Coffee is the second most consumed beverage across the globe, with the first being water. Americans switched from tea to coffee following the Boston Tea Party in 1773, making coffee a symbol of American independence. Now, over two billion cups of coffee are on average consumed daily. Coffee is made by roasting the seeds inside the coffea plant, which is how different levels of roast on coffee beans are created.
Coffee is a natural stimulant, which increases alertness, boosts cognitive performance and limits fatigue by blocking adenosine (a calming brain chemical) and triggering the release of dopamine and adrenaline. However, adding milk slows down the body’s absorption of caffeine, which decreases the stimulant effect.
There are different ways to drink this beverage including espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, cortado, flat white and the classic cold brew. But most importantly, the choices include iced or hot. For example, a latte is typically iced, while a cappuccino is typically hot.
Iced coffee and cold brew are up to 67% less acidic than hot brewed coffee, making it easier for the stomach and also makes the coffee less bitter. Cold drinks also deliver caffeine into one’s system slightly slower than hot drinks, which can reduce jittery chaos and provide a smoother, steady energy boost.
Sophomore Julia Sullivan prefers iced coffee because of the taste. “I like iced coffee because you can taste all the flavors better. It’s also my favorite type of coffee because you can also customize the flavors with syrups, cold foams and additions. My favorite way to drink coffee is an iced latte with brown sugar and creamer,” Sullivan said.
On the other hand, hot coffee releases a coffee bean’s volatile oils and aromatic compounds. Smelling hot coffee stimulates sensory receptors that can naturally reduce stress and fatigue. This can increase the association of hot coffee to relaxation.
Special education teacher Sharon Tzioni would rather drink hot coffee than iced coffee. “I prefer hot coffee because that’s what I’m used to drinking and it’s more comforting. I only drink cold coffee on the beach when it’s really hot,” Tzioni said.
While hot coffee can be more comforting and relaxing, iced coffee provides a refreshing cooling sensation, especially when it’s hot outside. Iced coffee is refreshing because of its cold temperature that lowers body heat and provides a sharp, crisp taste. Iced coffee also makes the drinking experience feel lighter, smoother and brighter compared to hot coffee because of the chilled coffee bean flavor.
Human taste receptors process bitter flavors more intensely in hot liquids than in cold ones. So when one drinks hot coffee, their beverage will be more likely to be bitter compared to an iced coffee.
Sophomore Jack Sisco also prefers iced coffee, specifically black coffee. “I like to drink iced black coffee in the mornings because I don’t really like to add any syrups. I would never drink hot coffee because I think coffee is supposed to be refreshing, especially in the summer,” Sisco said.
