Introduction

A quick espresso on the go, a cappuccino on a patio, or a carefully brewed filter coffee at home. These days, coffee is available everywhere and in countless varieties. A hundred years ago, things looked very different. Yet there’s one thing that has stood the test of time: coffee brought people together. The coffee experience wasn’t just about the taste, but above all about attention, hospitality, and social interaction. In this article, we’ll take you back to the early 20th century to discover what we can still learn today from the way our grandparents drank coffee.

Coffee was a daily ritual

Around 1925, the day began in many households with a carefully brewed cup of coffee. Unlike today, there were no fully automatic coffee machines that could prepare a perfect espresso in a matter of seconds. Brewing coffee took time and attention.

Ground coffee was carefully weighed and brewed with hot water in a coffee pot, percolator, or early filter setup. This made brewing coffee a regular part of the daily routine. Precisely because the process took more time, it created an opportunity to sit down together at the table before the day began.

Why did social interaction play such a big role?

While coffee is sometimes gulped down on the go these days, a hundred years ago it was the perfect time to get together.

Whenever family or friends came to visit, coffee was soon on the table. The coffee pot would often stay on the table for a long time while conversations flowed naturally. It wasn’t about speed; the focus was on the gathering itself.

Coffeehouses were also popular gathering places. Entrepreneurs, artists, and local residents would gather there to exchange ideas, discuss business, or simply catch up on current events. Coffee was thus much more than just a hot beverage; it served as an important social bond.

The experience was the focus

These days, we talk a lot about the coffee experience. Specialty coffee, latte art, and single-origin coffees all contribute to a complete experience. Interestingly, that focus on the experience was just as important a hundred years ago, although it took a different form.

Back then, it was all about:

• focus on typesetting;
• taking time for each other;
• hospitality;
• Enjoying life without rushing.

In practice, we’ve noticed that these values are becoming increasingly important again today. People are consciously seeking moments of tranquility and are more often opting for manual brewing methods such as the V60, Chemex, or French Press. In doing so, modern coffee lovers are surprisingly in tune with the traditions of the past.

What did coffee taste like back then?

Not only was the brewing method different; the taste was also quite different.

Coffee was often roasted to a darker shade than it is today. In addition, beans were stored for longer periods, and sugar was almost always added to a cup of coffee. Milk was used less often than we are accustomed to today.

Specialty coffee didn’t exist yet. There was hardly any choice among dozens of countries of origin or different fermentation methods. Most consumers simply drank whatever coffee was available locally.

Still, that didn’t mean quality wasn’t important. In fact, a well-brewed cup of coffee was something that received a lot of attention.

What kind of coffee equipment was used a hundred years ago?

The espresso machine as we know it today was still virtually nonexistent in Dutch households.

Common typesetting methods included:

• traditional coffee pot;
• percolator;
• early paper filters;
• siphon;
• enameled coffee pots.

It’s interesting to note that the siphon is often regarded these days as a modern and spectacular brewing method. In reality, this technique has been around for over a century and is currently making a real comeback in the specialty coffee world.

What can we learn today from the past?

Although technology has made enormous strides, the most important values have hardly changed.

What we often see at coffee shops, restaurants, and among home baristas is that guests are primarily looking for a pleasant experience. Of course, a good espresso plays an important role, but the atmosphere, personal attention, and hospitality ultimately determine how someone experiences their coffee moment.

That is precisely why the history of coffee remains surprisingly relevant today.

A good cup of coffee isn’t just the result of high-quality beans or modern equipment. It’s the combination of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and connection that makes a coffee moment special.

Modern coffee culture is once again in line with the past

In recent years, we’ve seen a clear trend. People are increasingly making a conscious choice to prioritize quality over speed. Slow coffee, artisanal roasters, and local coffee shops are gaining popularity.

That’s actually a return to basics.

While our great-grandparents naturally took the time to brew coffee, more and more coffee lovers are now consciously choosing to do so again. The techniques have become more modern, but the idea behind them has remained virtually the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did people drink espresso a hundred years ago?

Espresso was still in its infancy. In the Netherlands, people mainly drank filter coffee or coffee made in a percolator.

Why was coffee such a social activity in the past?

Coffee was part of visits, family gatherings, interactions with neighbors, and business meetings. Drinking coffee was an important part of daily life together.

Is slow coffee actually a new trend?

No. In fact, many modern manual brewing methods closely resemble the way coffee used to be brewed. The current popularity of slow coffee is actually a rediscovery of old traditions.

Why is the coffee experience so important these days?

People are increasingly looking for quality, personal attention, and a complete experience. This applies both at home and in the hospitality industry. A good cup of coffee, therefore, goes beyond just taste; hospitality, expertise, and presentation are also part of the overall experience.

Discover the coffee experience for yourself

Are you curious about how traditional coffee knowledge and modern techniques come together? During a Barista Studio workshop, you’ll not only learn how to brew better coffee, but you’ll also discover the story behind coffee, the different brewing methods, and the influence of flavor and experience.

Whether you’re a home barista, work in the hospitality industry, or are looking for an inspiring team-building activity, there’s always a workshop that’s right for you.

👉 Check out all of Barista Studio’s workshops: https://www.studiobarista.nl/workshops/