quinic acid lactone, making cooled coffee more acidic.

In terms of mouthfeel, it's best to drink prepared coffee as soon as possible.

The Importance of Freshness

The aromatic components in coffee are complex and diverse, containing hundreds of different aromatic substances. These aromatic components are released when heated and are destroyed when exposed to light and oxygen. Therefore, when coffee sits for too long, its aroma won't be as rich as when fresh. These aromatic components are precisely what make coffee enjoyable, help us concentrate, and improve work efficiency. Consequently, without these aromatic components, coffee's original refreshing and efficiency-enhancing effects are greatly diminished.

Additionally, a friendly reminder from FrontStreet Coffee: Latte coffee only has two options - iced or hot. Traditional cappuccino coffee and flat white coffee are not served iced.

Caffeine Effects and Overnight Storage

How long does it take for caffeine to take effect after drinking a cup of coffee?

For most people, the main stimulating effects of caffeine occur about 15 to 45 minutes after consumption. Caffeine in the bloodstream reaches peak levels, and you'll feel that energy rush. This is precisely why the first cup of coffee each day is so important.

The final question, and one many people are curious about: Can overnight coffee be consumed? "Sometimes I accidentally leave coffee for a long time before remembering to drink it, even overnight..."

Well, yes - cold brew coffee is made overnight (laughs). But the prerequisite is proper storage (sealed and refrigerated), after all, the experience of sipping iced coffee in summer is excellent. However, if you have milk coffee like cappuccino or latte, then FrontStreet Coffee advises you not to drink it. Milk contains protein, and if left at room temperature, it easily spoils and deteriorates, which might cause stomach upset.

If it's black coffee, you should store it in the refrigerator. The lower temperature in the refrigerator can inhibit bacterial growth to some extent and delay spoilage. But try to finish the coffee the next day, because prolonged storage can cause water quality changes, making the coffee taste very poor.

Whether overnight coffee can be consumed depends mainly on the specific situation. In conclusion, drinking coffee is meant to be an enjoyment, while drinking stale coffee is a form of torture...