Are you someone who can’t kickstart your day without a satisfying dose of caffeine? Well, you’re certainly not the only one. Coffee consumption in the United States has been on the rise, reaching its peak in 2012. Not only that, but the global coffee exports have also witnessed a significant surge. The International Coffee Organization reports a 2.2 percent increase in global coffee exports between October 2020 and July 2021, when compared to the corresponding period in 2019 and 2020. It seems like the love for this energizing beverage knows no boundaries or limitations!
So, it seems like coffee has become a pretty significant part of the daily routine for a lot of people in America, right? And here’s something that’s got me curious: Why are so many coffee enthusiasts in the U.S. going for those Italian-sounding drinks? You know, lattes and macchiatos just seem to roll off their tongues effortlessly. It’s got me wondering, how did this trend come about? I mean, it’s not like coffee originated from Italy or anything, right?
According to ancient tales, the magnificent coffee bean first emerged in the Ethiopian highlands and was stumbled upon by a goat herder named Kaldi. From there, it traversed the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions, eventually catching the attention of Europeans in the 17th century. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Dutch for its widespread popularity. However, it is worth noting that numerous classic coffee concoctions we enjoy today, many of which have been popularized by the esteemed Starbucks coffeehouse (but we’ll discuss that in more detail later), can be traced back to Italy. And the key player in this coffee revolution? The espresso machine, which opened up a world of possibilities for true coffee enthusiasts.
Did you ever believe that espresso was just a specific type of coffee bean? Well, think again! It’s actually a unique method of preparing coffee, and its origins can be traced back to 19th-century Italy. Back then, making regular brewed coffee could be quite time-consuming, taking up to five minutes. Naturally, coffee aficionados desired a way to reduce the waiting time from ordering to sipping their beloved beverage. The earliest espresso machines were clunky and not very user-friendly. However, by the early 20th century, an innovative Italian manufacturer named Luigi Bezzera had developed a single-shot espresso machine that could whip up a cup of coffee in a matter of seconds. Of course, it took some time for these machines to become more user-friendly and for the flavor of the resulting coffee to improve. But trust me, once they did, it was worth the wait!
According to Paul Bassett, a former World Barista Champion, the espresso machine brought about a significant change in the world of coffee. It allowed for the quick and convenient preparation of coffee, designed to be enjoyed right away, often while standing at a bar. This innovation not only revolutionized the way espresso was brewed but also influenced how people consumed it.
Italian coffee culture experienced significant growth, and the widespread popularity of espresso, as it is recognized today, emerged in Italy and France during the 1930s. This insight comes from Mark Pendergrast, the author of the book “Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World.” Pendergrast goes on to explain how the espresso frenzy spread to the United States during the 1950s beatnik movement and the subsequent rise of coffeehouse culture. This espresso craze created quite a sensation across the nation.
According to Mike Ferguson from Olam Specialty Coffee, back in the early days of the specialty coffee industry, being authentic meant embracing an Italian vibe. This trend carried on and in the 1980s, a large majority of coffeehouses sported Italian names and incorporated Italian elements into their cafes and menus as much as they could.
When it comes to the coffee beverages they offer, they have kept the names authentic to their Italian origins, as they are crafted with pure espresso. The names actually describe what is added to the espresso itself. For instance, if you type “macchiato” into Google Translate, you’ll find that it means “stained” or “spotted,” and this is because the name of the drink is indicative of the small amount of milk that creates a delightful stain on the espresso.
According to Bassett, espresso is intrinsically associated with Italy both as a drink and as an integral part of their cultural identity. He explains that espresso has traveled across the globe and undergone various reinterpretations.
Even after taking a different perspective, the beverages labeled with Italian names still maintain their fundamental essence of being built upon a foundation of espresso, accompanied by a customary inclusion of milk. Take the caffè latte, for instance, commonly referred to as simply a “latte” in the United States. This delightful concoction is a delightful blend of espresso, milk, and frothy foam. While the literal translation of caffè latte may be “milk coffee,” it is important to note that it is not simply coffee mixed with milk. In fact, if you were to order an espresso with both milk and milk foam, it wouldn’t quite have the same enticing appeal.
Understanding the difference between espresso and brewed coffee is crucial. Let’s take a closer look at the Americano, a beverage created for Americans in Italy who craved a similar taste to the brewed coffee they enjoyed back home. Since it originated in Italy and involves adding water to espresso, it proudly retains its Italian name.
So, we’ve covered the different names for coffee drinks, but what about Starbucks and their use of Italian words for sizes like grande and venti? Well, according to a Starbucks representative, the introduction of the Short, Tall, and Grande sizes happened back in 1986 when Il Giornale, the coffeehouses launched by Starbucks Chairman Emeritus Howard Schultz during his break from the company, opened its doors. Then, in the early 1990s, they added the Venti hot cup size to the mix. It’s interesting how Starbucks has incorporated these Italian words into their sizing system, isn’t it?
According to the information provided on the company’s website, Schultz was extremely fascinated by the charm and allure of Italian coffee bars and the overall experience of enjoying coffee. This captivation motivated him to introduce this tradition to the United States. Eventually, Schultz came back to Starbucks and acquired the company in 1987. The influence of Italian coffee culture remained prominent even after the acquisition, as evidenced by the introduction of the popular blended beverage known as the Frappuccino. It is worth noting that while this term may sound Italian, it is actually a trademarked name and not a native Italian word.
If you’re not keen on having a coffee with an Italian title, why not give a flat white a shot tomorrow morning? It’s an Aussie-style espresso beverage that includes milk but without the frothy top layer. In fact, if you’re not a fan of using Italian terminology altogether, you could even refer to your spaghetti as “noodles.”
Did you know that caffeine, found in coffee, is actually the most popular drug worldwide? It’s true! Most people can enjoy low to moderate amounts of caffeine without any problems, as it’s generally safe. However, there have been some clinical studies that suggest some individuals may become dependent on caffeine. It’s crazy to think that something as simple as a cup of coffee could have such an impact on our bodies!