Coffee is popular in America because it’s intrinsically tied to the country’s history. This is particularly in relationship to its traditions of freedom and rebellion from tyranny. From the Boston Tea Party to the Civil War and beyond, coffee has been part and parcel to the American way of life.
In fact, it’s become so ingrained within society, that every state boasts having great beans, great baristas and/or fabulous coffee shops. But, Seattle and New York City are the two places with worldwide fame for their coffee and plentitudes of coffee shops. However, there other places to consider that may surprise you.
Why Is Coffee Closely Linked with the Boston Tea Party?
Coffee plants came to America early on in the 18th century. However, it gained popularity in 1773 during the Boston Tea Party. This was a colonial reaction to a tea tax imposed by the British Parliament earlier that year.
They increased an exorbitant amount of taxes on the regular American citizens, but they allowed the East India Trading Company to sell tea to America without having to pay taxes themselves. The protestors, called the “Sons of Liberty” then proceeded to dump 5,000 chests full of tea into the Boston Harbor.
Other events added to the tea fiasco that forced the colonists to not only refuse drinking any tea, but it became a symbol of patriotic duty to drink coffee instead. It was this event of the Boston Tea Party that contributed to the start of the American Revolution.
What Does Coffee Have to Do with the American Revolutionary War?
Coffee consumption didn’t just stop at the Boston Tea Party. This became the preferred drink of the people as coffee houses burgeoned with patriots. It was this war with Britain that resulted in the creation of The Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.
As a matter of fact, the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence happened at the Merchant’s Coffee House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Was Coffee a Favorite Beverage among America’s Founding Fathers?
It’s not clear whether all America’s founding fathers drank coffee or not. However, there are documents to provide strong evidence that John Adams, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson all drank coffee. As a matter of fact, Martha Washington documents her personal recipe to devise the perfect cup of coffee. You can find it in Mrs. Washington’s “rules for good coffee.”
Was Coffee Important to the American Civil War?
During the time of the American Civil War, the first attempts at instant coffee came onto the scene. This became an invaluable commodity among soldiers. It helped boost their mood and energy to keep on fighting. Both the Union army and the Confederacy had their own versions.
How Many People Drink Coffee in America Today?
According to a thorough study by National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT), released in March of 2021, seven out of 10 Americans drink coffee every week. Over 60% of those seven people drink coffee daily with an average consumption of around three cups.
What Are the Demographics around Coffee Drinking in America Today?
As per the NCDT study, American coffee drinking habits increase with age. Coffee drinkers 24 years and older will consume coffee for breakfast compared to those of their younger counterparts. However, 18 to 24 year olds consume far more coffee than those over 60.
Even though New York City is famous for its coffee drinks, more people there are likely to order a cup of decaf than those in the Midwest. People on the West Coast drink 50% more premium brewed and cold brew coffee than those in the south. But, southerners are prone to ordering frozen blended coffee by 25% more than their northern neighbors.
Which States Are Best Known for Their Coffee?
New York is king when it comes to coffee. They drink more coffee on a daily basis than most other states and they pay more for it. This comes in comparison to states like Oklahoma or Ohio, where they pay the least. However Washington takes spot number two and California comes in third. Oregon is in fourth place.
Is There Such a Thing as a “Coffee Capital” in America?
While NYC is a coffee drinkers’ wonderland, with coffee shops splaying every street corner, it’s not the “Coffee Capital” of America. That honor goes to Seattle, Washington, albeit the state itself is in second place. NYC comes after Seattle and then San Francisco with Portland in fourth place.
Which State Consumes the Most Coffee on a Daily Basis?
According to a study by Zippia, on average, the residents of New Mexico actually consume the most coffee per day per person. They drink about 2½ cups of java.
Which State is the Most Caffeinated in America?
Coffee withstanding, there are a few states that exceed caffeine intake. This includes any and all things that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks, among others. Vermont takes first place in this regard, per the Zippia study. Coming in after Vermont is Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Hawaii.
Are There Any States That Are the Least Caffeinated in America?
Of all 50 states, Delaware is the least caffeinated. But so is Maryland and Georgia.
Is There an Area in America Where Coffee Isn’t So Popular?
The south has the least number of coffee drinkers per capita. Don’t misunderstand, southerners love coffee. But caffeine and hot temperatures don’t always mesh very well. If they do consume it, it’s most likely going to be iced or frozen types.
According to WalletHub, Toledo, Ohio consumes the least amount of coffee followed by Birmingham, Alabama and then Detroit, Michigan.
What Other Places Are Famous for Coffee in America?
Almost anywhere there is a big city, you will find a huge coffee culture. The following cities are among the top 10 American places to grab a great cup of Joe:
- Los Angeles, California
- Washington, D.C.
- Chicago, Illinois
- Miami, Florida
- Boston, Massachusetts
- San Diego, California
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.