What to drink with a hookah?
The culture of smoking hookah implies not only pleasure from smoking, but also the observance of traditions. In Eastern countries, the thick smoke is washed down with green or black tea. In our latitudes, other drinks have been added to tea. In addition, smoking a hookah causes thirst, and lack of fluid in the body leads to headaches, so waiters offer a liquid of choice in addition to the hookah. There are other reasons why drinks should be served:
- a sip of tea or water after smoking reveals the taste of tobacco;
- water helps to get rid of the bitterness in the mouth when the tobacco has burned or an unpleasant taste has appeared;
- helps pass the time while you wait for the pipe, if you are smoking in the company of friends;
- improves mood, the overall atmosphere in the circle of people.
It is important to remember that not all drinks are suitable for these purposes, some may harm, others simply do not go well with smoking. To avoid ruining the evening, it’s better to make the right choice.
Drinks suitable for hookah.
No matter where tobacco is smoked, at home or in a venue, it is worth remembering the list of the most suitable drinks:
Tea – a traditional option. A variety of tea flavors and aromas allows you to choose any: black, green, hibiscus, pu-erh, oolong. It should not be strong, sweet, or hot. Sometimes people order a relaxing tea with a soothing tobacco aroma to spend time in a cozy setting. Or on the contrary, an invigorating one – for an active company. The season of the year is not important, it is served hot and cold.
Coffee – must be natural. It has a strong smell and can overpower the tobacco aroma, so it’s for enthusiasts. But it can be useful, as tobacco lowers blood pressure, and coffee raises it. Such a combination is invigorating. Choose a suitable smoking flavor for coffee – cherry, chocolate, vanilla. Fruit flavors definitely do not go well.
Juices are not a popular drink. Their taste can dull the taste buds and the tobacco flavor won’t come through. If you still choose juices, go for ones without pulp to avoid spoiling the smoke taste. Overly sweet juices are not recommended, it’s better to stick to classics like apple or grape. Freshly squeezed juice is ideal.
Water is the most popular drink. Plain still water is the most traditional choice for smokers. Some add ice, lemon, or mint to it. Those who want to fully taste the hookah choose water without any additives. It relieves thirst and headaches.
Milk is an acquired taste. It has its advantages, pairs well with sweet and spicy flavors, unexpectedly bringing them out. The taste is similar to a milky fruit cocktail. It’s better to avoid very fatty milk and consider your body’s reaction to such a drink.
By choosing one of the suggested options, you are sure to get a good result and can avoid the unpleasant consequences of smoking.
Drinks not recommended with hookah.
No one has the right to prohibit the choice of any of these drinks, they are simply not advisable and may have a negative impact on your well-being during and after smoking. Do not choose these options:
Alcohol – strong drinks, beer, light alcoholic cocktails. This is a heavy mixture for the body, you may experience nausea, headaches, and dizziness. In addition, quick intoxication may occur, and the evening may end earlier than expected. If you can’t do without alcohol, choose light drinks and consume them slowly.
Sodas – they cause thirst, and when combined with smoking, it will only intensify.
Dairy products – the least suitable option, they can spoil the taste and do not go well with tobacco.
Take into account your preferences and the theme of the evening when choosing. If it’s a relaxing evening after a hard day’s work, the best option is tea; when you need a pick-me-up, coffee; to fully appreciate the true taste of tobacco, water; to explore new sensations, milk. These are recommendations, and whether to heed them or not is up to each individual to decide.