Should you drink water before or after coffee?

Drinking a glass of water alongside your coffee is a common habit in many cultures, but it often raises the question: should you drink water before or after your coffee? The answer depends on several factors linked to taste, health, and personal habits. At CaffèLab, first and foremost, we recommend choosing high-quality coffee blends and using coffee machines that are capable of enhancing their flavour and aroma.

Water before coffee: a recommended choice

Many coffee experts and enthusiasts suggest drinking a glass of water before enjoying your espresso. This habit offers several important benefits that go beyond simple courtesy.

Cleansing the Palate:
Drinking water before coffee helps cleanse the mouth of any lingering food or drink residues. This allows you to better appreciate the aroma and flavour of the coffee, especially in the case of premium blends or single-origin coffees.
Coffee expresses very complex aromatic notes that can be altered by foreign tastes already present in the mouth.

Hydration and Counteracting the Diuretic Effect:
Coffee is known for its diuretic effect due to the presence of caffeine, which stimulates urine production. Drinking water before coffee helps maintain proper hydration levels, avoiding slight fluid loss that, over time, could lead to mild dehydration. This is especially useful for those who drink several cups a day.

Preparing the Stomach:
A sip of water before coffee can prepare the stomach for the intake of an acidic beverage like espresso. Those particularly sensitive to gastric acidity or who suffer from digestive issues may benefit from this habit. Proper hydration can also help lessen any irritating effects caffeine might have on the stomach lining.

If you enjoy coffee with a certified organic supply chain and free from chemical fertilisers during cultivation, organic coffees are undoubtedly the best match for your palate. On the other hand, if you love coffee but can’t consume caffeine for health reasons, CaffèLab also offers decaffeinated coffee of the highest quality.

Tradition and culture around drinking water with coffee

In many Italian regions, especially in the South, a glass of still water is served before the espresso as a sign of respect for the customer and to highlight the quality of the product. The water is served alongside the cup of coffee, leaving it up to the guest to decide whether to drink it before or after. This habit is deeply rooted across Italy, where coffee is not just a beverage but a true social ritual.

The quality of the water itself is also important: cool still water is preferred, free from flavours that could compromise the tasting experience. Moreover, in professional tasting environments (such as barista competitions or industry fairs), palate cleansing with water between sips is considered essential.

The choice to drink water before or after coffee depends on personal preference and the needs of the moment. However, if the goal is to fully appreciate the taste of coffee, stay well hydrated and aid digestion, it’s advisable to drink a glass of water before the espresso. This small gesture helps make the coffee ritual even richer, more enjoyable, and more mindful.

Still, not sparkling

It’s better to drink still water, not sparkling, before coffee, as the bubbles can interfere with taste perception, making it harder to pick up on the drink’s full range of aromas and nuances. In some cases, fizzy water can even cause mild irritation to the taste buds, making the palate less sensitive and less responsive. Still water, on the other hand, cleanses the mouth in a neutral and gentle way, perfectly preparing it for tasting.

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