What's behind it? Why can the taste of a cup of coffee change with the seasons, and why do some things sometimes taste too much like "Christmas" or "spring"? In this article, we explore the phenomenon of taste changes during the winter season and the factors that influence it.

The taste and the seasons

We often taste something and can associate it with a particular season without knowing exactly why. This can't be a coincidence, so what tells us it's time for fruit yogurt in summer? What makes asparagus salad taste good in spring, and punch and certain types of coffee in winter?

In part—and this may sound plausible—it's our learned habit. Seasonal products inspire us to consume new and familiar things at certain times of the year.

But it's not just that. Taste itself also seems to change with the seasons. How exactly does this work? Why do we find the flavors and aromas of gingerbread, cinnamon, and marzipan so fitting when it's cold outside?

In addition to habit and tradition, a plausible answer can also be found in the physical conditions of a season—especially in winter. Two particularly noticeable changes are the few hours of sunshine and the falling temperatures. Wondering what this has to do with the taste of your coffee?

Why we love coffee even more when there is no sun in the sky

While winter can certainly have a romantic quality, it's also a very gloomy season, with an average of 45 hours of sunshine per month. In comparison, a typical summer month in Germany has about 200. Direct sunlight suppresses the release of the hormone melatonin. This makes us sleepy, thus robbing us of the energy we often feel in spring.

We tend to compensate for this deficiency by stimulating the part of the brain that is responsible, among other things, for the sense of reward: the limbic system . Therefore, indulgent foods like sweets or our beloved coffee are a true treat for us in winter, allowing us to perceive tastes and aromas differently.

Falling temperatures as appetite drivers

Another reason we prefer different flavors and ingredients depending on the season is the cold. The human body has a harder time maintaining its temperature in winter and requires more energy to do so. Our brain immediately signals this, causing us to feel the magical attraction of energy-rich, sugary, and fatty treats. Hearty dishes, cookies, and punch suddenly land at the top of the menu.

Conversely, we prefer lighter meals in the summer, when our bodies don't need as much energy to maintain operating temperature. Salads, fruit, and even espresso itself are more beneficial to our bodies than a comparatively hearty latte macchiato .

The taste of coffee can also change

We notice the change in taste more strongly, especially with luxury foods – you can notice this with wine as well as coffee. It's not just the seasonal demands of our bodies that alter our perception of taste. Air pressure, temperature, and humidity can further sensitize our taste buds. The flavors bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami can thus vary in intensity.

In warm temperatures, the bitter substances in the coffee are absorbed more intensively, making the coffee taste strong and bitter. When it's cold outside, important aromatic compounds aren't sufficiently extracted from the coffee, quickly causing the coffee to taste "weak" or even sour.

Therefore, you should choose gently roasted coffee with less bitterness in the summer and aromatic varieties in the winter. Depending on the temperature, you can vary your coffee varieties and experiment with what you like best .

When it gets cold outside, our coffee tastes different.

But coffee can do more than accompany us through the seasons with the right variety and adapt to our needs. It represents relaxation, enjoyment, and good company, all of which contribute to our well-being. When we are relaxed, we perceive flavors more intensely and consciously. So, for example, delight your guests and loved ones with a creative recipe that underscores winter with an elegant coffee flavor .

Three creative coffee recipes for winter

Now that we've figured out our thought process, we can indulge it as much as we like. Winter is the perfect time of year to try new coffee variations and experiment with winter coffee recipes. Whether sweet, spicy, or alcoholic—with these coffee ideas, you'll always have a surprise in store for you and your loved ones.

1) The Gingerbread Winter Magic

A cup of this will feel like a Christmas Eve in front of the fireplace with your favorite people. What you need are:

• 25 ml gingerbread syrup
• 1 cup of coffee (we recommend a more intense espresso capsule )
• About 200 ml of drinking chocolate
• whipped cream
• 2-3 tsp chocolate chips

To prepare this, you'll need a mug or cup with a capacity of at least 500 ml. Fill it with the gingerbread syrup and pour over the hot chocolate and espresso. Finally, top the mug with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate chips, if desired.

2) Pharisee Coffee

There's more to this than meets the eye. This classic will surprise your guests with a generous shot of rum hidden beneath a cream topping. You'll need:

• whipped cream
• Brown rum (amount according to taste and mood)
• 3 tsp sugar
• About 250 ml of coffee (we recommend a more intense espresso capsule )

To prepare, warm the rum slightly (not too much, otherwise the alcohol will evaporate). Then, prepare a cup of coffee, stir in the sugar, and then add the rum. Top with cream, and you're ready for a fun evening.

3) Winter coffee

A true explosion of flavor that will ignite a warming fire within you even in the icy cold: winter coffee. What you need:

• whipped cream
• Cinnamon (ground)
• Cocoa powder
• 1 capsule of your favorite coffee
• maple syrup
• Milk

To prepare, start with milk and maple syrup. Bring both to a boil with a pinch of cinnamon, then stir in the cocoa powder. At the same time, start your capsule coffee machine for a lungo (about 80 ml) . Pour the mixture into a large cup and then add the finished coffee. Top off your winter coffee with whipped cream, dusted with a little cinnamon, and your treat is complete.

Taste the winter and discover new sides of coffee

Just as espresso represents a short break, there's a perfect cup of coffee for every occasion and every season to reward yourself with. Depending on external influences, your body will signal which coffee variation it most desires. This way, it will gently guide you to the right cup of coffee to relax, warm you up, cheer you up, or treat invited guests in a convivial setting.

Experiment with our recipes or create your own winter drink by combining your coffee with seasonal flavors. This way, you can make every coffee break your own feel-good time.

Cover photo by Tamar Waskey. Additional photos by Luke Porter.