Espresso isn't just a drink—it's a ritual that combines tradition, culture, and the art of tasting. Many coffee lovers wonder whether water should be served with espresso, and if so, when should it be drunk—before or after the coffee?

In this article, we will explore this topic, analyzing both sensory and cultural aspects to answer the question: how to drink espresso with or without water?

Why is water added to espresso?

Serving water with espresso has deep roots in coffee tradition, particularly in Italy, where espresso is an integral part of everyday life. Water served alongside espresso serves several important functions:

Cleansing your taste buds : Before drinking an espresso, it's a good idea to drink water to rinse your mouth of any residual flavors, such as those from food or beverages. This will make your taste buds more sensitive to subtle notes and aromas.

• Maintaining balance : Espresso , due to its intensity and the effects of caffeine, can have a strong effect on the body, especially if consumed on an empty stomach. Serving water with espresso helps tone down the intensity of the brew and avoid excessive dryness in the mouth.

• Hydration : Caffeine has diuretic properties, which can lead to mild dehydration. A glass of water with an espresso helps maintain proper hydration levels, which is especially important for frequent coffee drinkers.

When to drink water – before or after espresso?

The order in which water and espresso should be consumed raises differing opinions. Traditionally, water is drunk before an espresso to prepare the taste buds for the full experience of the coffee's intense aroma. The water should be still and at room temperature to avoid overpowering the drink's flavor.

However, some coffee drinkers prefer to drink water after their espresso to soften the intense, often bitter aftertaste that the concentrated brew leaves in the mouth. In this situation, water also acts as a hydrating agent, especially when drinking larger quantities.

What water is best for espresso?

Not all water is suitable for serving with espresso. The best choice is pure, non-carbonated mineral water with a neutral flavor that doesn't affect the perception of taste. It's also important that the water is sufficiently chilled, but not too cold—ideally, it should be close to room temperature .

Carbonated water, although sometimes served in some establishments, can distort the subtle flavor notes of espresso and cause a tingling sensation in the mouth, which reduces the pleasure of tasting it.

Water as an element of culture and hospitality

Serving water with espresso is not only a matter of taste but also an expression of culture and hospitality. In many countries, especially Italy , serving water alongside coffee is standard practice, demonstrating customer care and respect for tradition. Water served with espresso symbolizes concern for the guest's comfort and a desire to provide them with a full flavor experience.

The effect of water on the taste of espresso

The quality of the water used to brew espresso is crucial to the final flavor of the drink. Water purity, hardness, and pH affect coffee extraction and the final espresso flavor. Contaminants such as chlorine can disrupt the natural flavor of the coffee, adding undesirable aromas. Therefore, filtering the water before use is essential to achieve a clean and clear espresso.

The espresso drinking ritual – how to do it correctly?

To fully enjoy the taste of espresso, it is worth following a few rules:

Serve espresso in small cups : Before pouring the coffee, warm the cup with hot water – this will help the drink stay warm longer.

• Savor small sips : Instead of gulping down your espresso, sip it slowly to experience the multi-dimensional flavor and intensity of the coffee.
  

• Choose your favorite espresso bean blends : Blends for this type of coffee usually include beans with notes of nuttiness and chocolate, but it's worth experimenting!

It's worth paying attention to every detail

Serving water with espresso is not only a tradition, but also a practice intended to enhance the taste experience and comfort of the drink. Whether you drink water before or after your espresso, it's important that it's pure, non-carbonated, and neutral in flavor.

Remember that drinking espresso is a ritual worth celebrating, paying attention to every detail – from the quality of the water, through the method of serving, to the moment of tasting itself. With these tips, your espresso experience will become even more satisfying and full of deep flavors and aromas.