The Hydration Connection: Why Water is Essential for Enjoying Your Coffee

May 15

In the world of coffee, it's easy to focus solely on the beans, the brew method, and the flavor profile. But there's one crucial element that often gets overlooked: water. Yes, water—the most basic of beverages, yet the key to unlocking the full potential of your coffee experience.
At Highwood Coffee, we're passionate about more than just great coffee. We're also advocates for hydration, and we believe that drinking water alongside your coffee is essential for maximizing enjoyment and reaping the benefits of both beverages.

Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: the common misconception that coffee is dehydrating. While it's true that caffeine is a diuretic, the amount of water in a cup of coffee far outweighs any diuretic effect. In fact, studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can contribute to your daily fluid intake without causing dehydration.

But that's not to say you can rely solely on coffee to meet your hydration needs. Water plays a vital role in countless bodily functions, from regulating body temperature to aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. And when you're properly hydrated, you'll likely find that your coffee tastes better too. Hydration helps to cleanse your palate, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromas of your brew.

So how much water should you be drinking in a day? The general recommendation is around 8 glasses, or about 2 liters, but individual needs can vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate. As a general rule of thumb, aim to drink enough water throughout the day so that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is pale yellow in color.

And the benefits of staying hydrated extend far beyond just quenching your thirst. Hydration can improve cognitive function, boost energy levels, support healthy skin, aid in weight management, and even help prevent headaches—all of which can enhance your overall coffee-drinking experience.

At Highwood Coffee, we're committed to helping you enjoy every sip of your brew to the fullest. Our commitment to quality starts with our roasting process. We roast up to three times a month to ensure that every batch is fresh and bursting with flavor. And with our 8-week freshness guarantee, you can trust that your coffee will always be at its peak.

But quality goes beyond just taste. It's also about sustainability and responsibility. That's why we're proud to partner with #Bullfrogpower, who provides us with renewable energy for our roasting operations. By choosing Highwood Coffee, you're not just getting great coffee—you're supporting eco-friendly practices too.

And let's not forget about our commitment to recycling. We've teamed up with TerraCycle to ensure that our coffee bags are properly recycled. Simply leave your empty bags out for us to pick up when we drop off your next batch of coffee. It's a small gesture, but it makes a big difference.

So the next time you reach for your favorite Highwood Coffee blend, don't forget to pour yourself a glass of water too. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you for it.

Here's a simple recipe for a Cucumber Mint Infused Water:

Ingredients:

1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
5-6 fresh mint leaves
1-2 liters of water (depending on desired strength)

Instructions:

Wash the cucumber and mint leaves thoroughly.
Slice the cucumber thinly and place the slices in a large pitcher.
Tear the mint leaves and add them to the pitcher with the cucumber slices.
Fill the pitcher with water (Or optionally, Filtered water, RO water, Filtered Bubbly water or , covering the cucumber and mint leaves completely.
Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
Refrigerate the infused water for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the cucumber mint infused water over ice and enjoy its refreshing taste alongside your favorite Highwood Coffee blend.

This cucumber mint infused water is not only delicious and hydrating but also pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of light roast specialty coffee. It's a perfect choice for staying hydrated while savoring your coffee experience. Enjoy!

And remember, #stayhydratedwithhighwood and share your hydration journey with us on social media! Insta @highwoodcoffee

Highwood Coffee proudly calls Calgary, Alberta, Canada home—a city known for its pristine glacial and lake waters sourced from the majestic Elbow and Bow rivers. James, the founder, has a deep appreciation for water quality, evident in his profession as a plumber specializing in water quality and cross-connection testing with Champion Plumbing. Alongside his passion for water, James is an avid cyclist and coffee enthusiast. His aspiration is to transition into full-time coffee roasting while laying the groundwork for a future coffee shop venture. Currently, you can find our premium coffee beans at local farmers' markets, including the upcoming Sunalta market on Saturdays and a monthly market at University District.