Happy National Coffee Day!
For many of us, the day doesn’t officially begin until we’ve had that first sip of coffee. In the U.S., we often call it a “cup of Joe”—but where did that nickname come from? Surprisingly, the origins aren’t so clear, and several theories have brewed over the years.
Who’s Joe, Anyway?
One popular story points to World War I. U.S. Navy Secretary Josephus “Joe” Daniels banned alcohol on ships, leaving sailors with black coffee as their strongest drink. As a jab at Daniels, they supposedly started calling coffee a “cup of Joe.” While memorable, this tale has some holes—most notably, the phrase didn’t appear in writing until the 1930s, well after Daniels’ ban.
Another possible source comes from 1898, when Joe Martinson founded Martinson Coffee in New York City. Known for bold flavors and an even bolder personality, Martinson’s brand marketed its brews as a “cup of Joe,” a phrase that later spread beyond the company’s reach.
Then there’s the linguistic angle. Coffee was once commonly called “java” or “mocha.” Over time, the two merged into “jamoke,” which eventually got shortened to “Joe.” And, of course, some argue the simplest explanation is the best: coffee became “Joe” because it was the drink of the average Joe.
A World Fueled by Coffee
Regardless of its name, coffee has a history as rich as its flavor. The story begins in Ethiopia, where early tribes ground coffee berries and mixed them with animal fat for energy. By the 15th century, coffee made its way to Yemen, home of the first documented coffee houses and the beginnings of brewed coffee as we know it.
Today, coffee is cultivated in more than 70 countries. Brazil leads the pack, producing nearly one-third of the world’s beans, followed by Vietnam. Globally, coffee is a $495 billion industry, with new brewing methods and specialty blends keeping the culture evolving.
America’s Love Affair with Coffee
In the U.S., coffee consumption has hit a 20-year high. According to the National Coffee Association, 67% of adults reported drinking coffee in the past day—up significantly from fewer than half in 2004. Drip coffee remains the go-to, but lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots are climbing fast in popularity. Collectively, Americans spend nearly $110 billion annually on coffee, with the average person shelling out about $20–30 per week on their caffeine fix.
Coffee Records and Curiosities
Coffee can be affordable—or extravagant. Guinness World Records recently recognized the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, sold earlier this month in Dubai for a jaw-dropping $680. Brewed from one of the rarest beans in existence, it proves just how far people will go for that perfect cup.
Raising a Mug to Joe
Whether you call it java, mocha, brew, or a good old “cup of Joe,” coffee has fueled conversations, creativity, and connections for centuries. On National Coffee Day, take a moment to savor your favorite roast—and maybe share the story of how this everyday drink got its most famous nickname.