On a chilly day, a hot cup of coffee is supposed to be your “soul warmer,” but have you ever noticed that sometimes, instead of feeling warmer, you actually feel colder after drinking it? This phenomenon is related to the properties of coffee and how our body reacts to it.

1. The Effect of Caffeine: The caffeine in coffee stimulates blood circulation and increases your heart rate, but this doesn’t necessarily mean your body will warm up. On the contrary, when blood vessels dilate, heat from your body escapes more easily into the environment. In cold conditions, this can lead to a faster drop in body temperature.

2. Dehydration Effect: Coffee has a mild diuretic effect—not as strong as some myths suggest, but drinking coffee does increase urination frequency, causing your body to lose more water. When your body is dehydrated, its ability to fight off the cold diminishes, leaving you feeling even chillier.

3. The Illusion of Warm Drinks: The warmth you feel when coffee first touches your mouth and throat is delightful but short-lived. Once your body loses heat faster than it absorbs it, the cold sensation creeps back in.

Drinking hot coffee provides warmth that feels like winter sunshine—pleasant but fleeting. If you want your coffee to truly warm you up, you’ll need some clever tricks to “upgrade” it.

In the cold season, choosing the right coffee drink is key. A latte made with hot milk can provide longer-lasting warmth because the fat in milk helps retain heat. Mocha, with its added chocolate, is another cozy choice for winter. The chocolate adds calories and a sweet, comforting touch.

If you want your coffee to feel warmer and cozier, there are a few simple tricks you can try. Add milk foam or spices like cardamom or ginger powder to your coffee. These not only enhance the flavor but also help extend the warmth. Different coffee types affect your body differently, so finding the one that suits you best is essential.

Warming Alternatives Beyond Coffee

If coffee isn’t enough to ward off the chill, try these alternative hot drinks. They’re not only refreshing but also great for keeping you warm:

• Ginger Tea: Fresh ginger tea is well-known for its warming effects. It promotes blood circulation, providing warmth from the inside out.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate is a treat for the taste buds and a source of energy, making it the perfect winter drink.
• Longan and Red Date Tea: Longan and red dates are traditionally known for their nourishing properties. Brewed into tea, they warm the body and replenish energy.
• Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte): Made with turmeric, cinnamon, and milk, golden milk offers a unique, exotic flavor while boosting immunity—a healthy and warming choice.

Using an insulated cup can help keep your coffee warm, ensuring every sip remains cozy rather than awkwardly lukewarm. These small details might seem trivial, but they can make your winter coffee moments much more enjoyable.

Drinking coffee in winter is a delightful experience, but if its warmth fades too quickly, try these methods to upgrade your coffee time. Whether it’s choosing a more suitable drink or adding simple tricks to retain warmth, these small adjustments can bring more comfort and joy to your cold days. Next time you hold a hot cup of coffee, you’ll not only savor its aroma but also enjoy lasting warmth. ☕❄️