Sweltering heat has enveloped the UK in an unprecedented June heatwave, causing people to seek ways to stay cool without the luxury of air conditioning common in the US. UK homes are not built for extreme heat, leading individuals to explore alternative methods to beat the heat. Surprisingly, researchers from the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics suggest that drinking hot beverages like coffee or tea can induce sweating, aiding in regulating body temperature.
Despite being a coffee enthusiast, the scorching weather made it challenging to enjoy the usual morning brew. Curious about the theory that hot drinks can cool you down, an experiment was conducted comparing hot and iced coffee for their cooling effects. Starting with a hot flat white, the experience fell short of the expected sweat-inducing response, providing more warmth than relief.
Switching gears, an iced espresso with oat milk was prepared, offering immediate and refreshing relief from the heat. The cold glass sensation and overall enjoyment surpassed the hot coffee experience. The cooling effect of the iced drink was noticeably superior, leaving the individual feeling much cooler compared to the hot coffee, especially in the heightened indoor temperatures later in the day.
While residents of warmer European countries often turn to hot coffee to combat heat, the preference for iced drinks seems to be gaining traction in the UK amid the ongoing heatwave. Personal experience leads to sticking with chilled beverages as the heatwave persists, questioning the adaptability of the hot coffee tradition in the UK during high temperatures.