🫘 0 BEANS

MILK-BASED DRINKS

Steamed milk is sweetness + texture. Pair it with espresso and the drink's character comes from the ratio of espresso to milk and the texture of the foam.

Why steamed milk tastes sweet

Lactose, fats, denatured proteins

Heating milk to ~60–65°C makes lactose taste sweeter and partially denatures the proteins, which capture air as microfoam. Above ~70°C proteins break down further and milk tastes scalded. Below ~55°C it tastes flat. The window is narrow and audible — listen to the pitcher.