For a long time, coffee was considered a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford. However, today it has reached a mass production status and is readily available to almost everyone. Most people enjoy multiple cups of coffee every day, savoring its stimulating effects and excellent flavor. But how exactly is coffee properly served?
If you want to observe the customs and etiquette, you need to follow certain instructions and requirements. Coffee etiquette is a part of the daily life of every barista, secretary, and server. In our article, we provide you with a specific type of coffee knowledge.
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what is coffee serving?
Whether in a restaurant, at home with guests, or during business meetings and sessions, coffee is an essential beverage for many gatherings. As a truly enjoyable drink, it should be served and presented with style. The server offers various options, and they can either brew the coffee themselves following social etiquette or provide self-service. In both cases, a specific procedure should be followed, and it’s essential to act as discreet and sophisticated as possible.
When you host guests, you can’t just do things your way; you must adapt to their preferences and needs. Proper service ultimately enhances the dining experience, making it more relaxed and enjoyable.
Excellent coffee is by no means inferior to other fine beverages like wine, sparkling wine, and champagne, and that’s why you should serve it. Tell your guests that they can expect a fragrant and soothing drink.
Serving Coffee Properly: Social Etiquette Rules and Practical Tips
If you want to serve coffee properly, there are several rules to follow, and they can vary depending on who you are serving and where you are. Different rules apply at home compared to the workplace. In the latter case, maintaining decorum and behaving very courteously is crucial. As a server, you should pay attention to elegant service. You can make use of useful tools like coffee serving sets as table decor. Oval-shaped trays are ideal for carrying cups and saucers, a coffee pot, and coffee spoons. In addition, the coffee vessels should be beautifully presented.
If you want your guests to enjoy a full-service experience like in a restaurant, you should follow a specific procedure. First and foremost, you should know that a fresh cup of coffee should always be filled in the kitchen or away from the guests. An old coffee cup is replaced with a saucer. To ensure that the coffee arrives pleasantly warm at the table, we recommend pre-warming it. Pouring a bit less is less formal and more suitable for everyday use. You don’t need new cups, but be cautious when pouring new coffee to the right side for your guest. In many cases, the guest might hand you the cup – make sure the saucer is also handed over to avoid any coffee spills.
Modern practice suggests that you immediately take the cup and saucer and then pour more. This way, you make it as comfortable as possible for your visitor. However, pouring behind the right shoulder is essential. This prevents accidents that could lead to spilling hot coffee on the person across from you.
Serving Coffee Properly
Whether in a café or a restaurant, various coffee beverages like espresso, cappuccino, or latte macchiato are an integral part of the drink menu. They are crucial for sales in cafes and essential for additional revenue in restaurants. That’s why serving coffee properly is of great importance. Baristas and coffee makers are responsible for preparing coffee. It’s essential to ensure that coffee is always freshly brewed and beautifully presented. This also includes frothing the milk, which is a part of many coffee beverages. When serving, make sure that coffee and milk are poured into the cup with precision. Baristas and coffee makers are skilled in the art of creating small, visual artworks on coffee using milk froth. Ultimately, the same holds true for beverages: we also drink with our eyes.
Etiquette Rules for Maximizing the Enjoyment of Coffee
By adhering to etiquette rules in the preparation and serving of coffee, you can leave a lasting impression on your guests. When you think about it, making coffee isn’t as easy as many people believe. With our guidance, you can expand your coffee knowledge and serve excellent and delicious coffee without the need for flavor enhancers. A well-prepared and delicious coffee sets a calming atmosphere and reflects well on the host.
Biscuits or small chocolates are often served with coffee. They are placed on the left side of the cup, and the coffee spoon is on the right side. The same serving rules for coffee, like other beverages, apply. It is served from the right. Make sure the coffee is served hot. They typically offer coffee after the meal, although it can also be served with dessert.
How to Prepare Coffee Properly
But how is coffee properly prepared? There are various types of equipment for brewing coffee beverages. Whether you use a semi-automatic or fully automatic machine in your business depends on your operational needs. Both types of machines have their own advantages and disadvantages. Using fully automatic machines is quick and easy, so employees don’t need extensive training. However, fully automatic machines are more expensive than semi-automatic ones.
Semi-automatic machines also reflect the coffee culture and achieve a higher coffee quality. Before using a semi-automatic machine, employees should receive training. It’s essential to always use fresh coffee. Follow the roaster’s instructions for storing coffee beans or ground coffee. It’s also worthwhile to pay attention to how the coffee is prepared and where it comes from.
Always use quality water. Generally, the water temperature for brewing coffee should be between 92 to 96 degrees Celsius. Another thing you can adjust is the grinder. This affects the speed of water flow through the coffee. Grinders are adjustable in most machines.
If the beans are ground coarsely, water will flow through it at a higher speed, resulting in less flavor and less strength in the coffee. However, if the beans are ground finely, water will flow slowly through it, and the coffee will have more flavor and strength. The ideal strength is highly individual. Make sure not to recommend coffee that is too watery (ground too coarsely) or too bitter (ground too finely).
Water for Coffee
A glass of water is often served with coffee in cafes. The exact reason for this isn’t clear. Some attribute it to the first coffee houses in Vienna, while others claim it was accepted by Arabian nomads. What can be said with certainty today is that coffee slows down stomach acid formation and caffeine has a diuretic effect. Water helps counteract these effects. Loss of fluids is compensated by water, and it also neutralizes the taste. Guests will be pleased because it means they can enjoy the full aroma of the coffee with every sip.
Coffee in the Hospitality Industry
Coffee is a beverage that is frequently consumed in Switzerland. Whether in daily life, at the workplace, or after a meal, it’s a staple. That’s why every establishment should offer at least basic coffee beverages. These should ideally align with operational concepts as much as possible. If you plan to open a cafe, coffee should clearly be at the heart of the business concept. Coffee is also featured on the beverage menus in restaurants.
Dinner is often completed with a coffee or espresso. Restaurant owners shouldn’t merely list and serve coffee. Consider what type of coffee you want to offer and how it should be served. Coffee beverages provide many businesses the opportunity to distinguish themselves from other restaurants and cafes, for example, through sustainable trade or their unique creativity.
