Allie Bernstein, 27
Coffee is a beverage that comes in many forms: iced, hot, sweet, bitter, creamy, and caffeinated. The art form of coffee has been crafted into different styles such as the latte, cappuccino, americano, espresso, macchiato, mocha, cold brew, and many more. You can choose between decaf or double shot, extra syrup or sugar- free; the sky's the limit. In America, the incorporation of coffee into people’s daily lives has reflected the hustle and bustle of work culture, representing the need for work-day energy first thing in the morning with a hot mug of coffee. Coffee preference can also symbolize generational differences. Generation Z often mocks Millennials, making fun of their infamous slogan “but first, coffee!” Millennials tend to view coffee more as an experience, while Generation Z sees coffee as a statement. Thanks to Millennials, flavors like pumpkin spice and matcha began to rise in popularity throughout the early 2000’s, while Generation Z spread their love of non- traditional flavored lattes like chai and caramel through various social media platforms in the late 2010’s. However, outside of the United States, coffee has been a cultural phenomenon that has its own place in unique traditions and history.
In Turkey, the coffee beverage dates back to the 16th century, when the Ottoman Empire controlled the Southern coastal region of Yemen, which was known for harboring the best mocha ingredients. Merchants from the Ottoman Eempire were tasked with moving coffee ingredients and supplies from Yemen to the Ottoman Empire markets in Turkey. In these markets, the practice of drinking coffee began to rise in popularity. Most people drank it black, added cloves, cardamom, sugar, and some even included foam. However, in the 17th century the Sultan Murad IV, a ruler of the Ottoman Empire, banned the consumption of coffee as he believed it did not align with the teachings of Islam. Murad IV would disguise himself as a commoner, walk into the streets of Turkey with a hidden sword, and decapitate those who illegally sipped on their coffee drinks. His successor was more lenient, and coffee drinkers who got caught were only beaten rather than killed (if it was a first offense). In the current day, coffee is completely legal to drink in Turkey and has a unique preparation of grinding coffee beans into a powder and boiling it with water in a special pot called a "cezve". Turkish coffee is famous for its strong flavor, and the tradition of trying to ‘read’ the coffee grounds that are left in the bottom of the cup after finishing the drink. Turkish people often invite neighbors and friends into their homes to drink coffee, where they share news and thoughts. This is a symbol of hospitality and friendship, as the practice of drinking coffee together shows that two people care to not only spend time together, but to also hear one another’s thoughts and daily concerns.
While Turkey's coffee culture is steeped in centuries of Ottoman history and unique preparation methods, across the Atlantic in Cuba, coffee has also developed its own set of special traditions and rituals, which are tied to the island's identity and heritage. In Cuba, they categorize coffee as Caliente (Hot), Amargo (Bitter), Fuerte (Strong), and Escaso (Short). Smokers tend to drink a glass of cold water before enjoying their coffee, in order to fully savor the coffee flavor. Coffee was easily accessible to all Cubans, as it only cost 3 cents for a significant portion of the 70’s-80’s. An imperative part of coffee culture in Cuba is tourism, as tourists have always wanted to experience three Cuban assets when visiting: rum, tobacco, and coffee. To other nations, Cuban coffee is iconic, known for its richer and earthier taste. However, the Cuban coffee experience dates back to the early 16th century, when the Spanish made their first settlements in the Eastern mountains of Cuba. The native population of the Ciboney, Taino, and Arawak tribes were the first in Cuba to regularly consume coffee. Today, Cubans tend to drink their coffee with sugar and without milk, much unlike the United States. When a friend visits another friend in their house, they are offered a cup of coffee, followed by a swig of rum. This is called “Sopa de gallo” (coffee with rum) and is a tradition invented in Cuba. Although most coffee in bakeries and cafes have increased their prices from a couple of cents to now usually 1 peso, Cubans from all around the island still engage in their unique coffee traditions.
Overall, the consumption of coffee has a universal appeal to people from all over the world. No matter your ethnicity or nationality, you are very likely to have your own coffee traditions, even if you haven’t truly considered it before. It’s important to realize that coffee is not just a caffeinated drink, but a unifying beverage that is somewhat of a social phenomenon. In the United States alone, the average American spends nearly 500 dollars annually on coffee (according to Drive Research), showing how much it can mean to a large group of people. Coffee symbolizes hospitality, community, and identity. The examples of both Turkey and Cuba shows how coffee has a deep line of history, culture, and human connection. It is one drink that is made internationally, and is able to tie together people who speak different languages and partake in different traditions. To conclude, the practice of drinking coffee tells the story of human connection and shows that in this way, we are all similar.