Though I’m not much of a coffee drinker myself, I can still appreciate the cultural significance of this beloved beverage. Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a conversation starter, and for many, a necessary start to the day. Here in Omaha, we have some fantastic local coffee shops, but International Coffee Day gives us a chance to look beyond our borders and explore the global love for this drink. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a casual sipper, October 1st is your day to indulge in a cup and join the global celebration!

How Did International Coffee Day Begin?

International Coffee Day is celebrated annually on October 1st, and while coffee has been enjoyed for centuries, this holiday is relatively new. The day was officially established by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in 2015, though several countries had been celebrating their own coffee days long before that. The ICO wanted to create a unified date to raise awareness about coffee's journey from bean to cup, recognizing the work of farmers, producers, and baristas worldwide.

The day is also an opportunity to promote fair trade and sustainability in the coffee industry. Coffee is one of the most traded commodities globally, but many small-scale farmers still struggle to make a living. International Coffee Day encourages people to support ethical sourcing, ensuring that everyone involved in coffee production is treated fairly.

Top International Coffees to Try

From the smooth espresso of Italy to the rich brews of Ethiopia, each country has its unique way of crafting this beloved beverage. If you want to broaden your coffee experience on International Coffee Day, here are seven top international coffees worth trying:

1. Ethiopia: Yirgacheffe Coffee Ethiopia is often considered the birthplace of coffee, and Yirgacheffe coffee is one of its finest exports. Known for its fruity and floral notes, Yirgacheffe coffee is light and fragrant, making it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs worldwide.

2. Italy: Espresso Italy revolutionized coffee culture with its creation of the espresso in the early 20th century. Italians take their espresso seriously—it’s meant to be enjoyed in small sips, often standing at a café bar. Rich, bold, and full-bodied, Italian espresso is the foundation for many popular coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Colombia: Colombian Coffee Colombia’s climate and geography make it ideal for coffee cultivation. Colombian coffee is often described as smooth with balanced acidity and nutty undertones. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great introduction to international coffee for beginners.

4. Turkey: Turkish Coffee Turkish coffee is unlike anything else. Finely ground coffee is simmered with water and sugar in a special pot called a cezve, creating a strong, unfiltered brew. The grounds are not strained out, so Turkish coffee has a thick texture and is often served with a side of sweet treats.

5. Vietnam: Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) Vietnam is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, known for its robusta beans. Vietnamese iced coffee is typically made with strong brewed coffee and sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. It’s a refreshing yet bold choice, especially for those who like their coffee sweet.

6. Jamaica: Blue Mountain Coffee Grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, this coffee is one of the most sought-after in the world. Blue Mountain coffee is prized for its mild flavor and smooth finish, with almost no bitterness. It’s often considered a luxury coffee, so if you can find it, it’s worth a try!

7. Cuba: Café Cubano Café Cubano is a type of espresso shot that’s sweetened with sugar as it brews, creating a frothy, syrupy layer on top. This rich, strong coffee is a staple in Cuban culture and is often enjoyed in small, potent servings.

6 Popular (But Odd) Coffee Orders

While some people stick to their black coffee or latte routine, others get creative with their coffee orders. Here are six odd but popular coffee drinks you might come across:

1. Butter Coffee (Bulletproof Coffee) This trend involves blending coffee with unsalted butter and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. Advocates say it provides lasting energy and keeps you fuller longer. It’s a favorite among those on keto diets but certainly not your average cup of joe!

2. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) A specialty of Vietnam, egg coffee is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk, then adding strong coffee. The result is a rich, creamy concoction that’s more like a dessert than a drink.

3. Charcoal Latte Activated charcoal has found its way into the coffee world! A charcoal latte is a visually striking, jet-black drink that proponents claim has detoxifying properties. Whether it works or not is debatable, but it certainly makes for an Instagram-worthy moment.

4. Affogato This Italian treat combines two of the best things in life: coffee and ice cream. An affogato is simply a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato. The hot and cold contrast makes for an indulgent dessert-drink hybrid.

5. Citrus Coffee While it may sound odd, adding a slice of lemon or orange to iced coffee has become a trend in some coffee shops. The citrus adds a refreshing tang and can balance the bitterness of strong brews.

6. Lavender Latte Floral flavors aren’t just for tea. The lavender latte blends espresso with lavender-infused milk, creating a delicate, fragrant drink that’s both calming and caffeinated. It’s popular in wellness-focused cafés.

Celebrating in Omaha

Even though I’m not a coffee drinker myself, Omaha’s coffee scene is something to celebrate! Whether you’re grabbing a cup from Archetype Coffee or enjoying a cozy morning at Hardy Coffee Co., our local cafés have plenty to offer. On International Coffee Day, why not step out of your comfort zone and try a new international coffee or an unusual drink? Who knows—you might discover a new favorite.

Join the Conversation

What’s your favorite way to enjoy coffee? Are you a fan of the classics, or do you prefer something more adventurous? Let me know in the comments! If you try one of the international coffees or odd coffee orders listed above, be sure to share your experience!

Whether you’re brewing your own cup or heading out to your favorite Omaha coffee shop, I hope you enjoy International Coffee Day! This day is about celebrating the global coffee community and the hard work behind every sip. Here’s to the rich, flavorful, and sometimes quirky world of coffee!