Espresso etiquette: The importance of water in Italian coffee culture

Italians love to adhere to rituals associated with coffee consumption. Therefore, during Italian holidays, but also in good cafes in Canada, espresso is served with a glass of water. What is the purpose of this coffee-serving practice?

In good cafes, a glass of room-temperature water is served with espresso. People unfamiliar with the Italian coffee-drinking ritual may feel confused. So what is the purpose of the water served with espresso?

Definitely not for diluting the strong coffee. And we mention this because social media shows videos of tourists dealing with the extra water by pouring their cup's contents into it. For Italians, that's like sacrilege. Espresso is, after all, coffee in its purest form, the most perfect. It should be drunk quickly, in a maximum of three sips.

The cup should be white so patterns or colours do not distract the senses, which should focus solely on the beverage. The cup should be slightly warmed beforehand so the brew does not lose its warmth to the cup. However, the espresso should not be hot. According to the National Institute of Italian Espresso (yes, there is such an institute), the coffee temperature should be about 67°C (153°F).

The water served with espresso is meant to cleanse the palate. Therefore, it should be consumed before drinking the coffee, to prepare the mouth for the espresso. This way, one can enjoy the untainted flavour of the coffee.

However, there isn't just one school of thought. Some believe the water should be drunk in portions before each sip of coffee. Others recommend leaving some water in the end to rinse away the intense flavour compounds that remain in the mouth after drinking the coffee (known as the aftertaste). This refreshment prepares the palate for tasting other dishes and drinks.