Why is a glass of water served with espresso? This question arises for almost everyone who encounters this coffee tradition for the first time. Having clean water next to your cup is not just a gesture of politeness, but part of a ritual that has interesting origins and several practical reasons.
The history of the tradition of serving water with coffee
Myths about the origin of this tradition can be divided into two categories: practical and fairy tale.
In ancient Vienna, water was added as a sign of care. It symbolized purity, hospitality and good manners. In Turkey, a traveler was treated with water after a long journey to refresh himself.
According to one version, water used to be used to check the quality of a coffee shop: if it was served, the place was trustworthy. Today, this tradition is more of a pleasant ritual that adds a touch of attention, comfort, and old-world charm.
There is a legend that once upon a time in a small Italian town, a barista loved his job so much that he decided to add a glass of water to his espresso to make it not only tasty but also “pure in spirit.” Another tale says that water served as protection from evil spirits that could supposedly spoil the aroma of coffee beans.
Some people joke that it is a kind of “magic wand” that helps every coffee connoisseur become a true gourmet, discovering new flavor notes in their favorite drink.
Why water is served with coffee
Putting water in your espresso is not just a nice gesture.
Firstly, it helps to cleanse the taste buds before the first sip to better experience all the nuances of the aroma and taste of coffee beans.
Secondly, coffee has a diuretic effect, so a glass of water helps prevent dehydration.
Water also emphasizes the flavor of coffee: after water, espresso seems more intense. In addition, it is a sign of care for the barista, and an opportunity for the customer to freshen up, rinse their mouth, or simply fill the pause between drinks.
Quality control
Some people believe that water can be used to test the taste and purity of a coffee drink: by taking a sip of water with your coffee, you cleanse your receptors, and if the drink is of high quality, it will reveal itself deeper and brighter. There is also a popular myth that water helps to detect poison, as in, the taste has changed – be careful. It’s more of a legend, but what an intrigue! It’s also served before coffee on request to true gourmets, because it makes subtle notes, from light bitterness to floral or chocolate coffee shades, better felt.
Impact on health
Drinking water with coffee is good for your health. By combining coffee with water, you support kidney function by helping to eliminate caffeine waste products and avoid dehydration. It is also important for digestion: it prepares the stomach for a caffeinated drink, reducing the risk of mucosal irritation. A separate bonus is dental health. Water helps to wash away coffee residues that can cause darkening of the enamel, thereby reducing the risk of stains. It also helps to balance caffeine and water in the body, which is especially important for those who drink several cups a day. Such a simple action, but so many benefits!
Rules of etiquette when consuming
The water should be non-carbonated, clean and cool. Coffee and water are served in a small glass at the same time.
You can drink it before, during, and after drinking coffee drinks.
A few sips of water before to refresh your mouth and tune your receptors to the taste of coffee, and you can savor your espresso. Slowly, feeling every shade of the palette.
When you drink coffee with water, you feel the contrast of flavors, which enhances the coffee notes.
After the last sip of espresso, gourmets advise refraining from drinking water to avoid washing away the aftertaste, but this habit can cost your teeth whiteness. It’s up to you to decide what’s more important – the aftertaste or beautiful teeth.
Features of water supply for different coffee drinks
Water is most often associated with espresso. To experience the full richness of the coffee flavor of this concentrated drink, you need to cleanse your taste buds before tasting. Therefore, we can say that water for espresso is a must. It allows you to better reveal complex coffee aromatic notes and avoid excessive caffeine effects.
But it is almost never offered with latte or cappuccino. These drinks are much softer due to the addition of milk. Restaurants and coffee shops may offer water with them simply as a gesture of customer care.
Traditions of different countries
Each country has its own coffee philosophy. In Italy, serving coffee with water is an integral part of the daily ritual. For Italians, a glass of cold water is like a quiet whisper before a deep velvety chord of coffee, a gesture of respect for traditions and for themselves.
In France, this detail is the exception rather than the rule. Here, drinking coffee is like taking an elegant pause in the middle of a noisy day, so water is served only in the most sophisticated establishments, where respect for a moment dedicated to taste is in the air.
In Austria, especially in Vienna, coffee and water are served in elegant dishes, always with a glass of water on the tray, as a symbol of politeness and traditional coffee shop culture.
But in Turkey, where coffee is brewed slowly, with soul, the clear liquid is an indispensable part of the ritual, which cleanses, tunes in, and invites to a leisurely conversation. Coffee is served with a sweet complement, for example, it can be a lucum. It’s almost a spiritual act, where each sip is not only about taste, but primarily about sensations.
Modern international standards are formed based on the comfort of the guest: water supply is not an obligation, but a sign of care and good manners.
Practical tips
Many establishments serve water automatically, but if not, a polite request will definitely not go amiss. True coffee lovers know that it enhances the flavor.
According to the rules of serving, espresso is served in a small heated cup with thick walls, and water is served in a separate clean container, cool and without gas. It is placed to the right or behind the cup.
Baristas advise drinking water with coffee to refresh your receptors and choose high-quality and filtered water. But the main thing is not following the rules, but your feelings in the moment. Enjoy your drink and the special coffee atmosphere!
Conclusion
A glass of water is an important part of the ritual. It helps to cleanse the taste buds, maintains balance in the body and emphasizes the richness of the drink’s flavor.
This ancient tradition lives on and gives us the opportunity to stop and feel cared for and cozy. Coffee is a small event that awakens the senses and unites people in a quiet dialog of taste. A glass of water next to coffee is like a soft breath of freshness, a symbol of respect for the moment, for oneself, and for the traditions that unite connoisseurs around the world.
