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I started my day with the intention to have a productive morning: an avocado and salmon bagel, a walk to my local coffee shop, and that satisfying first sip of caffeine. But when my fully stamped loyalty card (that would’ve granted me free coffee) mysteriously disappeared from the pocket I always keep it in, the morning was written off. It’s funny how something so small can matter so much, but that’s the thing about coffee culture. It isn’t just about the drink, it’s about the rituals, routines, and little rewards that shape our day.

This idea isn’t new though. European Cafés have always treated coffee as not only a ritual, but also a social, and sometimes even a lifestyle. In Italy, mornings often start with a cappuccino, while shots of espresso fuel the rest of the day. Ordering a cappuccino after 11 a.m.? Well, that’s actually considered a “tourist move.” In France, the outdoor café culture is a way of life: rain or shine, people sip café au lait at terrace tables, watching the world pass by and drawing inspiration from their surroundings. In Sweden, the tradition of ‘Fika’ turns coffee into a social pause; a moment to slow down, enjoy a sweet pastry, and connect with colleagues and friends. These daily rituals aren’t just quaint customs; they shape relationships, and even wellbeing, hence why Sweden consistently ranks high on the World Happiness Report.

In recent years, coffee has evolved into both a luxury experience and essentially a fashion statement. Creators like Joel Marlinarson highlight how brands tap into the ‘little treat culture,’ offering a taste of luxury without the need of owning a designer bag. The branded cups, influencer posts, and films like The Devil Wears Prada also reinforce coffee as a performance of productivity. Fashion writer Judith notes that coffee often isn’t fuelling us—it’s fuelling the appearance of being productive. I honestly felt called out, as I believed that my caramel oat latte in the morning made me productive, when in actuality I find myself taking photos of it and doing everything but said work.

However, with the cost-of-living crisis, spending nearly £5 for a coffee feels less indulgent and more impractical. Making your own coffee at home instead can be just as satisfying and far more economical. TikTok is full of creative homemade recipes, from simple syrups to unique dessert flavours topped with cold foams. Purchasing your own coffee machines seems like a worthwhile financial investment, and experimenting at home can even be even more fun. My personal favourite? Salted maple iced latte. Honestly, the salt with the sweetness from the maple and brown sugar mixed with coffee is a game changer. Also, if I ever mess it up, I won’t be upset as I didn’t lose out £5 on bad coffee. Instead, I get to try again the next morning!

Of course, coffee isn’t the only drink shaping our daily rituals. Matcha has also been rising in popularity, often tied to wellness trends and aesthetics on social media (but we’ll get into that in a future post).

At the end of the day, coffee—whether at a bustling café in Italy, a terrace in Paris, or your kitchen at home—is about more than caffeine. It’s about creating moments that mark your day, rituals that connect you to culture and community, and small pleasures that remind us to slow down. And while my loyalty card may still be lost somewhere in the folds of my coat, my morning ritual is still mine.