Why You Should Drink Water with Your Coffee

Coffee & Water

As a barista with years of industry experience, I understand the thrill and challenges that come with delving into the world of coffee. From perfecting your espresso shots to crafting intricate latte art (that I admit still needs some work), every coffee enthusiast embarks on a journey that involves both passion and a learning curve. One often overlooked but essential aspect of this journey is the relationship between coffee and water. In this blog post, we'll explore why you should drink water with your coffee and how this simple practice can elevate your coffee experience and help you to better taste your coffee.

But First, Brewing Basics

Before we dive into the benefits of pairing water with your coffee, let's briefly discuss some coffee brewing basics. Coffee is a complex beverage, boasting over a thousand aromatic and flavour compounds. These compounds are responsible for the wide array of tastes and aromas that coffee lovers savour. However, the extraction of these compounds is highly dependent on the water used during brewing.

When water comes into contact with coffee grounds, it initiates a process known as extraction, where soluble compounds are dissolved and released into the liquid. This process is influenced by factors like water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and brewing time. By using the right type of water and maintaining proper extraction, you can unlock the full potential of your coffee's flavours.

Water As a Palate Cleanser

One of the primary reasons to drink water with your coffee is to maintain a balanced palate. Coffee's inherent richness and flavours (especially with espressos) can desensitise your taste buds to subtler notes. This is where water comes to the rescue. Taking sips of water in between coffee sips can cleanse your palate, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances in flavour that your coffee has. This practice is especially important if you're engaging in a coffee tasting session or trying different coffee varieties but can also be helpful when assessing just the one cup of coffee.

If you are wanting to learn more about what water you should use to brew with coffee I highly recommend checking out this article that deep dives into some options you can use.

Staying Hydrated: Coffee's Dehydrating Effects

While coffee is undeniably a delightful beverage, it does have a diuretic effect, which means it can lead to increased urination and potential dehydration. Drinking water alongside your coffee can help counteract this effect and keep you hydrated. Hydration is essential not only for your overall well-being but also for ensuring you remain focused and energised throughout the day. By incorporating water into your coffee drinking routine, you can strike the perfect balance of tasting your coffee better and to keep hydrated.

A Calmer Caffeine Kick: Reducing Jitters

For many beginners, the excitement of diving into the coffee world can sometimes lead to the unwanted side effects of caffeine jitters. These jitters can make it challenging to fully enjoy your coffee experience and any other experience for that matter. Pairing your coffee with water can help mitigate this issue. Sipping water between coffee sips can help dilute the caffeine's impact, providing you with a smoother and calmer caffeine kick.

Should You Drink Water With Your Coffee?

As you embark on your journey into the world of coffee, remember that the perfect cup of coffee is a delicate symphony of elements, with water playing a leading role. By understanding more behind coffee extraction, balancing your palate, staying hydrated, and of course mitigating caffeine jitters, you can enhance your coffee experience in ways you never thought possible. So, the next time you indulge in your favourite brew, don't forget to have a glass of water by your side – your taste buds will thank you!

Happy brewing and sipping!