In a revelation that will make British coffee lovers rethink their morning ritual, a leading Italian coffee expert has issued a stern warning against one of the UK's most common coffee shop requests: ordering your drink 'extra hot'.
The Secret Life of a Perfect Cappuccino
According to Francesco Sanapo, a world-renowned Italian barista and coffee trainer, requesting a scalding-hot coffee fundamentally misunderstands the delicate chemistry of proper espresso preparation. "The perfect temperature for milk in a cappuccino is between 60-65°C," Sanapo explains. "When you heat milk beyond this point, you destroy its natural sweetness and create a burnt, bitter taste that overpowers the coffee."
What Really Happens When Milk Overheats
The science behind Sanapo's warning is compelling. Milk contains lactose, a sugar that provides natural sweetness when heated to the ideal temperature. However, when pushed beyond 70°C, the lactose begins to caramelise excessively, turning sweet into sickly and destroying the milk's delicate protein structure.
"The foam becomes stiff and separates from the liquid milk," Sanapo notes. "You lose the velvety microfoam that makes a properly made cappuccino so luxurious. What you're left with is essentially hot milk with burnt-tasting bubbles on top."
The Italian Way: Timing is Everything
Sanapo emphasises that in Italy, coffee culture revolves around immediate consumption. "We drink our cappuccino quickly, standing at the bar," he says. "It's made to be enjoyed at that moment, at the perfect temperature. The British habit of taking coffee to go in insulated cups has created this demand for excessively hot drinks that can survive a long commute."
Proper Coffee Etiquette According to an Expert
- Never order cappuccino after 11am: Italians consider milk-based coffees strictly morning drinks
- Trust the barista: A skilled coffee maker knows the ideal temperature for each drink
- Drink immediately: Coffee is at its best within minutes of preparation
- Skip the sugar: Properly prepared coffee needs no sweetener to mask bitterness
UK Coffee Culture Versus Italian Tradition
The warning highlights the ongoing tension between Britain's rapidly evolving coffee scene and Italy's centuries-old coffee traditions. While UK coffee shops have embraced innovation and customization, Italian purists argue that some requests demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes great coffee.
"When you ask for 'extra hot', you're telling the barista you don't trust their expertise," Sanapo suggests. "You're also ensuring you won't taste the coffee properly until it's cooled down to the temperature we would have served it at in the first place."
For British coffee enthusiasts looking to elevate their experience, the message is clear: embrace the Italian approach, trust the professionals, and never again utter the words "extra hot" when ordering your morning brew.
