Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Many people enjoy their daily cup of coffee, but everyone has different preferences on how to prepare it. Some like it black, while others add varying amounts of milk, cream, sugar, or other ingredients. Two common add-ins are honey and milk. But are these tasty additions actually good in coffee?
The Benefits of Adding Honey to Coffee
Honey has become an increasingly popular sweetener for coffee over recent years. Here are some potential benefits of adding a touch of honey to your morning brew:
- Natural Sweetness – Honey provides a subtle natural sweetness without being overpowering. The floral notes can complement the coffee’s flavor.
- Healthier – Honey has a lower glycemic index than regular processed sugar, meaning it doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes. It also contains antioxidants and trace nutrients.
- Smooth Flavor – The viscosity of honey helps smooth out the bitterness of coffee for a more mellow flavor.
- Variety – You can find many unique honey varietals with different flavors based on the bees’ nectar source. Experiment to find your perfect match with coffee.
Just a teaspoon or less of honey is usually enough to take the edge off black coffee’s bitterness. The sweetness level is customizably based on personal preference. For those looking to sweeten their coffee in a more natural, less processed way, honey can be a great alternative to plain white sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Benefits of Adding Milk to Coffee
Milk is one of the most popular additions to coffee worldwide. People have been drinking cafe au lait (coffee with milk) for centuries. Here are some reasons why milk can be a tasty complement to coffee:
- Mellows Bitterness – The natural fats and proteins in milk help temper coffee’s acidic bitterness for a smoother, richer taste.
- Creaminess – Milk adds a silky, creamy texture and mouthfeel.
- Nutrition – Milk provides a boost of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients to help balance out coffee’s acidity.
- Flavor – Milk’s subtle sweetness and dairy notes can enhance coffee’s aroma and bring out its flavor. Many people find black coffee too harsh on its own.
The amount of milk added is based on personal preference for taste. Some just want a touch to mellow coffee, while others prefer lots of creamy milk with just enough coffee for flavor. Frothy steamed milk is also popular for specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Potential Downsides of Adding Honey and Milk to Coffee
While honey and milk can both complement the flavor of coffee, there are some potential downsides to consider:
Honey
- Calories – Honey contains calories and carbohydrates, so it increases the calorie content compared to black coffee.
- Masks Flavor – Honey can cover up the inherent flavor notes of high quality coffee beans.
- Too Sweet – Using too much honey can make coffee taste sickly sweet.
- Allergies – Those with bee or pollen allergies need to avoid honey.
Milk
- Calories and Fat – Milk contains calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Upset Stomach – The lactose in regular milk can cause stomach upset for those sensitive to it.
- Interferes With Taste – Milk can coat the palate and diminish your ability to taste the coffee’s nuances.
- Dilutes Coffee – Adding a lot of milk can weaken the intensity of the coffee flavor.
To prevent excessive calories or interference with coffee’s taste, it’s best to use just a small amount of honey or milk. Those restricting calories or carbs may want to avoid adding them entirely.
Best Practices for Using Honey and Milk in Coffee
Here are some tips for getting the most flavor and benefit when adding honey or milk to coffee:
Honey Tips
- Use sparingly – Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon honey and adjust to taste.
- Mix well – Stir honey thoroughly to incorporate it without clumping.
- Consider flavor – Pick a varietal that complements the coffee’s flavor notes.
- Try in iced coffee – Honey dissolves easily into cold brew or iced coffee.
- Use raw honey – It has more beneficial nutrients and enzymes compared to processed honey.
Milk Tips
- Use whole milk – The fat helps temper bitterness best.
- Start with 2 oz milk – Add about 2 ounces of milk to 8 ounces of coffee.
- Pour the milk first – Adding it before coffee prevents scalding and improves incorporation.
- Experiment with milk alternatives – Soy, almond, oat, and other milk alternatives have unique flavor impacts.
- Try steaming milk – Frothed steamed milk adds volume and silky texture.
The Best Coffees for Honey and Milk
Certain types and roasts of coffee pair particularly well with honey and milk:
Best for Honey
- Single origin light roasts – Showcase subtle flavor notes that honey complements.
- African coffees – The fruity notes pair nicely with honey’s sweetness.
- Cold brew concentrate – Sweetening counteracts the bitterness when diluted.
- Medium roasts – Balance honey’s sweetness with moderate acidity and bitterness.
Best for Milk
- Dark roasts – Milk balances the char and bitterness.
- Espresso – Hot steamed milk tempers espresso’s intensity.
- Blends – Coffees with chocolate and nutty notes blend nicely with milk.
- Americano – Milk mellows an americano’s acidity.
Keep in mind milk tends to pair better with bolder, more intense coffees, while honey complements lighter and fruiter options. But don’t be afraid to experiment to find your own perfect pairings!
Potential Health Benefits of Honey and Milk in Coffee
Along with contributing flavor and texture, adding milk and honey to coffee may provide some potential health benefits:
Honey
- Antioxidants – Raw honey contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that combat cell damage.
- Anti-inflammatory – Compounds in honey like flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anti-microbial – Honey contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds that discourage infections.
- Soothes Cough – Honey can coat and soothe sore throats, helping suppress coughs.
Milk
- Vitamin D – Milk provides vitamin D which can be lacking in many people’s diets.
- Hydration – The water content of milk helps hydrate the body.
- Bone Health – Milk provides calcium, phosphorus, and protein for building and maintaining strong bones.
- Muscle Growth – The protein in milk helps repair muscles after exercise.
However, there are some cautions over relying on milk and honey for health benefits. Honey should never be given to infants due to risk of infection. And milk may cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy. The best approach is moderation.
Recipes for Coffee with Honey and Milk
Here are some delicious ways to use honey and milk together in coffee drinks:
Honey Cappuccino
Brew a shot of bold, aromatic espresso. In a milk frothing pitcher, combine 2 oz whole milk, 2 oz half and half, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Froth the milk and honey mixture with a steam wand or handheld frother until light and foamy. Pour the frothed milk over the espresso in a preheated mug. Dust the top with cinnamon for a perfect honey cappuccino!
Cardamom Honey Latte
Make an 8 oz cup of strong coffee. Heat 8 oz of milk with 2 green cardamom pods and 1 teaspoon honey over medium heat until steaming, then remove cardamom pods. Pour the spiced milk over the coffee and garnish with a dash of cardamom powder.
Iced Vanilla Honey Coffee
Brew a cup of coffee and let cool completely. Fill a glass with ice and add 2 oz cold milk. Pour cooled coffee over ice, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon honey and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Sweet, creamy, and refreshing!
Brown Sugar Honey Milk Iced Coffee
In a cocktail shaker, combine 6 oz strong chilled coffee, 1 oz half and half, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and ice. Shake vigorously until frothy. Pour over more ice and enjoy!
The Final Word on Honey and Milk Coffee
Honey and milk can both add complementary flavors and textures when added to coffee. Honey provides natural sweetness to balance bitterness, while milk contributes creaminess, mild sweetness, and mellows harsh acidity. However, they also add calories and fat, and can overpower the coffee’s flavor in large amounts. When used sparingly in the right coffee styles and preparations, honey and milk both make tasty additions. Feel free to experiment with different varieties of each to find your perfect cup of coffee!