The History of Coffee: Why We Love It and the Best Ways to Brew the Perfect Cup
The day doesn’t really begin for many (including myself) until the coffee is brewing. That familiar aroma drifting through the kitchen has become part of our morning routine, whether we’re easing into the day with a leisurely breakfast or grabbing a quick cup before rushing out of the door.
Coffee is much more than a drink. It’s a daily ritual, a reason to pause, a social occasion and, for many, a small moment of comfort in an increasingly busy world. Yet behind every cup lies a fascinating story that spans centuries and continents.
From Ethiopian Highlands to Coffee Shops Worldwide
The origins of coffee are believed to date back to Ethiopia, where legend tells of a young goat herder named Kaldi. After noticing his goats becoming unusually lively after eating bright red berries from a shrub, he sampled them himself and discovered their energising effects.
From Ethiopia, coffee made its way to Yemen, where it became an important part of religious and social life. By the 15th century it was being cultivated commercially, before spreading throughout the Middle East and into Europe.
When coffee houses began appearing across cities such as London, Paris and Venice during the 17th century, they quickly became places where people met to exchange ideas, discuss politics, conduct business and socialise. Their influence on society was so significant that many became known as “Penny Universities”, where the price of a cup of coffee bought access to lively conversation and new thinking.
Today, coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, enjoyed by millions of people every single day.
Why We Can’t Get Enough of Coffee
While caffeine certainly helps us feel more awake and focused, our love of coffee goes much deeper.
Coffee appeals to nearly all our senses. We enjoy the rich aroma before we’ve even taken a sip, admire the colour of a perfectly brewed cup and appreciate the wide variety of flavours, from chocolate and caramel to berries, citrus and nuts.
It’s also deeply connected to memories and routines.
When enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle, coffee also provides antioxidants and has been associated with several potential health benefits, making it one of the most widely researched drinks in the world.
The Wonderful World of Coffee Brewing
One of coffee’s greatest strengths is its versatility. The same beans can taste completely different depending on how they’re brewed.
French Press (Cafetière)
Produces a rich, full-bodied coffee with plenty of natural oils and depth of flavour.
Pour Over
A favourite among speciality coffee enthusiasts, creating a clean, crisp cup that highlights the character of individual beans.
Espresso Machine
The classic café method, producing an intense shot of coffee that forms the basis of lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
Moka Pot
A timeless Italian favourite that delivers bold coffee with plenty of character.
Cold Brew
Steeped slowly in cold water for several hours, resulting in a naturally smooth, refreshing coffee with lower acidity.
Instant Coffee
Ideal for convenience, with premium instant coffees now offering much improved flavour and quality.
As coffee culture has evolved, so too has the equipment we use to make it.
Review: OXO BREW Rapid Brewer
One of the most exciting coffee gadgets we’ve tried recently is the OXO BREW Rapid Brewer, which has been designed for people who want excellent coffee without needing electricity, expensive machines or single-use pods.
What makes it stand out is its speed. It produces a rich espresso-style coffee concentrate in around two minutes using hot water, or a smooth cold brew in just five minutes. Simply dilute it with hot water, cold water or milk to create your preferred strength.
The brewing process is surprisingly clever. A reusable stainless-steel filter eliminates the need for paper filters, while the built-in tamper and OXO’s Rainmaker showerhead ensure the water is evenly distributed through the coffee grounds, resulting in a balanced extraction and consistently smooth flavour.
We were particularly impressed by how portable it is. Compact and lightweight, it’s equally at home in the kitchen, office, campervan, on holiday or even packed into hand luggage for travel.
It’s refreshingly easy to clean too. Most components are dishwasher safe, while the pump simply requires a quick hand wash.
Sustainability has clearly been considered during its design. By removing the need for disposable pods or paper filters and incorporating Tritan™ Renew with 50% recycled content into its construction, it offers a more environmentally conscious way to enjoy great coffee.
Why Women Talking Loves It
It delivers consistently good coffee, takes up very little space, doesn’t rely on electricity and is simple enough for anyone to use.
For coffee lovers who appreciate convenience without compromising on flavour, it’s an excellent addition to the kitchen, and just as useful beyond it.
The Final Sip
Coffee has travelled thousands of miles and shaped cultures for centuries, yet its greatest achievement may be much simpler than that. It has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, create moments of calm and make ordinary days feel just that little bit brighter.
Whether your favourite brew comes from a traditional cafetière, an espresso machine or the innovative OXO BREW Rapid Brewer, every cup tells part of a story that began centuries ago—and is still being written today.
Women Talking Verdict: ★★★★★
Stylish, sustainable and brilliantly practical, this machine proves that exceptional coffee doesn’t have to be complicated.
Poppy Watt