Why Is Espresso Served With Sparkling Water?
The pairing of espresso with sparkling water is a practice steeped in tradition and practical benefits. For many coffee enthusiasts and casual sippers alike, the presence of a sparkling water alongside a rich, aromatic espresso is as common as milk in tea. This article explores why sparkling water has become the ideal companion to espresso, particularly in Australia’s vibrant coffee culture.
The Tradition of Espresso and Sparkling Water
Espresso, a coffee brewing method originating from Italy, is enjoyed worldwide for its strong, concentrated flavour. Traditionally, Italians serve a small glass of sparkling water with a shot of espresso. This custom has travelled across continents and has been embraced in Australia, where coffee plays a central role in social interactions and daily routines.
Cleansing the Palate
One primary reason sparkling water is served with espresso is to cleanse the palate. The clean, crisp taste of water helps wash away any lingering flavours in the mouth, allowing the drinker to fully enjoy the robust taste of the espresso. The effervescence of sparkling water is particularly effective in refreshing the palate and enhancing the coffee’s rich flavours.
Enhancing the Coffee Experience
Drinking espresso is a sensory experience that goes beyond mere caffeine consumption. Sparkling water contributes to this experience by preparing the mouth for the intense shot of coffee, making the taste of espresso even more pronounced and enjoyable. Moreover, the ritual of drinking sparkling water before or after espresso adds a touch of sophistication to the coffee-drinking experience.
Health Benefits and Comfort
Coffee, and particularly espresso due to its strong concentration, is a known diuretic. This means it can increase the frequency of urination, potentially leading to dehydration. Sparkling water not only counters the dehydrating effects of caffeine but also encourages regular water intake, which is essential for maintaining hydration levels.
Easing Stomach Discomfort
For those who drink espresso first thing in the morning, it can sometimes cause stomach discomfort due to its acidity and concentration. Drinking sparkling water, especially before the espresso, can help mitigate this discomfort by lining the stomach and reducing acidity. This makes the coffee drinking experience more pleasant and soothing.
The Social and Cultural Impact
In Australia, coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Cafes are social hubs, and the practices surrounding coffee consumption are taken seriously. The serving of sparkling water with espresso is a nod to traditional Italian coffee culture, which resonates well in Australia’s cosmopolitan and culturally rich cities.
Conclusion
The practice of serving sparkling water with espresso is
multifaceted, rooted in both tradition and practical benefits. It enhances the
coffee experience by cleansing the palate, maintaining hydration, and easing
potential stomach discomfort. In Australia, where coffee culture is integral to
the social fabric, this practice also connects coffee enthusiasts to the rich,
international traditions of coffee consumption. As Australians continue to
embrace and celebrate their coffee culture, the sparkling water served with
your espresso remains a simple yet profound link to the global community of
coffee lovers.
Our cutting-edge, always on-tap systems deliver chilled still and sparkling water for office, workplaces and the hospitality industry, eliminating the reliance on single-use plastic bottles and minimising the costs associated with bottled water and their supply chains.
