Happy International Coffee Day, a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating that magical elixir that gives you the morning boost you desperately need to get through the day. Whether you prefer it black, au lait, iced, or, like several members of the Euronews Culture team, enjoy a café bombón (a shot of coffee with condensed milk at the bottom), coffee plays a central role in most people's daily routines. However, the International Coffee Organization aims not only to celebrate this beloved beverage but also to promote fair trade coffee. This year, the focus is on "embracing collaboration for collective action," highlighting the often unseen partnerships that bring us our favorite cup. "On International Coffee Day 2024, join us in celebrating the power of collaboration by enjoying a cup of coffee and sharing what coffee means to you in our shared journey," the organization invites. Euronews Culture is doing just that with a cultural guide to coffee that anyone can explore. So, as you savor your favorite brew, consider the following music, films, series, books, snacks, and facts that can enhance your coffee experience.
An old classic that never gets old. Released in 1966, this soulful song about a man and a woman chatting over late-night coffee and cigarettes is perfect for enjoying your morning jolt. "It's early in the morning / About a quarter til three / I'm sitting here talking with my baby / Over cigarettes and coffee." Essentially an ode to the simple pleasures of life, the song captures that moment when you realize there's nowhere else you'd rather be. "And I've got you / And you've got me / And we'll have each other / And we don't, we don't want nothing but joy, y'all / Nothing but joy," the song concludes. Coincidence that joy is indirectly linked to coffee? We think not.
There are countless coffee-themed songs out there, but Sabrina Carpenter's hit song 'Espresso' stands out in 2024. This summer earworm could be interpreted as equating the feeling of being attracted to someone with the addictive and sleepless state caused by caffeine. At least, that's how we see it. Could it have been anything else?
Sure, we could have picked 'Heat' with its infamous diner coffee scene between De Niro and Pacino, or 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' with Holly Golightly's iconic coffee cup. But Jim Jarmusch's 2003 anthology film 'Coffee and Cigarettes' can't be beaten. This quirky and unexpectedly poetic film, featuring stars like Roberto Benigni, Tom Waits, and Bill Murray, is the ideal companion to your coffee break.
In David Lynch's 'Twin Peaks,' food, including coffee, holds symbolic importance. Agent Cooper's famous line, "That's a damn fine cup of coffee," celebrates not just the beverage but the appreciation of life's simple pleasures. In the show, coffee becomes a symbol of goodness and integrity.
Coffee serves as the great unifier in the hit 90s show 'Friends,' where it's basically the seventh friend, gathering the six main characters in Central Perk. Despite the mystery of how they afford it, coffee plays a crucial role in highlighting social connections and communal experiences.
This 2015 novel by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawagushi tells the story of a Tokyo café that allows customers to time travel while enjoying a cup of coffee. The book's simple but resonant message is about the importance of how we choose to spend our time, with coffee as the constant.
Coffee pairs wonderfully with many foods, but did you know it also complements hard cheeses? Whether it's aged Swiss cheese or a fruitier tomme des Aravis, combining strong coffee with intense-tasting cheese unveils new aromas and flavors.
Once you've enjoyed your coffee and cheese pairing, consider ending with a coffee-infused dessert like espresso meringata. It's a decadent treat with layers of meringue, softened coffee gelato, caramel sauce, and crushed coffee beans.
Happy International Coffee Day!
