Why would someone add sugar in their coffee before milk?

Adding sugar before milk in coffee has some practical and personal reasons:

Dissolution and Mixing: Sugar dissolves more readily in hot liquids. Adding sugar before milk allows it to dissolve more easily and evenly throughout the coffee, ensuring a consistent sweetness. When milk is added first, it creates a barrier that can slow down the dissolving process, potentially resulting in uneven sweetness or undissolved sugar crystals.

Temperature: Milk can cool down the coffee if it's added first. Adding sugar before milk reduces the temperature impact on the coffee, preserving its heat for longer. This can be particularly important for those who prefer their coffee hotter.

Taste Preference: Some individuals simply prefer the taste of coffee with sugar before milk. The milk can alter the flavor and sweetness profile of the coffee, so adding sugar first allows for more precise control over the sweetness level without affecting the coffee's flavor too much.

Habit and Tradition: Adding sugar before milk may simply be a matter of personal preference, habit, or cultural tradition. In certain regions or households, it may be customary to add sugar first, creating a habitual pattern that individuals continue to follow.

Foam and Texture: Adding sugar before milk can also impact the foam or crema that forms on top of the coffee. Some people believe that adding sugar before milk helps to create a thicker, richer foam, while others find that it may reduce foaming. This effect can vary depending on the type and amount of milk and sugar used.

Ultimately, the order of adding sugar and milk in coffee is a matter of personal preference. Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, and the "best" way may vary depending on individual taste and preferences.