From what I have discovered, when making an iced latte it's always best to mix the milk and espresso before adding ice. Simply so the ice doesn't melt as quick and the espresso isn't shocked by the abrupt change in temperature. It's even as if there is a strange bitterness to the drink when the espresso is poured directly onto the ice. By mixing the milk and espresso first then adding ice, the drink seems to be extra creamy as if the crema is still playing a large part. Also, the espresso tends to be more vibrant in the milk, there is less melted ice to make the drink taste watery.
It drives me nuts when a barista extracts a shot directly on the ice. Maybe it's just me though.
Does anybody else agree that the order you mix an iced latte truly affects the outcome?
Can someone explain this phenomenon of bitterness?
Thanks!
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