Hot coffee in Spain?

[Kevin Jackson]

Silly question: I've been watching you-tube videos about Spain, in preparation for my first camino this spring. In one video about about cultural differences between Spain and the UK/USA, the guy said that Spaniards prefer to drink their coffee warm rather than hot. He said even if you ask for cafe caliente, you'll get something closer to warm, like 60c, as Spaniards aren't used to drinking their beverages at proper temperatures like 95c.

So my question is this truly the case? And if so, is there a polite way to ask for coffee slightly cooler than molten lava?

 

[MikeJS]

Always seemed hot to me……but then I want my drink to be drinkable and not likely to cause 3rd degree burns!

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Silly question: I've been watching you-tube videos about Spain, in preparation for my first camino this spring. In one video about about cultural differences between Spain and the UK/USA, the guy said that Spaniards prefer to drink their coffee warm rather than hot. He said even if you ask for cafe caliente, you'll get something closer to warm, like 60c, as Spaniards aren't used to drinking their beverages at proper temperatures like 95c.

So my question is this truly the case? And if so, is there a polite way to ask for coffee slightly cooler than molten lava?

yes, this is truly the case. i am Spanish, and suffer not only lukewarm coffees but also coffee served in a glass (yuck!)

to get a hot coffee, insist politely that you would like a 'café MUY caliente, que QUEME', and then be vigilant, they will usually touch the milk pitcher, decide it's hot enough and use it for your coffee. I almost always have to ask them (politely), that I would like it heated again.

The above may not be easy unless you are fluent in Spanish. don't despair, coffee gets better (and hotter) in galicia.

 

[Henry B]

Espresso coffee in Spain, all along the CF.
Some of the best in the world....and a good hit for the next 10k. Can't wait for the Primitivo in May.

 

[Sandra Riordan]

Silly question: I've been watching you-tube videos about Spain, in preparation for my first camino this spring. In one video about about cultural differences between Spain and the UK/USA, the guy said that Spaniards prefer to drink their coffee warm rather than hot. He said even if you ask for cafe caliente, you'll get something closer to warm, like 60c, as Spaniards aren't used to drinking their beverages at proper temperatures like 95c.

So my question is this truly the case? And if so, is there a polite way to ask for coffee slightly cooler than molten lava?

Coffee has always been served hot to me over 4 different Caminos

 

[Sixwheeler]

It came as a surprise to discover that the temperature at which coffee is served across Europe tastes better just because it's a little cooler. They have absolutely no idea whatsoever about the making of tea however.