This is the best time to drink coffee

I really don't get anything but a latte with mega amounts of caramel syrup to go inside-coffee really isn't a part of my day at all. But I have plenty of girlfriends who are already screaming for a cup of coffee at 7am, and yes, even after going out. Okay, I get it, it's kind of the grown-up mama of Red Bull. But okay, just to be honest-have you ever thought about when it's best to drink that black gold? Turns out, timing really is everything, because when do you get the most out of that tub and what is the best time to drink it?

When your coffee is most effective

We'll start right off by throwing some facts on the table. You might be thinking: the sooner that caffeine is in, the better. But did you know that your body doesn't actually need that first dose of caffeine at all? Yep. Your body itself makes cortisol to-even sharp: a hormone that ensures alertness and focus. That cortisol level peaks in the morning, around 08:00 to 09:00, a bit depending on when you wake up. Your body often starts making cortisol about 30 to 45 minutes after getting up and often stays high for an hour after that. So that means your body is already fully engaged in trying to wake you up, without the help of your beloved cup of coffee.

Experts therefore recommend delaying your first coffee moment a little. The best time slot? Between 09:30 and 11:30 am, when your cortisol starts to drop a bit and your body could use a boost. Do you wake up at 10:00 every day? Then wait about 30 to 45 minutes + an hour before drinking your cup. Another golden coffee moment: late afternoon, between 15:00 and 18:00. Perfect for that famous after-lunch dip. Are you always tired after lunch too? Here's how to avoid your after lunch dip.

Why timing matters

Yup, the timing of your coffee has real impact. If you drink coffee while your cortisol is still high, you risk building up a caffeine tolerance. Ohno: needing stronger and stronger (and more cups of) coffee to feel the same effect. If you drink coffee when your cortisol drops, you use the caffeine much more efficiently. So you get more bang for your buck-in other words, more energy per sip.

Is coffee on an empty stomach bad?

On TikTok, I see it a lot: girls starting their day with a cup of coffee. And then again, I see this a lot: people who have something to say to that “noee, no coffee on an empty stomach”. The good news: if you have no stomach problems, it is totally fine to drink coffee on an empty stomach, it really can't hurt.

According to the Nutrition Centre, there is no ‘forbidden’ time of day for coffee. But-and here comes the big but-if you do suffer from heartburn or get stomach pains easily, it's better to postpone that first cup or combine it with breakfast. Early coffee can then worsen your symptoms. Not bothered by anything? Then just keep it up. The healthy girls? Who still recommend starting your day with a glass of water-yes, you have to go at least 1.5 hours without coffee anyway (according to the perfect coffee time), so a breakfast and some water is nice for a while.

Which coffee do you drink when?

Found the right time for your coffee? Top. But then comes the next question: which coffee suits which time of day? Well, here it comes: These are the best times to drink certain types according to CoffeePartners.co.uk.

Morning | Cappuccino
In southern Europe, this rule is truly sacred: you only drink cappuccinos before noon. After lunchtime? Then you really can't order a milk coffee in Rome or Barcelona without getting awkward looks. So you drink an oat cappu before 12:00. Why? Because it is believed that milk after eating would upset your digestion.

Afternoon | Lungo
After lunch, it's time for something stronger. As caffeine is better absorbed on a full stomach, this is the time for a nice lungo or a bakkie pleur-our typically Dutch black cup of coffee.

Evening | Espresso
Dinner behind the teeth? Actually, it's best not to have coffee drink more, but well, if you do, an espresso is your best friend. Not just because it finishes deliciously, but also because it gives your digestion a boost AND ensures that your blood sugar doesn't spike as quickly after a meal. An espresso martini? So actually very good for you ;).

Briefly, everything in a row

10:00 - 12:00: cappuccino or other milk variants.
15:00 - 18:00: lungo or strong black coffee.
After dinner: espresso or go to bed.

Image: Instagram|Mollymae