Coffee – the magical beverage that powers people through their days. Hot or iced, black or with cream and sugar, there’s no wrong way to drink it. (Some people even pour it over cheese! More on that in a minute).
Around the world, early risers, night owls, and java fans in general turn to coffee as their go-to pick-me-up. In 2015, the International Coffee Organization created a special day so coffee lovers everywhere could unite in celebration of their favorite caffeinated brew. Since then, International Coffee Day has been held annually on October 1.
In honor of International Coffee Day, consider trying a mug of one of these percolated pleasures from around the world.
Believe it or not, Finland holds the title for most coffee consumed per capita. Many people in Finland drink more than four cups a day, with some drinking over ten. Coffee is often a very light roast, but that’s still a lot of java!
Coffee is a huge part of Finnish culture. In fact, Finland is the only country in the world where workers are required by law to take coffee breaks.
In another surprising twist, a popular way of drinking coffee in Finland includes pouring it over cubes of dried cheese. Yes, you read that right — cheese. Kaffeost, or “coffee cheese,” absorbs the coffee like a sponge and can then be eaten from the mug with a spoon.
Brazil — Cafezinho
The most popular coffee drink in Brazil in cafezinho, which translates to “little coffee.” But this small beverage packs big flavor. Cafezinho is strong, and it’s also made with a lot of sugar. In fact, sugar is dissolved right in the water that’s used to make the coffee.
Some might say cafezinho is an acquired taste. You’ll get used to it fast, though, if you’re ever in Brazil. Offering a cup of cafezinho to others is a main feature of Brazilian hospitality.
Perhaps that’s because in Brazil, coffee is more than just a delicious drink; it’s a way of life. Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, with millions of people working in the coffee industry. International Coffee Day was also founded as a way to celebrate these workers and raise awareness of their need for a fair, living wage.
Hong Kong — Yuanyang
Often, people who drink caffeinated beverages are strongly in one of two camps: coffee or tea. In Hong Kong, people have found a way to unite the two drinks in a tasty concoction called yuanyang.
Secret recipes abound, but the main ingredients of yuanyang are freshly brewed coffee and milk tea (black tea brewed with evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk). The result is a silky smooth, sweet drink that packs a big caffeine boost.
Of course, if you aren’t feeling adventurous, you can always keep things basic. Slip on a cozy pair of Empetua leggings, grab a PSL, and celebrate International Coffee Day your way. No matter how you pour it, we’re all coffee lovers here.
How do you take your coffee? Let us know in the comments below. We’ll join you for a cup!
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