In an Italian café, the order is brief and almost automatic. An espresso served in a small cup, a white saucer and, next to it, a glass of water. No one asks, no one questions. For those visiting the place for the first time, the gesture seems decorative or unnecessary. But behind this cup lies a tradition as precise as it is silent, deeply linked to the Italian understanding of coffee.
Far from being a simple accompaniment, water is an integral part of the ritual. This is not a modern touch or casual courtesy. It’s a custom that encompasses centuries of coffee culture and a unique way of relating to flavor, time and a break from everyday life.
Water is not for later
There is a widespread belief outside Italy that a glass of water serves to eliminate the bitter taste of coffee or to quench the thirst it leaves. In the Italian tradition, this idea makes no sense. When coffee is of good quality and prepared correctly, it should not be strong or leave your mouth dry.
Water is drunk before the first sip. Its goal is to prepare the palate, eliminate traces of other foods and leave the mouth in ideal conditions to perceive aromas and nuances. It’s a way of starting from scratch, without interference, as if the coffee deserves exclusive attention.
In addition, this gesture helps prevent dry mouth and improves sensory perception. Coffee, especially espresso, concentrates intense flavors that are best enjoyed when your taste buds are clean and active. It is not a question of softening the experience, but of understanding it in all its depth.
A daily ritual steeped in history
In Italy, coffee is not consumed with emotional haste, although it is consumed with physical haste. It is drunk standing at the counter, in a few minutes, almost like a choreographed number. Espresso is the base of everything and is served short, strong and creamy. From this arise variations such as macchiato, ristretto and longo, each with its own rules and precise times of day.
Cappuccino, for example, belongs in the morning. Ordering a cup of cappuccino after noon violates an unwritten cultural code. A glass of water, on the other hand, undoubtedly accompanies any coffee. It is part of the social ritual, as important as the cup or the spoon.
This relationship with coffee has been consolidated over time. From its arrival in Venice in the 16th century as an exotic drink sold in pharmacies, to the opening of historic cafes and the invention of espresso and the Italian coffee maker, Italy has made coffee a symbol of its identity. The glass of water has become an integral part of the culture, symbolizing respect for the drink.
A custom seen in Colombia
For a coffee-producing country like Colombia, where Arabica beans, medium roasting and a more relaxed style of consumption predominate, the Italian tradition may seem surprising. While Colombia values sweet and fruity profiles, Italy favors blends with Robusta and dark roasts, designed for immediate impact.
There are also differences in experience. In Colombia, coffee is often served in larger cups and enjoyed leisurely. In Italy, it’s a brief but intense experience, where every detail has a specific purpose, including the glass of water.
Whether you prefer carbonated or still coffee is up to you. Bubbles can cleanse the palate, but they can also be too intense for some flavors. Either way, the message is clear: coffee should be respected from the first sip.
More than a simple tourist curiosity, the glass of water reveals a philosophy. A philosophy that considers coffee not just as a drink, but as an experience. And this is perhaps why adopting this custom would not be a simple gesture, but a new way of looking at the cup.
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