The history of coffee is as rich and complex as the drink itself. It all started around the 9th century in Ethiopia, where legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats acting unusually energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried them himself and experienced the same burst of energy. Word spread, and soon coffee was being cultivated and traded in the Arabian Peninsula.

By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in Yemen and had spread to Persia, Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire. It became especially popular in Islamic culture due to the ban on alcoholic drinks, making coffeehouses—known as qahveh khaneh—centers of social interaction, intellectual exchange, and culture.

The 17th century saw coffee’s arrival in Europe, where it quickly replaced the common breakfast drinks of the time—beer and wine. Coffeehouses began to spring up across the continent, becoming hubs for artists, thinkers, and revolutionaries. These establishments, sometimes referred to as “penny universities” because one could gain enlightenment for the price of a cup of coffee, played a crucial role in the Age of Enlightenment.

In the 18th century, coffee cultivation spread to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia. Plantations were established, and coffee became a highly lucrative commodity. Brazil, in particular, became a dominant player in the coffee trade, a status it still holds today.

Fast forward to the 20th century, the world saw the rise of instant coffee, espresso machines, and the global coffee culture explosion, marked by the growth of major coffeehouse chains and a renewed appreciation for specialty coffee and artisanal roasting techniques.

From humble beginnings to a global phenomenon, coffee has woven itself into the fabric of societies worldwide, fueling both body and mind. Now, it’s not just a drink—it’s an experience, a ritual, and a connection to history.

Here are some crowd favorites you might want to savor:

Espresso: A classic Italian invention, it’s the base for many other drinks.

Americano: An espresso diluted with hot water, giving it a similar strength to drip coffee.

Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam.

Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam—rich and velvety.

Flat White: Originating from Australia or New Zealand, it’s like a latte but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk.

Macchiato: An espresso with a small amount of foamed milk (Zë’s fav!)

Mocha: Espresso mixed with hot chocolate and steamed milk, for those with a sweet tooth.

Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, served over ice.

Frappé: Popular in Greece, a foamy iced coffee drink made from instant coffee.

What’s your go-to coffee?