Coffee Lifestyle
Coffee culture in America
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Respected for its rich history, film, music industry and collection of unique & historic monuments, America is also home to unique coffee culture. Discover more.
The history of American coffee
Coffee was first brought to America in 1733 by what was known as the Boston Party in 1773. The revolt against King George II generated a noticeable switch from tea to coffee amongst the colonists, resulting in the expansion of American coffee.
By the early 18th century, coffee had become one of the world’s largest profitable commodities. The consumption of American coffee grew to become especially prevalent during the Civil War, ultimately attracting the interest of savvy businessmen who understood coffee’s potential.
Among some of the most famous American coffee sellers are the Pittsburgh-born brothers known as John and Charles Arbuckle. The brothers began selling pre-roasted American coffee to cowboys in the west. Another American coffee seller at the time was James Folger, selling American coffee to gold miners in California. Other large coffee house brands such as Maxwell House and Hills Brothers were also among America’s early successful coffee sellers. The success of coffee during the post-Civil War era was the advance America needed to introduce coffee crops and coffee culture that has been sustained for centuries.
Today, American coffee culture is still going strong. A popular movement with independently owned coffee shops turning coffee into something of an art form. These small local coffee shops use specially selected and locally roasted beans. American coffee culture is just as much about the flavour of the coffee, as it is about how it’s grown, where it’s roasted and how it’s brewed.
American coffee culture
The coffee culture associated with American coffee is one of speed and quantity, in comparison to other coffee cultures such as Italy, where coffee is about relaxation and enjoyment. It’s estimated that Americans drink an average three cups of American coffee a day.
The rise of remote working has transformed the coffee culture of American society. Cafés are now seen as places to work efficiently with high-speed internet and refreshments on hand. There are many who spend hours in coffee shops, getting their work done, hosting important meetings, and indulging in the efficiency and convenience of ready-to-drink coffee. Unlike the sound of conversation amongst friends which is present in most coffee shops around the world, American coffee shops are generally more quiet.
What is American coffee?
The majority of American coffee is made with Arabica beans, usually a medium roast. However, a darker roast is often used for iced coffees. Many Americans prefer their coffee black, or ‘cream only’. There are also those who take their coffee with milk and sugar. Added flavours in the form of syrups such as caramel and the chocolatey flavour of mocha are very popular with American coffee drinkers. Although many associate American coffees with a watered-down espresso, the coffee has very little to do with the water-to-coffee ratio, and more to do with the way that it is brewed. During the Second World War, American soldiers stationed in Italy didn’t care much for the taste of the local coffee, thinking it was too strong. They added more water to dilute it, which is where the stereotype of the ‘watered-down’ coffee comes from.
American coffee aka drip coffee
The drip-brewed method is the most commonly used across America. This method requires a filter and hot water that is poured over the ground coffee beans. This method works perfectly with the medium roast coffee commonly used in America, which is why drip coffee makers are seen in many coffee shops and homes across the country. As in many countries, coffee is a cultural phenomenon, but it’s especially prevalent in American society, with a million Americans drinking coffee every day, whenever they want. No matter where the coffee is made, the most important aspect of American coffee is how it’s brewed.
Are you inspired to make your next travel destination somewhere in America? Next, discover coffee culture in New Orleans.
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