Watched a barista pour a latte art heart with steamed milk that was way too hot yesterday

I swear if your milk scalds over 150F it ruins the sweetness and breaks the microfoam, but I see shops doing it all the time in Portland. Has anyone else noticed people just cranking the steam wand without checking temperature?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason_lopez1mo ago

Used to think hot milk was just hot milk, but watching a barista nuke it too high made me realize the whole drink gets this burnt taste. Ever since I started paying attention, I can totally tell when the milk is over 150F and it just kills the sweetness. That video really flipped a switch for me on why temp matters so much for good latte art and flavor.

violar351mo ago

Honestly kinda feel like people overthink this stuff. I've had plenty of lattes that probably hit 160 and they still taste fine to me.

hollyl251mo ago

Yeah 150+ just nukes the sweetness every time.