For millions of Americans, the day doesn't start until they've had a cup of coffee. National Coffee Day, on September 29, celebrates this beloved drink, from simple drip coffee to espresso, lattes and cold brew. Many coffee shops offer deals on this day, and it's a great time to try a new brew or support a local café.
History of National Coffee Day
According to legend, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia by a goat herder named Kaldi, who noticed his goats became energetic after eating coffee berries. The story was first written down centuries later, but coffee does originate in Ethiopia.
By the 1400s, coffee was being cultivated in Yemen, where Sufi monks drank it to stay awake during prayers. Coffeehouses spread through the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s, and to Europe in the 1600s, where they became centers of conversation and business.
In America, coffee became more popular after the Boston Tea Party in 1773, when drinking tea was seen as unpatriotic. Today, Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and Hawaii is one of the few U.S. states that grows coffee. International Coffee Day is October 1. Who created National Coffee Day is not documented.
Why National Coffee Day Matters
Coffee is part of daily routines and social life, from morning rituals to coffee dates.
The coffee industry supports millions of farmers around the world, many of them small producers.
Learning about fair trade and sustainable coffee helps consumers support better conditions for farmers.
Coffee also has a rich social history. Coffeehouses in London, Paris and Vienna were places where people debated ideas, read newspapers and conducted business, and some famous companies began in coffeehouses. Today, cafés remain gathering places for friends, students and remote workers, carrying on that tradition of community and conversation.
How to Celebrate National Coffee Day
- Visit a local café: support an independent coffee shop.
- Try a new brew: experiment with pour-over or French press.
- Make cold brew: steep coffee grounds in cold water overnight.
- Choose fair trade: look for certified coffee.
- Share coffee: buy a cup for a friend or coworker.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a coffee bar with different brews and flavors is a morning treat; include decaf and tea. In classrooms, students can learn how coffee is grown and traded, or research countries that produce coffee. At home, adults can try new brewing methods, while children make hot chocolate. Coffee contains caffeine, so moderation matters.
Fun Facts About National Coffee Day
- Coffee originated in Ethiopia.
- Coffeehouses spread through the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s.
- Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer.
National Coffee Day FAQs
When is National Coffee Day?
National Coffee Day is September 29.
Where did coffee originate?
Ethiopia.
When is International Coffee Day?
October 1.
Which U.S. state grows coffee?
Hawaii is the best-known coffee-growing state.