In a record-breaking June heatwave gripping the UK, I put the surprising scientific theory that hot coffee can cool you down to the test against iced coffee. The result was clear: iced coffee won hands down for relief from the sweltering temperatures.
The Hot Coffee Theory
Scientists from the University of Ottawa's School of Human Kinetics suggest that drinking a hot beverage like coffee or tea can trigger sweating, which evaporates and helps regulate body temperature. The theory claims that more heat is shed through evaporation than gained from the drink itself.
However, my experience with a steaming hot flat white at 9:30am, when my flat was already stifling, was different. The hot coffee warmed me up further, and I felt desperate for something to cool me down. The only benefit was the morning caffeine kick.
Iced Coffee Victory
Switching to an iced coffee—a glass loaded with ice, an espresso shot, and oat milk—brought immediate relief. The cold sensation and the icy glass made a real difference, leaving me feeling significantly cooler than after the hot coffee, even as indoor temperatures rose later in the day.
While residents of warmer European nations often opt for hot drinks to beat the heat, I found the iced version far more effective and enjoyable. For the remainder of the heatwave, I'll be sticking to iced drinks.
