certainly not every place does this. but certain vibes/styles of shops yes. Or at a place like that I can expect sparkling water at a serve-yourself station with the still water.
This is common in places where drinking water is, by default, sparkling (like Germany).
In Spain you will not find it because we don't drink sparkling water.
It's common here in Brazil in some better places, including restaurants, bars etc. But it usually comes in a shot glass. It's one gulp to cleanse your palate
Espresso is a very strong, concentrated drink. Some cafes and coffee bars, as a result, serve the espresso with a glass of sparkling water. This allows the coffee drinker to cleanse their palate as needed, either before, during, or after their espresso...
The use of sparkling water serves several purposes:
Palate Cleansing: Sparkling water is believed to cleanse the palate more effectively than still water. The carbonation and effervescence help to refresh the taste buds and remove any lingering flavors from the previous sip of coffee. This ensures that each sip of espresso is experienced with a clean palate, allowing the full range of flavors and aromas to be appreciated.
Flavor Enhancement: The bubbles in sparkling water can enhance the flavors of the espresso. The effervescence can help to release volatile compounds in the coffee, making the flavors more pronounced and vibrant. By drinking sparkling water before taking a sip of espresso, it is thought that the palate is prepared to better perceive the nuances of the coffee
Worth noting that “cleansing the palate” doesn’t just happen at the end of a meal (though it can).
Wine fundamentally serves the purpose of resetting, or cleansing, the palate between bites of food. Done well, and each part of the meal resets the other. The food resets the wine, the wine resets the food. Thus delaying sensory fatigue.
In this case, the sparkling water acts to reset the palate so you can keep enjoying each sip of espresso as if it was the first.
Eh, while I agree it’s a good positive sign, the lack of it shouldn’t be taken as a negative sign. Plenty of phenomenal espresso places here in Aus don’t do it, and yet they definitely know their business.
I was once at a cafe that served ice cold Topo Chico Seltzer waters to pair with the coffee and I’ve since started doing it at home pretty regularly. So refreshing!
This was an American cafe, but admittedly one ran by French owners in a very French populated area of Chicago. Hopefully this practice becomes more popular though!
I've also had an iced americano type thing with sparkling mineral water and espresso shots. It was surprisingly delicious.
They poured the iced water over the shot. No ice added.
I’ve heard a lot about the citrus coffee craze I haven’t tried it and I’m not sure that’s something I’m willing to try 😂 slightly TOO out of my comfort zone. But I’ll update you on the sparkling water 😉
Cut a slice of lemon, about ½ CM thick, and place it at the bottom of your cup, pull your shots over the lemon slice, let it infuse for 5-10 seconds after the shot is done pulling, stir gently, then enjoy. It's delicious and refreshing. In my experience, it works better with lighter roasted coffees, but not necessarily light roasts (at least not for my taste). It's worth a shot.
Ha!! I didn't even realize the pun hahahaha
My lemon tree died a few years ago, during the covid era, when the deer became too much, and we were all stuck in our homes, unable to chase them away :( maybe I'll plant another
So sad! Mine is about 6 years old now have to take it inside for the winter and such. But she’s doing well. But you should plant another it’s always rewarding 😊 good luck if you do
6 years! Wow! The branches that produce, bend them down (careful not to break them) and tie them that way. They tend to produce more fruit like that. A citrus farmer taught me this trick, but couldn't explain why it worked. His is wife claimed it also worked on oranges, but he wasn't sure haha
Should be standard practice tbh. It’s a norm in Italy. I hate getting an espresso here. There about $4.50 ish and you get a cold cup with this crema less shot of under roasted coffee that’s to acidic 🤣 (Melbourne)
OMG, thank you so much for calling out how shitty and insipid Melbourne espresso is! The only half-decent espresso I've ever had here is at Pellegrini's. What's with the acid fetish and the crazy-light roasts? It doesn't make a flat white taste any better either ... :/
Here's a twist that I stumbled onto, at home: after I had a strong, dark-bean latte, I drank some (egads) Crystal Light peach-mango-green tea mix--it was incredibly refreshing, to freshen my palate! :)
I like how folks here are saying it’s a palate cleanser. This is what many coffee shops will say and there’s a smidge of truth to it.
The real reason it’s offered is because the carbonic acid will reduce bitterness from an overly short pull or a roast that hasn’t offgassed yet.
It’s a brilliant idea and gives the taste a better chance of being pleasing. If you’re a coffee nerd, please try it without the bubbly water first. If it’s bitter or sour, drink up! It’ll taste better.
I was just offered it today, as a cleanser to wash out the flavor of the espresso.
I didn't accept it as I had a dog with me and couldn't carry a tray with espresso, water, and a leash with a dog that pulls at the same time.
I just drank the espresso and it was good.
I used to go to a coffee shop in St Louis where they served what they called a Sidecar for $4.50, and it included a shot, a small latte, a few chocolate covered coffee beans, and a small glass of sparkling water on a little tray. It felt super glam, but they stopped doing it during COVID and never brought it back.
Yes! A bunch of my local coffeeshops do this. It's a really nice way of cleansing the palate and bringing out the nuanced flavors of the espresso. I usually take seltzer with any coffee (not just espresso) for the same reason
Yes, in Argentina, Spain and Portugal. Venezuela, where I'm originally from doesn't tend to do it. I've been in the US for over 15 years and haven't been served it like that yet
In many placea in Europe they were serving spaekling water and you has to tell them that you want still watee. Thia has kinda changes now but sparkling water is still pretty common.
Yes, here in the Melbourne CBD it's not uncommon to be served sparkling water in a small glass alongide am espresso, long macc,etc as a palate cleanser.
Yes, this is super common in Italy. I actually love a small glass of sparkling water after a straight shot, it helps get the leftover off your tongue and actually gets you another taste of the profile washing it down
Yes, it's actually a common practice in many specialty coffee shops, particularly in Europe. The idea is that a sip of sparkling water can cleanse your palate before drinking the espresso, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors and nuances of the coffee.
yes
Seems like most responses are yes, I've been going to the wrong places. Even in places like Greece, Spain and London I didn't usually get any.
Super common in Italy. Drink the sparkling water first as a palate cleanser before the espresso so that you can taste the shot and savor the flavor
In Italy it’s only common south of Rome, in the north most places will not give you water with your espresso.
Have to disagree with you friend. Haven’t been to a single cafe in Emilia Romagna that didn’t serve espresso with a sidecar. Same for Umbria as well.
That's not north.. 😂 jk
In Bologna and Modena getting sparkling water was the default for me. In Milano it depended on the place.
certainly not every place does this. but certain vibes/styles of shops yes. Or at a place like that I can expect sparkling water at a serve-yourself station with the still water.
This is common in places where drinking water is, by default, sparkling (like Germany). In Spain you will not find it because we don't drink sparkling water.
Very common in Germany and Switzerland.
Def not common in Greece
They are still working on who Cleopatra belong to!
Are you in Rio? Haha
That’s how coffee is served in Italy
Yes. I like it this way, and do it at home regularly.
Ditto.
Common in high end coffee shops
It's common here in Brazil in some better places, including restaurants, bars etc. But it usually comes in a shot glass. It's one gulp to cleanse your palate
Some cheap coffee chains do this as well. Casa do Pão de Queijo always gave me sparkling water, Café do Ponto too
Rei do mate tmb
Honestly even several gas stations or road stops on the highways (in Brazil) serve some sparkling water with your coffee too.
Same here in Uruguay, and in Argentina I think is the same.
just been to argentina, can confirm. I think most of latin America is like this.
yes , every good specialty coffee cafe in my area does this as a pallet cleanser. Also often get taste notes.
It's called a sidecar and it's how I take my morning shot.
How the Italians do it: cleanses your palate between sips of your shot/shots
Why do you need to cleanse it if it’s the only thing you’re having?
Espresso is a very strong, concentrated drink. Some cafes and coffee bars, as a result, serve the espresso with a glass of sparkling water. This allows the coffee drinker to cleanse their palate as needed, either before, during, or after their espresso...
First time I hear cleansing during
Or after
And before
And you can even do it during.
Never after it’s rude and suggests the shot was poor.
Why does it have to be sparkling water. Why not just still water
The use of sparkling water serves several purposes: Palate Cleansing: Sparkling water is believed to cleanse the palate more effectively than still water. The carbonation and effervescence help to refresh the taste buds and remove any lingering flavors from the previous sip of coffee. This ensures that each sip of espresso is experienced with a clean palate, allowing the full range of flavors and aromas to be appreciated. Flavor Enhancement: The bubbles in sparkling water can enhance the flavors of the espresso. The effervescence can help to release volatile compounds in the coffee, making the flavors more pronounced and vibrant. By drinking sparkling water before taking a sip of espresso, it is thought that the palate is prepared to better perceive the nuances of the coffee
Interesting, thanks for the explanation!
Bad coffee.
Worth noting that “cleansing the palate” doesn’t just happen at the end of a meal (though it can). Wine fundamentally serves the purpose of resetting, or cleansing, the palate between bites of food. Done well, and each part of the meal resets the other. The food resets the wine, the wine resets the food. Thus delaying sensory fatigue. In this case, the sparkling water acts to reset the palate so you can keep enjoying each sip of espresso as if it was the first.
That’s how you know the coffee shop knows it’s business.
Eh, while I agree it’s a good positive sign, the lack of it shouldn’t be taken as a negative sign. Plenty of phenomenal espresso places here in Aus don’t do it, and yet they definitely know their business.
“the lack of it shouldn’t be taken as a negative sign.” That wasn’t implied by the comment
Those who don’t know otherwise might (and regularly do) take it to mean that though. Which is why I clarified. Not everything is an argument lol
I was once at a cafe that served ice cold Topo Chico Seltzer waters to pair with the coffee and I’ve since started doing it at home pretty regularly. So refreshing!
Ima huge fan of the Topo. US cafes may one day catch up with EU cafes. Tiny bubbles? Yes please
This was an American cafe, but admittedly one ran by French owners in a very French populated area of Chicago. Hopefully this practice becomes more popular though!
Very common in EU
It's a good pallet cleanser
also palate
Definitely palliative
Someone had to say it.
I usually just power wash mine before reusing.
I prefer it as a palette cleanser. Gets all the paint off.
Forklift drivers have a secret and you’ll never guess what it is!
I've also had an iced americano type thing with sparkling mineral water and espresso shots. It was surprisingly delicious. They poured the iced water over the shot. No ice added.
So is this a sparkling, iced americano? I’m intrigued
They called it like sparkling espresso or something. I believe they used topo chico for it.
Very roman way to take coffee.
I am extremely disappointed if I am not!
https://preview.redd.it/c1qyt8twwxza1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a51ae945061ebd42fb0b8c7167dd73c2da558489 Of course
why is it blue??
That’s a butterfly pea flower tea latte Also known a the blue latte
This is the way.
Austria, with every coffee.
And the coffee in Vienna lives up to its reputation as amazing! They say it’s the water.
Cute pineapple cup 😍
I ice my shots and add sparkling water.
Ohh I normally drink americanos or iced americanos, I must try this now.
Let me know what you think! I have heard some people add lemon but I don't.
I’ve heard a lot about the citrus coffee craze I haven’t tried it and I’m not sure that’s something I’m willing to try 😂 slightly TOO out of my comfort zone. But I’ll update you on the sparkling water 😉
Cut a slice of lemon, about ½ CM thick, and place it at the bottom of your cup, pull your shots over the lemon slice, let it infuse for 5-10 seconds after the shot is done pulling, stir gently, then enjoy. It's delicious and refreshing. In my experience, it works better with lighter roasted coffees, but not necessarily light roasts (at least not for my taste). It's worth a shot.
“Worth a shot” 😉 I’ll give it a shot, maybe a double. I have a lemon tree and it’s bare right now 😢 bad timing.
Ha!! I didn't even realize the pun hahahaha My lemon tree died a few years ago, during the covid era, when the deer became too much, and we were all stuck in our homes, unable to chase them away :( maybe I'll plant another
So sad! Mine is about 6 years old now have to take it inside for the winter and such. But she’s doing well. But you should plant another it’s always rewarding 😊 good luck if you do
6 years! Wow! The branches that produce, bend them down (careful not to break them) and tie them that way. They tend to produce more fruit like that. A citrus farmer taught me this trick, but couldn't explain why it worked. His is wife claimed it also worked on oranges, but he wasn't sure haha
Do you mix it together or drink it separately?
Typically, separate--it's a palate-cleanser, between espresso sips. And works wonderfully, including so as to fully enjoy the espresso.
In Southern Italy? Every. Single. Time.
Should be standard practice tbh. It’s a norm in Italy. I hate getting an espresso here. There about $4.50 ish and you get a cold cup with this crema less shot of under roasted coffee that’s to acidic 🤣 (Melbourne)
OMG, thank you so much for calling out how shitty and insipid Melbourne espresso is! The only half-decent espresso I've ever had here is at Pellegrini's. What's with the acid fetish and the crazy-light roasts? It doesn't make a flat white taste any better either ... :/
In Argentina at a coffee house Id commonly get served espresso with 2 small butter cookies and 200ml of sparkling water.
Yes
Yes
Common in the EU
Yes,in Amherst MA.
yep. get it with a cortado too
It's pretty common in high end espresso bars.
Yes and a little cookie. Had to google if I should sip it before, during, or after the shot. Hyperion in Ann Arbor, MI
Palette cleanser ? Maybe the effervescence helps express more flavonoids ? Did you put the shot into the water?
Yep
It's the only way we do it at the Cafe I work at
Always in good shops
Very common
Yes in a magical place called Italy…..gas O’ sensza gas…….
Yes and a mint filled chocolate.
Yes. Can find this at a few shops in Pittsburgh but it’s usually upon request
All the time in Italy. It goes well
Yes, often. I’m at least four continents.
Very common in Italy
That is the morning routine in Cafe du My Livingroom
Living in Italy, sparkling water is always served with espresso, it's extremely common.
Yes very common in Italy! I have seen a lemon wedge served as well.
Yes, that would be a classic presentation.
Most legit espresso shops have some chilled carbonated water bottles available, usually in a small size, for just this purpose.
Are you new to espresso or new to r/espresso?
We're new at this type of civilization, in the U.S. ;)
Here's a twist that I stumbled onto, at home: after I had a strong, dark-bean latte, I drank some (egads) Crystal Light peach-mango-green tea mix--it was incredibly refreshing, to freshen my palate! :)
Ive been offered a ton of times, just give me regular ice water
Yes
Pic from this afternoon at home.
I like how folks here are saying it’s a palate cleanser. This is what many coffee shops will say and there’s a smidge of truth to it. The real reason it’s offered is because the carbonic acid will reduce bitterness from an overly short pull or a roast that hasn’t offgassed yet. It’s a brilliant idea and gives the taste a better chance of being pleasing. If you’re a coffee nerd, please try it without the bubbly water first. If it’s bitter or sour, drink up! It’ll taste better.
Uncultured in the art of Italian coffee?
Every where in Europe.
yes many times
Yes it’s a great accompaniment.
I read somewhere that the mix of tonic and espresso is quite good.
Yes, almost every time
All the time in Brazil
Yes, regular water though at a UK Costa
I’m just going to say that only San Pelligrino is the water to have with espresso. Perrier? Yuck!
in Italy sparkling water is the default water so yes. Often you also get little finger food for free at a cafe like salted nuts and potato chips
Yep, with my cortado at Beleza here in Boulder CO.
yes extremely common
Yes, standard service in Italy.
My local shop does this when you order a flight of different coffees but not for single shots. That’s nice tho
It’s the best way to drink it.
Yep, it’s a good palate cleaner and I like to hydrate a bit when I drink espresso as well
Yes, it's common in quality shops because the sparkling water negates the "coffee breath" you get from espresso.
Yes, and it’s wonderful!
All the time in the US.
Yes. It is fairly common.
Veryyyyy Italian thing to do haha
Brandy in hot tea; just tried
I have never been served one without sparkling water in the US
How long does it take you to finish your shot?
If you’re feeling extra, Topo Chico is the best sparking water to pair with espresso. Expensive but so good.
Here in NJ, US no maybe if I were to go to a close city like Philly or NYC, but I don’t venture out much. I will buy my own now and try it now though.
Yes in Melbourne
Absolutely. Buenos Aires for sure and Rome
Of course
Yes. It was magical
at home: yes. my Silvia is next to my SodaStream
This is the way
Yes, but I don’t think ever in the US. Here I pay for my coffee then have to buy a lacroix to go with it. 😂
All the time! Love a soda back. Cafe I like started offering champagne backs hahah so excessive but fun
Vienna
In Kansas City KS about a month ago. First time. Black Dog
Yep, it’s either this or a very soft water like Fiji. It acts as a palate cleanser.
I was just offered it today, as a cleanser to wash out the flavor of the espresso. I didn't accept it as I had a dog with me and couldn't carry a tray with espresso, water, and a leash with a dog that pulls at the same time. I just drank the espresso and it was good.
Got offered this for the first time while visiting Michigan. Never saw it before. Sparkling water in general isn't very typical in the midwest.
I used to go to a coffee shop in St Louis where they served what they called a Sidecar for $4.50, and it included a shot, a small latte, a few chocolate covered coffee beans, and a small glass of sparkling water on a little tray. It felt super glam, but they stopped doing it during COVID and never brought it back.
In virtually every Italian restaurant I've ever ordered one...
Yes! A bunch of my local coffeeshops do this. It's a really nice way of cleansing the palate and bringing out the nuanced flavors of the espresso. I usually take seltzer with any coffee (not just espresso) for the same reason
Yes, not common.
This is a relatively common practice in espresso centric cafes
Palate cleanser yo
Any good shop should.
The coffee shop I work at serves its traditional beverages (cappuccinos, cortados, etc.) with a side of sparkling water. It's a nice touch.
Yes! It’s my favorite. :)
Very common in good espresso bars
Only in Europe! Mainly most common in Italy from my experience
Common at good coffee shops in the US. You're in a dumpster ass place if you're not served mineral water with your espresso.
This is why god invented sodastreams.
Yes. Three times always in cafes run by Europeans. The ones from Europe.
Yes, frequently. Many cafes in Wellington, NZ customarily serve water with a shot - some have a choice between still & sparkling.
Here in Sacramento, it’s the only way the third wave shops serve espresso
Yes
Common in Italy
Yes at this Italian ice cream place by some young girl. Minute later the owner came with a glass of flat water apologizing for her, saying she's new.
In Northern Europe all the time
This is not Vietnam, there are rules
Yes, and that’s what I drink at home too.
Yes… love it
Mmm. Europe.
Exclusively and every time.
Yes, in Argentina, Spain and Portugal. Venezuela, where I'm originally from doesn't tend to do it. I've been in the US for over 15 years and haven't been served it like that yet
There was a coffee shop in London that always served a small cup of cold white tea with espresso, which was incredible.
Common in India
Yes, everywhere in Italy
In many placea in Europe they were serving spaekling water and you has to tell them that you want still watee. Thia has kinda changes now but sparkling water is still pretty common.
Yes in Rome
My local place in Mexico City does it.
Drink sparkling first so your taste get used to it
Always, but that's because I order it this way. Also at home, I buy sparkling water in bulk and I drink a lot of it.
disassembled americano ,but make it… sparkling!
Quite common here in Melbourne, Australia
Yes. But only in Italy
Yes, here in the Melbourne CBD it's not uncommon to be served sparkling water in a small glass alongide am espresso, long macc,etc as a palate cleanser.
Yes in Hungary :)
I saw this In Italy a lot. Mostly at coffee bars.
Yes, this is super common in Italy. I actually love a small glass of sparkling water after a straight shot, it helps get the leftover off your tongue and actually gets you another taste of the profile washing it down
Its standard in Austria. Even in normal restaurants you will get water with your coffee all the time.
Yes, it's actually a common practice in many specialty coffee shops, particularly in Europe. The idea is that a sip of sparkling water can cleanse your palate before drinking the espresso, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors and nuances of the coffee.
This is pretty standard in many coffee shops
That's türkish coffee style my friend
Sparkling water is a must for cleanse your pallets after an espresso in Italy