Turkish coffee, the only type of coffee served with its grounds, is a culture in itself, and it comes with its own traditions. One of these traditions is the serving of a glass of water alongside Turkish coffee. So, why is water always provided with Turkish coffee? There are several anecdotes about this.

According to one story, in the old days, hosts used to offer guests a cup of Turkish coffee accompanied by a glass of water. If the guest drank the water first, it indicated that they were hungry, prompting the host to immediately start preparing a meal. However, if the guest opted for the coffee first, it signaled that they were not hungry. In short, the guest revealed their hunger status through their choice of beverage. How delicate and cultural are these indicators, right?

For another tale, let's journey towards the Ottoman palaces. Officials responsible for tasting the meals to check for poison in the Ottoman Empire had to taste Turkish coffee as well. However, since Turkish coffee was only made and served in a single-person cezve (coffee pot), they couldn't taste it properly. Therefore, a new method was developed in the palace. Before drinking the coffee, the ruler would dip his finger first in the coffee and then in the water. The dispersion of the coffee in the water indicated whether the coffee was poisonous or not. Only after this ritual would the ruler feel comfortable drinking his frothy coffee. This tradition might have continued as a ritual up to the present day.

While there are many stories, one truth remains: drinking water before coffee cleanses the mouth, allowing for a better appreciation of the coffee's flavor. When sipped in between, it also helps eliminate the bitter taste of coffee.

Regardless of the reason for serving water, it complements coffee very well. So, do you prefer to drink water before or after your coffee?