Can caffeine cause anxiety?

More than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day (about 4–5 cups of coffee) might increase the risk of anxiety and panic attacks in people sensitive to it. Caffeine can be so powerful that "caffeine-induced anxiety disorder" is a subcategory in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

"The natural effects of caffeine stimulate various sensations, such as faster heartbeat, body warming, increased breathing rate – all things that mimic anxiety," said Susan Bowling, doctor of psychology and psychologist at Cleveland's Women's Health Center to the Health website. "Psychologically, it's difficult for the brain to understand that it's not anxiety because it feels the same."

Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive substance in the world, but it doesn't affect everyone the same way. "It depends on your body," said Bowling. "Some people can handle a little caffeine, and others are very sensitive to it. It's mainly based on your genetics." People sensitive to caffeine's effects may break it down more slowly than others.

Astrid Nehlig, brain scientist and research director at INSERM, explained to the Women's Health website that there's a certain genetic variation that can interfere with how your body regulates dopamine, making you more sensitive to caffeine. However, the variation is "fairly rare, affecting only about five percent of the population," she notes.

In addition, this gene variation also indicates "slow caffeine metabolism," said Nehlig – meaning your body takes longer to break down caffeine. You'll likely only know you have this genetic variation if you've had genetic testing through your doctor.

The metabolism factor also affects your sensitivity to coffee. "The population is divided equally between fast and slow metabolism, especially when it comes to coffee. The amount of time coffee stays in the body can be a determining factor in how sensitive people are to caffeine," said Nehlig. This is why some people can drink multiple cups of coffee in a short time without problems, while others start feeling nervous or anxious after just one cup.

Common signs of caffeine-induced anxiety include, headaches, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and sweating. Bowling also gave several recommendations for diagnosing "coffee anxiety." "Keep a journal of caffeine's effect for a week," said Bowling. Besides counting every cappuccino you sip, track other hidden caffeine sources you might consume, such as decaffeinated coffee, cola, chocolate, medications or supplements, energy drinks, and mint candies or snacks with added caffeine.

The following week, eliminate all caffeine while keeping the rest of your diet and activities unchanged. "For people with anxiety, they often notice an improvement in their anxiety levels," said Bowling.

How can you fix the coffee and anxiety problem?

"L-theanine" is an amino acid naturally found in beverages like matcha and green tea – where the compound helps to relax and feel less stressed, and can help with coffee anxiety.

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Experts recommend consuming L-theanine supplements, but currently there isn't enough research supporting this or examining the supplement's implications. However, various doctors do recommend consuming it, but not adding it to coffee – rather consuming it from natural sources, like matcha or green tea as mentioned.

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A Massachusetts coffee shop has become an unexpected viral sensation after offering customers a unique deal: show off your dance moves for five seconds and receive a free coffee, reports Good Morning America.

The promotion at Coffee Milano Cafe in Middleborough, which was inspired by a similar initiative at a local pizza shop, has captured widespread attention on social media, garnering 7.6 million views on TikTok since its posting on November 18.

"Walk in and give us your BEST dance moves for 5 seconds," reads a sign prominently displayed on the establishment's entrance door.

Dancing for free coffee!

(:coffeemilanocafe) pic.twitter.com/p6pck1hkeX

— GoodNewsMovement (@GoodNewsMVT) November 22, 2024

 "We just thought it was going to be a small thing for the people that come in every day," Olivia Svenson, barista and social media director of Coffee Milano Cafe, told ABC News.

The heartwarming initiative has resonated with audiences far beyond the cafe's local customer base. According to Svenson, the viral response stems from the promotion's ability to let people express themselves freely.

"Everybody likes to see people happy," she explained. "It wasn't that (the coffee) was free. It is that people were able to express themselves."

The patrons at Coffee Milano Cafe in Middleborough, Massachusetts did not hold back. https://t.co/oTp7se9m4N

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 22, 2024

 Building on this unexpected success, the cafe is planning to continue spreading joy with a special Black Friday event. Additionally, they are exploring variations of the dance-for-coffee concept, including a potential dance-with-your-dog edition, Svenson revealed.

"We have a fun environment that the owners love, so we just want to make people happy," she said.

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The Telegraph reports that coffee, once maligned as potentially harmful, has emerged as an unexpected ally in the fight against several major diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

'Twenty years of research reveals coffee's protective effects'

Paul Rooke, executive director of the British Coffee Association, explained the dramatic shift to The Telegraph: "If you go back 20 years, there was quite a negative health picture attached to coffee. That has turned around completely, as people have worked out that some components released from coffee when it's roasted are good for your health."

Studies show coffee may help prevent multiple diseases

Research suggests that coffee consumption of up to five cups per day may help ward off heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Scientists attribute these benefits to coffee's rich array of compounds, including polyphenols, melanoidins, and trigonelline, as well as its surprisingly high fiber content.

Which brewing method offers the best health benefits?

According to experts interviewed by The Telegraph, different brewing methods offer varying health advantages

• Instant coffee: Higher in antioxidants but requires moderation

Dr Pál Maurovich-Horvat, director of medical imaging at Semmelweis University in Budapest, notes that instant coffee contains higher levels of antioxidants than ground coffee. These antioxidants protect against cell damage and include melanoidins, which increase beneficial gut bacteria diversity. However, Dr Maurovich-Horvat cautions about acrylamide content, a compound classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. McGill University researchers reassure that this only becomes concerning at consumption levels of about 10 cups daily.

• Filtered coffee: The heart-healthy choice

Norwegian researchers, analyzing 500,000 people over two decades, found lower rates of artery disease and death among filter coffee drinkers, with one to four cups daily providing optimal benefits. The scientists noted that unfiltered coffee contains 30 times more diterpenes, which can raise cholesterol levels.

• Espresso: Potential brain-boosting benefits

University of Verona researchers found that espresso may prevent the build-up of tau protein, thought to play a role in Alzheimer's development. Sophie Collins, a nutrition expert cited by The Telegraph, points out that espresso contains high levels of bioactive compounds, including caffeine and chlorogenic acid, which have been linked to lower risks of Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

• Cold brew: The concentrated choice

Collins explains that the long brewing process results in higher concentrations of bioactive components compared to filter coffee. "The bioactives and the caffeine can be as high as espresso," she notes.

• Decaf versus regular: Both offer health benefits

Dr Maurovich-Horvat tells The Telegraph that decaffeinated coffee still provides health benefits, suggesting it's not just caffeine driving coffee's protective effects. However, he notes that "further studies with more detailed information on the type and preparation of consumed coffee are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms."

What happens when you add milk and sugar?

Regarding additions to coffee, Collins tells The Telegraph that while milk can provide beneficial calcium and reduce bitterness by binding to tannins, women should be mindful of consumption as studies suggest more than 300ml daily may increase cardiovascular risks. She recommends avoiding unnecessary additions like sugar and syrups, suggesting spices as healthier flavor alternatives.

Bean varieties: Health benefits remain consistent

Collins explains to The Telegraph that despite over 100 varieties of coffee beans, including popular Arabica and Robusta varieties, there are no significant differences in their health benefits. The key lies in the preparation method and moderation of consumption.

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Coffee lovers worldwide should brace for a significant hit to their wallets as adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions push coffee bean prices to a 13-year high. Brazil, the world's leading coffee producer, grapples with severe drought, intensifying the global shortage and driving up costs for consumers across the board.

Coffee, one of the world's most coveted commodities, has already experienced substantial price increases in recent years. However, your daily cup is poised to become even more expensive. 

In the US, futures contracts for coffee beans surged nearly 5 percent, reaching $2.718 per pound – a price not seen since 2011. The shortage of the more affordable Robusta beans has fueled increased demand for the Arabica variety.

Brazil's coffee fields have been ravaged by intense heat and drought, resulting in a significant shortfall as the country wraps up its 2024-25 harvest. "It all comes down to the weather," Kona Haque, head of research at ED&F Man, told Bloomberg. Haque pointed to the challenging conditions in growing regions and the looming drought expected in the weeks ahead.

Concerns are mounting as South America braces for a severe drought, which threatens to impact next year's yield as well. "Rainfall in Arabica growing areas has consistently fallen below normal levels since the dry season began in April," Carlos Mera, an analyst at Rabobank, explained to Bloomberg. "This issue compounds an already strained situation where the coffee industry is grappling with port congestion in multiple countries, a global container shortage, disruptions in the Red Sea region, and disappointing harvests in Vietnam."

The ripple effects of these supply chain disruptions have already manifested in price hikes. Consumers in the United States, Europe, and Israel have seen coffee prices climb. This increase in coffee prices contributes to overall inflation and joins a series of price hikes across various retail products.

In Israel, the latest economic data reveals a significant spike in inflation, with the Consumer Price Index jumping to 0.9 percent, well above forecasts. This increase is reflected across various sectors of the Israeli economy. Notable price hikes were observed in several categories: Fresh vegetables saw a dramatic surge of 13.2%, transportation costs increased by 2.8%, and housing expenses rose by 0.6%.

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For some, coffee is a simple morning necessity. For others, it's a passion that stirs them awake. While many are content with a basic cup of joe, true enthusiasts view each rare bean as a hidden gem worth traversing the globe to taste. If you thought your coffee expenditure peaked with that fancy latte from your neighborhood café, prepare for a reality check. In today's world, where coffee has ascended to an art form, aficionados are ready to part with jaw-dropping sums for the perfect cup – often exceeding the cost of a high-end bottle of wine.

The Best of Panama is an annual competition designed to identify and celebrate Panama's finest coffee. It culminates in a high-profile auction.

August 7 might seem unremarkable to most, but for coffee devotees, it marked a momentous occasion. The coffee world converged at the Best of Panama – an elite auction showcasing the country's finest beans and producers. This year's event set a new benchmark when the prestigious Elida Geisha Natural Torre coffee from the Lamastus Family Estates commanded an astonishing $10,013 per kilogram ($4,541 per pound).

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 Following the auction, the estate took to Instagram, expressing their gratitude: "We extend our thanks to all bidders, with special appreciation to the auction winner, Saza Coffee from Japan. This recognition fills us with excitement and humility." They further reflected, "A century of dedication, spanning four generations committed to this product, has culminated in this remarkable achievement with a company 8,078 miles away in Japan. It's beyond our wildest dreams. Words fail to convey our gratitude on behalf of the Lamastus family and Panama. The $10,013 per kilogram price tag isn't just a record for coffee – it's a testament to the value prestigious global coffee companies place on our Lamastus estate beans."

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What makes this coffee so extraordinary?

The Best of Panama is an annual competition designed to identify and celebrate Panama's finest coffee. It culminates in a high-profile auction.

Established in 2004, the competition aims to spotlight Panama's premier coffee, with particular emphasis on the Geisha variety, renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profile. The competition subjects each entry to rigorous evaluation, assessing taste, aroma, and overall quality. The winning coffee is then offered at an exclusive auction, drawing buyers from across the globe eager to secure these elite beans.

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Elida Geisha Natural Torre belongs to the Geisha variety, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after and expensive coffees worldwide. While the Geisha variety traces its roots to Ethiopia, it now thrives primarily in Panama and other South American nations. Celebrated for its complex flavor palette – encompassing notes of fruit, flowers, and spices – and its unparalleled quality, Geisha has earned a devoted following. The Elida plantation in Panama stands as a beacon for cultivating this prestigious variety. Its reputation for producing exceptional coffee has elevated its products to treasured status in the global coffee market. The coffee's hefty price tag reflects both the meticulous care invested in its cultivation and processing and the intense demand it commands among connoisseurs.

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Sleep experts advise against consuming caffeine in the afternoon, as it can significantly disrupt sleep and increase the risk of insomnia.

Caffeine blocks the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter adenosine, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, leading to disrupted sleep and insomnia. Even morning coffee consumption can affect sleep quality.

Caffeine is absorbed within 45 minutes and has a half-life ranging from 1.5 to 9.5 hours in the body, indicating that its effects can last until bedtime. Genetics play a role in caffeine sensitivity and tolerance levels.

To reduce the long-term effects of caffeine on sleep, it is recommended to stop coffee consumption after noon, limit any caffeine-containing foods or drinks, and to avoid caffeine intake at least 8 hours before bedtime, ideally 14 hours.

Decaf coffee can help minimize the stimulating effects of caffeine on sleep, and its benefits include improved sleep quality and duration. Adding sugary additives to coffee can negatively impact sleep quality.

Gradually reducing caffeine intake, such as by incorporating decaf coffee or blending regular and decaf coffee, can benefit sleep and reduce dependence while avoiding withdrawal symptoms.

Coffee offers various health benefits, including mood enhancement, weight regulation, and reducing the risk of diseases like cancer, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes, but excessive consumption can impact sleep quality.

Monitoring caffeine intake throughout the day is crucial, as excessive consumption, including from sources like tea or soda, can impact sleep quality. It is advisable to control daily caffeine intake, not exceeding 400mg.

To maximize the benefits of coffee and support a balanced cortisol response, it is recommended to wait 90 minutes after waking up before consuming caffeine, as this can promote a healthier nervous system, immune health, and better energy levels throughout the day.

Other sleep-friendly caffeinated drinks include matcha with less caffeine and L-theanine, which can elevate levels of calming brain chemicals and improve sleep.

Sources: wellandgood.com, nypost.com, klik.hr, kalteng.antaranews.com, gaya.tempo.co, news-24.fr, thanhnien.vn, fanatik.ro

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Brace yourselves –  we might have to replace our morning coffee ritual. After many social media users attributed mid-day energy crashes to consuming caffeine too early, researchers are delving into the potential advantages and drawbacks of postponing your morning caffeine fix.

"Everyone responds to caffeine differently," explained Marilyn Cornelis, a caffeine researcher at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, in a recent interview with the New York Times.  

The stimulant caffeine can hinder the ability to fall and remain asleep as it counteracts the effects of adenosine, a naturally occurring chemical that promotes sleepiness. According to Michael Grandner, who leads the sleep and health research program at the University of Arizona, it typically takes 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion for caffeine to be absorbed into the bloodstream and exert its effects.

Cornelis noted that genetics influence how long caffeine maintains alertness, with some individuals remaining energized after a single serving while others quickly feel the need for another dose just hours later. Grandner said he usually waits 30 to 60 minutes after waking before having his first coffee.

The reasoning behind delaying caffeine consumption is that since adenosine accumulates throughout the day, ingesting caffeine immediately upon waking provides a diminished boost as adenosine levels are lowest at that time.

Dr. Deborah Lee, a sleep expert at UK furniture company Get Laid Beds, also advocates waiting at least 45 minutes after rising before preparing that initial cup. "The cortisol [stress] hormone cycles according to your unique sleep pattern," Lee told the Mirror in February. "High cortisol levels can impact immunity, and if they peak as you wake, drinking coffee right after opening your eyes may do more harm than good and could even build caffeine tolerance over time."

However, Allison Brager, a neurobiologist with the US Army, informed the Times that research indicates regularly consuming caffeine has minimal effect on morning cortisol levels.

While Brager proposed that morning coffee can aid focus for workers and those exercising, she acknowledged delaying intake could extend caffeine's effects into the early afternoon. Both Grandner and Lee recommended avoiding caffeine within six hours of bedtime to promote restful sleep – at least we know when we should drink our last coffee of the day. 

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Nestle's NESN.S Nespresso coffee business is launching paper-based compostable capsules to attract customers put off by the Swiss packaged food giant's metal ones, which despite being recyclable often end up in landfill. Nespresso CEO Guillaume Le Cunff told Reuters that not all customers were aware that its aluminum capsules are recyclable, and may be more comfortable with the compressed paper pulp pods.

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"The objective is not to replace all the aluminum pods with paper, but to give the consumer more choice. It's an alternative for sustainable options," Le Cunff said in an interview. "You can compost the paper capsules or recycle the aluminum ones. We let the customer choose," he added.

Nespresso is one of Nestle's biggest brands, with 2021 sales of 6.4 billion Swiss francs ($6.7 billion), and also one of its most profitable. After surging sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nespresso has seen growth slowing, although Le Cunff said the launch was not a response to what he called a "readjustment."

Le Cunff did not give any sales targets for the new capsules, which took three years to develop and will be trialed in Switzerland and France, but hoped they would attract new consumers and keep existing ones.

Nor was the launch "greenwashing", Le Cunff said as Nespresso had long been committed to recycling. Instead the new capsules were part of the brand's evolution and innovation. "People who have never considered Nespresso before will buy this capsule, and we may re onboard people who have left."

The brand had also been resilient during previous economic crises, so Le Cunff was confident about its future. "Nespresso is an affordable luxury you might want to protect as a consumer during a tough time," he added.

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"The Viennese Café is an institution of a special kind which is not comparable to any other in the world," Stefan Zweig wrote about his hometown, the glorious capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and now the capital of Austria. When Austria became part of the Third Reich in 1938, Zweig had to leave for good, and as we all know, he would never return to Vienna. Likewise, the scene of the Viennese Café that he adored would never recover from World War II.

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Many of the coffeehouses quickly reopened after the war had ended to show that the destruction has not hurt their spirit. On the surface, business was back – the marble tables were standing; the newspapers were placed on the stands; the pleasant aroma of coffee spread all over. But this was a mirage. The backdrop may have been restored, but it was lifeless.

The Viennese coffeehouse scene was created to a large extent by Jews who would frequent them for many generations. The annihilation of the Jewish community emptied the physical shell of its inner greatness. Of course, even today tourists from all over the world come in droves to enjoy Vienna's famous coffeeshops in order to experience some nostalgic era, but this is akin to visiting the pyramids: You see what's left of a large civilization, and this only highlights the fact that it's gone.

Austria was not the first European nation to get a taste of the black beverage, but it quickly got hooked on it. According to the accepted version of events, the first Viennese Café was opened in the late 17th century by a Ukrainian nobleman called Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, one of the heroes in the 1683 Battle of Vienna, when the Christian armies defeated the Turkish invaders.

Kulczycki was in Vienna in 1683 when the Ottoman Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa Pasha placed the city under siege. Thanks to Kulczycki's command of the Turkish language and familiarity with Islamic customs, he managed to escape Vienna and pass unnoticed through the Turkish garrisons. In doing so, he managed to relay invaluable intelligence between Vienna and the forces that had been sent to help it break the siege.

In the big battle that eventually unfolded, the Christians managed to crush the Ottomans and Kulczycki was hailed as a hero. In appreciation of his resourcefulness, he was awarded benefits, awards, and practically a free hand in taking whatever he wanted from what the fleeing Ottomans had left behind.

Legend has it that he shocked many when instead of taking the most valuable spoils from the loot – such as weapons – he only wanted to take with him 300 sacks of coffee beans. Everyone around him was convinced that the actual contents of those sacks were just camel feed, but Kulczycki, who had spent some of his years in the Ottoman empire as a young man, knew full well what the coffee beans could be used for.

Kulczycki knew how to make coffee from the beans, but he was also well aware of the coffee scene in the Ottoman Empire and what its allure could be. In order to introduce his fellow Viennese residents to the wonders of coffee, Kulczycki made sure it would become affordable and accessible. Kulczycki knew a thing or two about proper marketing well before it had become a profession and simply walked the streets of the city while offering free tastings of this new beverage.

He went on to open the first Viennese coffeehouse, calling it the "House under the Blue Bottle." To attract customers who were still very much new to drinking something other than alcohol, he carried out two additional masterstrokes in marketing. First, he made sure that add some exotic element by serving it in traditional Turkish garbs. He then adapted the traditional black coffee to make it more acceptable to the Viennese palate: He added milk and sugar.

There is also an alternative version to this story, which attributes the introduction of coffee to Vienna to the Armenian merchant Johannes Diodato. Regardless, there is general consensus that Kulczycki was the chief of the coffee merchant guild after the city became a coffee powerhouse. The two figures – Kulczycki and DIodato – are both memorialized in Vienna, so the virtual spat over who was first has never been fully settled.

Beans, affinity, and spiritualism

The great leap forward of the coffee scene in Vienna took place much after the pioneering duo had left for greener pastures. This time it was not the Ukrainians or Armenians who were at the forefront, but the Jews. Before that could happen, there was the challenging period of 1803-1813, during the height of the Anglo-French Wars, when coffee beans were scarce in the capital because of the geopolitical situation, and they were given permission to serve wine instead.

The golden age of the Viennese coffeehouse began in the second half of the 19th century. By 1830, there were already 80 cafés in the city. Some 50 years later, their numbers would reach 300, and by the early 20th century the figure stood at roughly 600. In a way, the changing nature of the cafes was a microcosm of the changing world. In the mid-19th century, the cafés were for men only, but soon enough entire families would sit there, and by the time the 20th century came along, women could sip coffee on their own.

This period coincided with the realization among many Jews across the Austro-Hungarian Empire that they had to integrate into the general society. They began enrolling in universities, made inroads in new occupations that were both prestigious and rewarding, and of course, flocked to the capital.

At every café, you would see a distinct clientele. Café Schwarzenberg was a hub for business people; Café Parsifal would become the preferred spot for members of the philharmonic orchestra; Café Rebhuhn was the place where journalists would work; Café Central was the place where intellectuals gathered.

Many of the Jews began assimilating but society was not overly keen on having them integrate to the fullest extent, especially if they refused to convert to Christianity. Faced with antisemitism, many Jews opted to sit in cafés, where there were no real barriers. This atmosphere was magic for Jews because they felt a sense of connection. The Viennese café had become the alternative to the synagogue, their spiritual home. Moreover, it was the linchpin that held their lives together.

The Viennese café would serve food and drinks, but what drew the masses was the added value it offered. The customers appreciated the fact that this was a place where they could sit and exchange views, make friends and enemies, pick up their mail and post their responses, shower praise or heap criticism on people, as well as play chess or cards. In other words: They lived in the café.

One of those cafe regulars was Gustav Grüner, who coined the phrase: "A true coffeehouse guest is someone who, when leaving, puts his chair on the table by himself." This was clearly his way of telling how long people should stay at a coffeehouse. Grüner practiced what he preached: His café hopping would only end at 4 a.m.

A house, more than just for coffee

Naturally, the more coffeehouses became a place for social gatherings, the more they catered to a specific clientele. At Café Schwarzenberg, the oldest among the cafés on the Vienna Ring Road, the regulars would normally be those who worked in finance or business. Café Parsifal was the place where the philharmonic orchestra's players would gather with their close associates, and so forth. Café Rebhuhn, which was founded in the 18th century, was the watering hole for journalists, and Café Griensteidl was the place for writers and poets who formed part of the Young Vienna (Jung-Wien) group of intellectuals, including Hugo von Hofmannsthal,  Richard Beer-Hofmann, Arthur Schnitzler, and Hermann Bahr.

At Café Central, where intellectuals would gather, you could find the writer Peter Altenberg, the founder of the school of individual psychology Alfred Adler, the historian Egon Friedell, the journalist and author Alfred Polgar, architect Adolf Loos and the mathematician, novelist Leo Perutz, and of course, Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism.

They would be accompanied by members of the Vienna Circle of logical positivists. In the big hall on the first floor, the chess players would play and play to the point that the café would often be referred to as "the Chess Academy." Their small apartments, whose atmosphere was in stark opposition to that of the café, were just for sleeping because their waking hours were dedicated to the café. It is no wonder, then, that in the address book for the residents of Vienna Altenberg's residence was listed as "Café Central, Wien."

Around the tables of the Café Landtmann, near the city hall and the national theater Burgtheater, the celebrities of those days would sit, including Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, Emmerich Kálmán, Felix Salten, Max Reinhardt, and Oskar Kokoschka.

Most of the artists preferred Café Museum, whose internal design was the making of Loos himself. Unlike other coffeehouses, which had the Thonet chairs designed by Austrian Jew Michael Thonet, the furniture in Café Museum was influenced by the desire for simplicity and functionality, and as a consequence, the place was often dubbed Café Nihilismus (café nihilism).

Some celebrities would keep alternating cafés (including Freud, who would sometimes visit Café Central). Others would become regulars at multiple cafes simultaneously, pledging their faith to their preferred coffeehouse at all costs, considering it a crucial part of their daily lives. For them, the coffeehouse was their home, perhaps even more than then real place of residence.

Newspapers and shortbread

The story of District Court Judge Reiter underscored what it meant to be a regular at the Viennese Café. His honor would arrive every day at 4 p.m. sharp and sit at the same table at Café Colosseum, immediately being served a melange with whipped cream and two horn-shaped shortbreads. He would then be handed the evening papers and all other national and international newspapers, pay, and finally leave – without uttering a word.

Generations of waiters would be trained on how to properly serve the judge. Then one day, the unthinkable happened: Two waiters were quarreling with the owner and then stormed out. When the judge arrived at his designated time, no one was there to wait his table. At 4:06 p.m., the crestfallen judge turned to the substitute waiter and sent him to Café Hacker across the road to bring his Melange with the whipped cream and two horn-shaped shortbreads

There was often a joke that in Vienna coffeehouses that if you went there, you would consume time and occupy a seat but you would end up paying only for coffee. Even if some of the regulars thought this was too pricey, they would never even entertain the thought of giving up their favorite pastime. It is often said that Zweig would often find himself without money to pay the bill and then he would turn to the waiter and ask, "Can you please keep this table for me. I will go drink my coffee at home and then come back."

During the 1920s, many of the city's intellectual elite relocated from Central and Museum to the Jewish-owned Café Herrenhof. It became a powerhouse of Judeo-Viennese culture with colorful figures descending on it every day. The thoughts and ideas they articulated would fly far and wide, well beyond the walls of the coffeehouse.

One example was the brilliant Jewish jurist and card player Hugo Sperber. When asked how long a game would last, the eccentric lawyer would respond with one of two answers. If he answered, "Unfortunately, I have a court appearance tomorrow," it was understood that he would not be able to play long because he would have to get a good night's sleep. The other response, "Until the students arrive," was a well-known reference to the Passover Haggadah, meaning, until dawn.

As for the brews available in the coffee shops, there was a wide variety. They would have to choose the kind of drink (which usually referred to the ratio of coffee to milk) and its size ("nut-cup", "piccolo" or "teacup"). Melange, for example, had equal amounts of coffee and milk. In a Brauner, you would find the coffee to be dominant and in others, milk was most of the beverage.  At a later stage, there was also a variety of combinations and variations that could include ice cream, ice cubes, rum, and a whole host of glasses.

The sophisticated waiters at Herrenhof had a paint-color scale with 20 different shades of brown, each with its own number. The regulars would choose their preferred number and got the coffee in the color of their choice. The numbers would be meaningless in any other coffeehouse, and even the types of coffees would have their own nomenclature in the Herrenhof. If you ordered a Sperber Turk, the waiter would know that your choice is Turkish coffee with a double shot along with two cubes of sugar. This was the coffee that Sperber would ask for before important legal proceedings.

Humanity's heritage

After the Anschluss, the golden era of the Viennese coffeehouse came to an abrupt end. Cafe Herrenhof was seized from its Jewish owner and no Jewish customers were allowed in. The lucky few Jews managed to flee the country, but others were persecuted and murdered. Nevertheless, in the Herrenhof, they continued to serve the coffee to Aryans who would frequent it all through the war, and the headwaiter Franz Hnatek continued to carry the baton as he had done since its founding in 1918.

When news broke that the Allies had landed on the beaches of Normandy, it was all too clear where the pendulum was shifting in the war. Hnatek whispered into the ears of one of the patrons who could hardly be suspected of being a Nazi sympathizer: "Does this mean that the other gentlemen are coming back soon?"

The ever-so energetic Hnatek knew the world only through the prism of his clients, or rather through their presence or absence. Most of his customers would never return. Only a handful of the Jews of the city, which in 1938 stood at 250,000, survived the Holocaust.

With the disappearance of the Jews, the routine that had been built around the Viennese coffeehouse came to an end, even if the tourist information centers claim otherwise. We can at least take solace in that UNESCO has listed the Viennese Coffee House Culture in its inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage institutions.  The memory, at least in that regard, will live on.

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One reason for the drop in coffee reserves is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the disruptions it has caused the supply chains around the world. On top of that, Brazil – which is accounts to 39% of the global supply – has experienced weather unfavorable to coffee growers, adversely affecting their output. Many growers in the Southern American country have opted to sell the bean domestically than ship abroad, resulting in higher prices outside the country.

The post Coffee lovers hit by global supply shortage due to Brazil weather appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.