Water temperature is a quiet but powerful brewing variable. This chart lists the target for coffee and each kind of tea.
| Beverage | Water temperature |
|---|---|
| Drip / pour over coffee | 195 to 205F |
| Espresso | 190 to 196F |
| Black tea | 200 to 212F |
| Oolong tea | 185 to 205F |
| Green tea | 160 to 180F |
| White tea | 160 to 185F |
| Cold brew | Cold or room |
Just off the boil. Coffee extracts best around 200F, just below boiling. Boiling water scorches both coffee and delicate green tea, adding bitterness.
FAQ
What happens if my water is too hot? Water that’s too hot over-extracts coffee quickly, pulling out bitter compounds and scorching delicate flavor notes, especially in light roasts. Water that’s too cool under-extracts, leaving the cup sour and weak even with a correct ratio. If your kettle doesn’t have temperature control, letting boiling water rest for 30 to 45 seconds typically brings it into a usable range for most brewing methods.
See the Tea Brewing Temperature Chart and the Coffee Brewing Methods Chart.