Coffee culture

How to Master the Standard Coffee Slurping Technique and Its Role in Coffee Cupping

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, For those who love visiting cafés, coffee exhibitions, or participating in coffee cupping sessions, the distinctive "slurp-slurp-slurp" sound is probably quite familiar. (This reminds FrontStreet Coffee of Japanese ramen shops, where louder slurping indicates greater appreciation for the noodles.) Why do people

For those who love frequenting coffee shops, attending coffee exhibitions, or participating in coffee cupping and tasting sessions, the sound of "slurp-slurp-slurp" should be quite familiar. (This reminds FrontStreet Coffee of Japanese ramen shops, where making loud slurping sounds while eating noodles indicates that the food is delicious.)

Why is it necessary to slurp when drinking coffee?

The action of slurping initially began in coffee cupping sessions to experience more flavors in the coffee. Slurping involves pursing the lips to narrow the passage, then quickly inhaling to draw the coffee liquid into the mouth, causing it to aerosolize. This aerosolized coffee allows flavors (aromas) to be perceived through retronasal olfaction.

Image credit: highergrounds

During the slurping process, a "slurp~" or "su~" sound is produced. The more forceful the slurp, the louder the sound. At cupping sessions during exhibitions, many newcomers and beginners attend to learn and gain experience. Making slurping sounds during cupping is a normal phenomenon. In this context, a herd mentality leads everyone to join in with "slurp-slurp-slurp." The appearance is easiest to imitate, and the sound isn't bad either. As for whether people understand why they need to "slurp-slurp-slurp," that remains uncertain.

Image credit: oneworldroasters

Proper Technique and Benefits of Slurping

Slurping has certain benefits, but learning should be comprehensive. Perhaps coffee is difficult for some to understand, so let's switch to another example: drinking soup. There's an old Cantonese saying: "Slow-cooked premium soup should be enjoyed while hot." We're talking about temperatures that would scald your mouth. When drinking, you blow on the edge of the bowl, then take a slurp. The surface oil creates a smooth and full mouthfeel. Because it's too hot and you slurp it in, aerosolization occurs, making the soup taste rich and aromatic.

Now, if we replace soup with coffee, the principle is similar – it's about aerosolizing the coffee liquid so the nose can perceive more aromas (most coffee flavors come from aromas).

As for how to properly "slurp" to better experience coffee flavors – of course, louder isn't necessarily better. A more scientific approach is to purse your lips, place the spoon or small cup at your lower lip, slightly open your upper lip, then take a quick "sharp intake of breath," rapidly drawing the coffee liquid into your mouth, then slowly exhaling through your nose.

Demonstration of proper slurping technique

Is Slurping Necessary in Coffee Shops?

Or to put it another way, does slurping make coffee taste better? Slurping allows for experiencing richer coffee flavors. However, FrontStreet Coffee believes there's really no need to slurp in a coffee shop setting. First, normally prepared pour-over coffee already presents its primary flavors (aromas and tastes). At most, slurping like one would with soup can help perceive aromas through retronasal olfaction.

Second, making loud noises in a relatively quiet coffee shop will make you the center of attention. Third, slurping pour-over coffee actually affects the mouthfeel quite significantly.

Coffee tasting and appreciation in a coffee shop setting

Important Notice :

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