The very first time we were served sparkling water with espresso was at Revolucion Coffee + Juice in San Antonio. This was several years before the third wave coffee trend took hold in the city. There weren't many local coffee shops, let alone roasters. We initially just took the espresso, thinking the water was for someone else. However, the shop was empty. After staring for a bit, we asked about the water.
According to the Barista, this is considered a tradition. The sparkling water is often used as a palate cleanser before the first sip of coffee to stimulate the tongue and make it more receptive to new flavors so that you can enjoy the rich and intense flavors of the espresso. It’s also used to freshen the breath after the espresso has been consumed. In some regions, it is more common to serve still water with espresso. We’re partial to Topo Chico in these parts. :)
BRB Coffee Break Recommendation:
Pair a chilled non-mineral sparkling water with your next espresso or coffee. If you’d in the Austin area, check out a few local shops that serve water with: