In The Beginning

Ahh coffee, such an important part of our daily routines. But why? How did we get this way? When and why does one become a coffee drinker?

Recently I met someone who had managed to not drink coffee in the 30 years they’ve been on the planet. Coffee is too bitter and acidic she said, but she was in desperate need of a caffeine injection to her mornings. I knew just what to make her, a mocha, aka the gateway coffee. It’s creamy, rich and sweet with its deep dark chocolate and extra sprinkles. Oh yes, she was hooked, who wouldn’t be?

The whole experience made me reflect on why I started drinking coffee and I became curious about what it was that made people pick up their first cuppa joe.

Of course, the answer is different for many but the underlying current of why almost always includes a social aspect. For me it was because of my mom and sisters. The year I went off to college anytime I would come home for a visit she would ask if I wanted a coffee. I guess in her mind I was now old enough to start imbibing in the caffeine laden beverage. However, the answer was always a firm NO, the complexity of a coffee’s flavour could not tempt my 18-year-old taste buds.

But my sisters all started having babies that year and I don’t know if you’ve noticed but parents with kids sure do like to hang out at their local coffee shop. I would often join them because I knew it was a chance to chat, catch up or just relax and hangout. On one of these occasions our local haunt had added something called an “Iced Polar Mocha” to their menu board. This was a blended concoction with ice, milk, chocolate, coffee, whipped cream, sprinkles. I was intrigued enough to try it and then…I fell in love at first sip. Now, I know this hardly counts as coffee but for me it was my first foray into the coffee world and I never looked back.

For some, the coffee habit starts during college. Caffeine is a must for those late-night study sessions and most students are poor so a giant pot of brewed coffee for you and your pals is the only way to go.

For others, it’s their first job in an office that got them hooked on the dark elixir. What office break room doesn’t have a pot of coffee brewing? Whether you just want to stretch your legs or you don’t want to be left out on all the latest goings-on, you will make the trek from desk to coffee pot multiple times in your day.

But for many, like myself, it’s simply because someone close to them, a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend invited them to take the time to sit down, relax and connect over a coffee.

What about you my coffee lovers? Do you remember your first coffee experience? What kind of coffee did you choose? Do you still drink the same kind of coffee today?