About 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day around the world. Some studies argue that this statistic is incorrect, with daily consumption of coffee drinks aiming for 2.7 billion cups, or at least 500 billion servings of coffee a year.

There are many variations on the coffee theme: black (espresso, americano), with milk (cappuccino, latte), ice cream, Viennese with whipped cream, Greek frappe with ice, cooked in sand with spices, and so on.

The above coffee preparation options, in turn, are also divided into subspecies, for example, depending on the portion size, espresso (approximately 30 ml) can turn into ristretto (15-20 ml) or lungo (60 ml).

Most coffee shops and restaurants serve water with coffee. But not everyone understands why this is happening. It is not necessary to dilute the drink with water, to wash it down, it seems, too. Then why is it needed and at what point should it be used? It is to these questions that this article is devoted.

All self-respecting establishments supply water to:

Why is cold water served with coffee?

With regard to the icy spring water, which usually complements coffee in southern countries, the reason is obvious: water cools, cleanses receptors, quenches thirst and helps prevent dehydration.

It has been proven that coffee provokes excessive loss of moisture in the body, and adding extremely high temperatures to this, you can get not a surge of vivacity, but intolerable thirst.

Water after coffee - why?

The European tradition of serving a glass of water with coffee originated in Vienna, around the 19th century, and absolutely did not involve the use of this water.

The fact is that whipped cream is added to Viennese coffee, which was very fond of the European aristocrats of that time, which lies in a dense foam on the surface of the drink. After stirring the drink, the noble ladies faced the question of a dirty spoon: you cannot put it on a saucer, etiquette does not order, and even more so, you cannot lick it, it looks terribly inelegant.

This problem was solved by a glass of water: a spoon was dipped into water, and then calmly continued to enjoy a coffee drink.

Why do you need water for coffee?

There, in Europe, the habit of drinking coffee with water has taken root. In the 19th and 20th centuries, and even now, Europeans spent a lot of time talking, reading books and discussing news in coffee shops. It was supposed to rest, drinking coffee, but not all elderly visitors of the establishment for health reasons could pamper themselves with several cups of coffee in a row. Therefore, having ordered one, it was alternated with sips of water, which made it possible to communicate calmly until the end of the evening without overusing caffeine.

The tradition took root in all European countries, and later spread throughout the world.

Why is water served for coffee?

Water that complements a cup of coffee has a number of functions:

• Cleansing the receptors.

Coffee is a rich and dense drink. Due to these properties, taste buds quickly "turn off" and cease to perceive subtle coffee notes. To restore sensitivity, alternating a sip of coffee with a sip of liquid helps.

• Influence on pressure.

It is common knowledge that coffee increases blood pressure. Drinking water along with coffee reduces the concentration of caffeine in the body, preventing sudden pressure surges.

• Whitening of enamel.

Coffee drinks contribute to the formation of plaque. In order to prevent the pigment from settling on the teeth, it is necessary to drink coffee with water.

• Help the stomach.

Due to the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach in response to the intake of coffee in the body, this drink should not be consumed in its pure form. Water regulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the gastrointestinal tract and prevents heartburn.

Why a glass of water for coffee?

Bottled, boiled or spring water 10-15 ° С is best suited for coffee drinks (if the region is hot, then up to 20 ° С is allowed). It should not contain unnecessary odors (for example, bleach) and be too cold, because tooth enamel is very susceptible to sudden changes in temperature.

If desired, citrus fruits or mint can be added to the water. However, you should be careful with the dosage, because the obvious side aftertastes will not allow you to fully experience the taste of coffee.

Why is coffee washed down with water?

As for the rules for drinking coffee with water, there are several of them:

• alternating drinks, it is necessary to take small sips and retain liquid in the mouth for a short period of time;
• you cannot change coffee too quickly with water;

Whether to drink the final sip of coffee with water is an individual question. The density and richness of the drink leave a tangible aftertaste, so many people refresh the oral cavity, ending the pleasant process of drinking coffee with a large sip of water, thereby erasing the coffee aroma.

It is best not to drink a fragrant drink, give yourself half an hour to fully perceive the aftertaste. And only then freshen up by drinking a glass of water.

Each of you probably heard or knew for sure that there is a certain tradition to drink water after coffee. How much the established custom makes sense and whether it is worth applying it in your life, everyone decides for himself. However, the facts below will help you decide if you need a glass of water for your espresso or not.

Excursion into history

A little historical information will reveal the reasons for the need to drink water with a coffee drink. The intuition of our ancestors living in warm countries told them about the importance of cooling the body and replenishing it with moisture. It is believed that the inhabitants of Ancient Greece discovered the secret of maintaining water balance. Noticing that they were thirsty after coffee, they poured water into a small container to get rid of their thirst.

Later, this method took root in Turkey. For a long time, the Turks have been drinking water, but the eastern people, in contrast to the Europeans, are more reverent about the coffee-containing drink. Firstly, they do not consume it immediately after a meal, in order to improve the aroma to their fullest. Secondly, they do not wash down every sip with cold water, so that the coffee taste persists as long as possible.

“The people of Arabia drink cold liquid only between eating and the beginning of the coffee ceremony. They slowly finish the small cup with an intricate oriental pattern. Drinking water is considered only a necessity to get rid of the unsuccessfully obtained bitter-burnt aftertaste, and even then only at the end of the meal. "

Residents of Europe took the baton of drinking life-giving moisture together with brewed and ground coffee beans. Nowadays it is rare that anyone is surprised to ask why they serve water for coffee. A tall glass of mineral water with or without gas is quite common.

How to drink espresso properly?

It's no secret that espresso is an integral part of many coffee drinks. Many people do not like when various additives are added to it, but prefer to enjoy its bright, rich aroma in its pure form. Many people who are not familiar with the culture of consumption of this coffee drink, the question arises - how to drink espresso correctly?

The volume of espresso is 30 ml, it has a pronounced, rich taste. They drink espresso in small sips, enjoying the taste and aroma. To re-taste the coffee, you need to drink a small amount of water after each sip. After such a procedure, the human taste buds are again ready to perceive the unique coffee aroma.

In self-respecting coffee houses, you can see how a glass of ordinary water is served to a glass of coffee. Thanks to this, you can distinguish professionals in their field from amateurs who do not know how to serve espresso and how to drink espresso.

Why is it important to drink coffee?

Based on historical examples based on human intuition, it becomes clear why water is served with coffee. There are other reasons, based on recent research, to support ancient observations. Let's list them in order:

• Caffeine has an interesting effect on the human body. It constricts blood vessels throughout the human body, except for the kidneys. In the kidneys, the vessels dilate and this contributes to the elimination of fluid from the body. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, so drinking water in combination with caffeine is a must. It is important to maintain the necessary moisture balance in the body and prevent overheating.
• Coffee lovers, in order to feel all the charm of freshly ground grains, drink half a glass of water after a meal. This method increases the sensitivity of the taste buds and helps them "work" more accurately to determine the favorite aroma and taste.
• People with high blood pressure or other vascular conditions should be wary of the effects of caffeine. Drinking a cool liquid will reduce pressure surges and normalize the heartbeat.
• Dentists say that additional moisture, as it were, washes away the dark plaque on the teeth, without giving it time to absorb. It is recommended to wash off the plaque after each sip of coffee.
• Prolongation of the invigorating effect and neutralization of the soporific effect.

Recent scientific research has shown another reason for the supply of water to espresso coffee and other varieties. Scientists have found that the top shell of the grain contains a large amount of caffeine, which excites the nervous system. The inner bulk of the coffee bean contains theobromine, which has a sleeping effect on humans. Drinking extra drinks prolongs the invigorating caffeine and neutralizes the calming effect of theobromine. In other words, the two components of the grains, when ingested, smoothly and measuredly affect the human condition under the beneficial effects of water. Therefore, the fifth reason is based on scientific discovery.

On a note! Freeze-dried or instant drink is made primarily from the inside of the grain. The upper shell is almost absent. Accordingly, it contains a large amount of theobromine, which is better to drink.

Why is water supplied?

The general picture becomes clear and it becomes clear why an additional glass of water is served. For a complete assimilation of information, we summarize all the reasons in one list:

• Remove the bitter aftertaste from the use of strong and heavily fried varieties;
• Balance the effect of caffeine and theobromine on the human vascular system;
• Do not risk those with high blood pressure;
• Avoid overheating in hot weather;
• Replenish the lack of life-giving moisture in the circulatory system;
• Increase the sensitivity of taste buds;
• Prolong the aftertaste of a well-brewed invigorating drink;
• Neutralize the influence of third-party tastes, spices and odors.

Composition and temperature of the supplied liquid

Don't be at a loss if the bartender or waiter asks about your preference for water served with coffee. The fact is that it can even be mineral water with or without the addition of gas. Fans of bottled, running or spring waters can ask about the availability of their favorite water in the establishment, or take a bottle with them. The choice of liquid is entirely up to your own preference.

What rules should you follow?

Having come to the conclusion that you still need to drink coffee with water, apply some simple rules. The condition of your tooth enamel depends on their observance. First, do not drink too cold mineral water so that the enamel does not crack from temperature changes. The average temperature should not be lower than 10 ° C. Secondly, drink water in small sips, as if rinsing your mouth. This technique is perfect for those who often have a sore throat.

Gourmets prefer to quench their thirst with the presence of sourness on a hot day. They ask the waiters to bring water with a slice of lime or regular lemon. Sorting rules require filling 2/3 of the glass with high sides with water.

Output

It is possible to fully enjoy this invigorating natural drink with the help of ordinary water. As you sip your favorite Turkish coffee, remember the simple rules that protect your health. Therefore, do not forget the rule - drink coffee with water correctly!

Modern traditions of drinking coffee came to us mainly from the East and Africa. Many rituals in our latitudes have changed, partially lost their meaning, but in many coffee houses you will definitely be served a glass of water with a cup of drink. What is the secret of this tradition and why is coffee served with water?

A tradition that came from the East

Various sources disagree on where the custom of serving water to coffee came from. Perhaps the most plausible are the following versions.

• Water for coffee began to be served on the Arabian Peninsula, at about the same time when the drink moved to the luxurious chambers of the eastern rulers. Water was offered in order to cleanse the taste buds after a hearty meal, before finishing it with a portion of the regal drink - coffee.
• The tradition of serving coffee with water was born in the rich palaces of the Eastern rulers in order to enhance and diversify the taste sensations. According to etiquette, a sip of water was alternated with sips of coffee. The highest luxury was chilled water, which was almost inaccessible to most mortals. It was believed that this combination emphasizes the hot strength of the coffee.
• Coffee with water began to be served in Arab coffee houses in order to avoid dehydration. In the East, it is already hot, and coffee leads to an even greater loss of liquid. Therefore, the locals intuitively found a way to maintain balance, offering water to strong coffee.
• Water for coffee was invented to be served in Turkey. The goal is to soften the strength of the finished drink and quench the thirst it caused. The Turks drank water in their own way. Half a glass before drinking coffee, the second after.

Sometimes you have to read that water for coffee was served in ancient Greece. Considering that the traditions of drinking coffee are only 800, maximum, 1000 years old, and the era of Ancient Greece ended long before the onset of our era, this assumption does not stand up to criticism. In modern Greece, as in the Caucasus, coffee came from Turkey, along with the tradition of serving water to this drink.

Coffee and water: modern history

In many establishments, water is served with coffee today. True, they do this for various reasons.

• In Europe, water is served with espresso and oriental coffee to soften the strength of the drink and quench your thirst. Water can be drunk as in the Turkish recipe - half a glass before and half after coffee.
• In the East, the tradition of serving coffee with water in coffee houses has also been preserved. Try alternating small sips of coffee and clean water. This will allow you to experience new taste sensations.
• In the European North, you may be served a container of hot, clean water with your coffee. It should not be drunk, but the coffee should be diluted to the desired concentration of the drink.

Medical researchers say drinking coffee is a good idea. According to scientists, water reduces the concentration of caffeine, helps to avoid unnecessary excretion of fluid from the body, and prevents the occurrence of coffee plaque.

Gourmets choose coffee with water to fully enjoy the bouquet of the drink, because water cleans the receptors well and prepares them for new taste sensations.

What kind of water to serve with coffee?

Are there requirements for the quality of the water offered with coffee? There are no protocol rules, but there are some unspoken recommendations.

• You need clean water, better - bottled or drinking water, without gas.
• The temperature of the liquid is approximately 7-10 degrees, that is, slightly chilled, but not icy, so as not to threaten the enamel of the teeth with sudden changes in temperature.
• Water is usually served in a tall glass goblet with straight walls, half full.
• Sometimes natural fruits or berries are added to coffee: citrus fruits, apples, rose hips, but this usually happens in author's or conceptual recipes. No other additives or sweeteners are offered for the water.

Why coffee is served with water - conclusion

1. To clear the taste buds.
2. To quench your thirst after strong coffee.
3. To soften the strength of the drink.
4. To lower the concentration of caffeine.

The tradition came to us from the East and is maintained to this day by professionals in the coffee business.

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Coffee is the most popular beverage made with roasted and ground beans and is where most people start their day. But few people know how to drink coffee properly in order to get the most benefit and pleasure.

The subtleties of the tasting are in the following nuances:

• The strongly brewed drink is only poured into small fine china cups.
• The cappuccino is poured into earthenware cups with a volume of 150 ml.
• Coffee with milk or whipped cream is more convenient to drink from standard teacups.
• Various spices are added to the drink, saturating it with a deeper taste and giving a unique aroma: ground ginger or a piece of grated root, cardamom, the grains of which can be simply flattened with a spoon, cloves. According to the recipe, oriental coffee should not be stirred vigorously so that sediment does not rise from the bottom of the pot. Therefore, in many countries, when setting the table, a spoon is not served with it. Sugar is poured into the cup beforehand or is completely absent.
• Black coffee goes well with sweet liqueur or high quality cognac. Alcohol can be added directly to the cup, you can drink it separately in small sips, alternating with the drink. Biscuits, muffins and low-calorie cakes are a pleasant addition to the coffee ceremony, lemon is added if desired.
• A drink made from coffee beans is usually drunk slowly, with pleasure.
• It is not recommended to drink on an empty stomach, as heartburn may appear, which later develops into an ulcer.

Some people drink it with chilled water. The liquid sharpens the taste and aroma, while the invigorating properties of the coffee are manifested more intensely. Coffee lovers with many years of experience advise, before drinking a hot drink, to take a couple of sips of cool water, then the aftertaste will last for a long time.

Many coffee houses serve water for coffee. It is believed that this tradition originated in Greece, then it was adopted in Turkey, from where it followed to European countries. A glass of cold water is usually served with various types of espresso and Turkish coffee.

Fans of an invigorating drink often wonder why they serve cold water with coffee? There are several reasons for this:

• The drink, if brewed according to the rules, has a dense taste and a pronounced aroma. These qualities are not fully felt due to the fact that the receptors responsible for taste adapt to stimuli and the person does not receive the proper pleasure. Pure cool water, odorless and tasteless, taken in small sips, cleanses the receptors. This allows you to feel again all the shades of aromatic, slightly bitter taste.
• Health professionals recommend alternating coffee with water. After all, the drink contains caffeine, which increases blood pressure, and a cool liquid has the property of preventing its negative effects on the human body. It lowers the mass fraction of caffeine, regulates the rhythms of the heartbeat, and prevents sudden surges in blood pressure. This action is also useful for people with stomach problems.
• Coffee, taken daily by people, stains the enamel of the teeth, forming a yellowish coating on it. A sip of water taken after a drink has a beneficial effect on the condition of the teeth, as it has time to wash off the pigment, preventing it from being absorbed.
• Water, served with coffee in hot weather, gives the opportunity to get double pleasure: firstly, it gives the body an additional charge of vivacity, and secondly, it refreshes. A coffee drink warms up the body, increasing its tone, and a cold liquid cools down a little. For example, in countries with a hot climate, a glass of water is served after drinking coffee, without alternating drinks. In this way a brighter freshness effect is achieved.
• Water prevents dehydration of the body, replenishes losses from the effects of caffeine, which has a diuretic effect.

Water quality

The best option for water served with coffee is boiled, bottled, or spring water that does not contain chlorine. It should be cold, but not chilly, with a mild neutral taste. Too cold liquid, especially with ice, drowns out the sensitivity of taste buds, creating a significantly sharp temperature difference.

Many people like to drink coffee, followed by mineral water. It has its own taste that influences the perception of the drink. The contrast between them is still preserved, more strongly expressing the content of caffeine.

For flavoring, you can add a circle of lemon, orange zest, fresh mint leaves to the liquid and insist a little. The ingredients should be dosed, otherwise the taste will turn out to be too harsh, interrupting the desired aroma.

What is the correct way to drink coffee with water?

To get the maximum pleasure from drinking the drink, you should follow certain rules, which, of course, can be adjusted to suit your preferences:

• do not rush, before starting coffee, you should take a couple of sips of water to cleanse the receptors, preparing them for the perception of aroma and taste;
• when alternating coffee and water, you need to take small sips, briefly holding them in your mouth;
• do small intervals, because the accelerated alternation of drinks dulls sensitivity, drowning out the taste and having a detrimental effect on the teeth;
• water washes away the aftertaste of a fragrant drink, so everyone decides for himself whether to drink coffee to the bottom.

The coffee drink allows you to feel fresh and vigorous, toning the body for the whole day. After coffee, you need to drink water, because alternation will bring more pleasure, allows you to get a richer bright aroma.

Well-brewed coffee is a very aromatic drink with a "dense" taste. But taste buds quickly get used to irritants - therefore, if you drink coffee without alternating with anything, after two or three sips, the taste and aroma ceases to be felt in full. A sip of clean cool water, which does not have its own taste and smell, allows you to cleanse the receptors - and each new sip of coffee in this case will allow you to re-experience all the captivating shades of bitter coffee taste. Therefore, if a barista serves you coffee with water, this allows you to hope that before you is a drink worthy of tasting.

It is recommended to drink water after a sip of coffee and doctors. It's no secret that caffeine. But a sip of cool water can reduce the harmful effects of coffee on the body: it lowers the concentration of caffeine, avoids sudden pressure surges and normalizes heart rhythms.

The alternation of a sip of coffee with a sip of water also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the teeth. People who constantly drink coffee know that this invigorating drink has the insidious property of staining tooth enamel - as a result, dark plaque forms on the teeth. But if you drink water immediately after drinking coffee, the pigment will not have time to be absorbed and will be easily washed off your teeth.

In hot weather, a glass of water served with coffee will help you get a double pleasure from this drink: not only invigorate the body, but also refresh. Coffee increases the tone of the body, "warming up" it - and cool water helps to cool down a little. By the way, in some hot countries it is customary to drink water not with coffee, but after it - the refreshing effect in such cases is brighter.

What kind of water is served with coffee

The best water option for drinking coffee is spring, bottled or boiled water, its taste is the softest and most neutral. The water should be chilled, cool - but not icy. A misted glass of deafening cold water with ice, of course, pleases the eye in hot weather - but it will create too sharp temperature changes and "deafen" the taste buds.

Some people like to drink coffee with mineral water. It has its own taste, which will affect the perception of the taste of coffee. But the flavor contrast will still be preserved, so that the effect “every sip of coffee is like the first” will be pronounced.

Sometimes the coffee water is slightly flavored. You can dip a slice of lemon or orange, a leaf of fresh mint into the water and let it stand for a few minutes. The main thing is that the taste does not turn out to be too harsh, beating off the taste of coffee.

There are no hard and fast rules on this score, so you can experiment, choosing the option "for yourself."

How to drink coffee with water

If you want to get the most out of your cup of coffee, do it slowly. Before you start coffee, take a few small sips of water to "refresh" the receptors and prepare them for the intense coffee taste. At the same time, it will help you to internally tune in to the "coffee ceremony".

Drink coffee and water in small sips, alternating between a sip of coffee and a sip of water. Water can be held in your mouth for a short time, not so that it "washed" your receptors better.

Take breaks between sips: rapid alternation of hot coffee with cold water will prevent you from feeling the taste of the drink, dulling your sensitivity. In addition, such a "contrast shower" will have an adverse effect on the teeth. Enjoy every sip.

Drinking water after coffee or leaving the right to "the last sip" for a thick aromatic drink - everyone decides for himself. The water washes away the aftertaste, but at the same time makes you feel more vigorous and refreshed.