Annually, since 2002, on October 1 in the Austrian capital – the city of Vienna – they celebrate Coffee day… And this is not surprising, because “Viennese coffee” is a real brand, the popularity of which is undeniable. There are many things that unite the beautiful capital of Vienna with this no less wonderful drink, so it is no coincidence that Coffee Day is celebrated here every year.
It must be said that the Austrians themselves believe that it was thanks to them that the Old World discovered coffee for itself, but nevertheless its “European” history began in Venice, a city located very favorably geographically from the point of view of trade. Venetian traders have successfully traded with all Mediterranean countries for centuries. So the first Europeans to taste coffee were the inhabitants of Venice. But there, against the background of a huge number of other exotic goods brought from different countries, he was lost. But in Austria he received a well-deserved recognition.
According to historical documents, coffee first appeared in Vienna in the 1660s, but as a “home” drink that was prepared in the kitchen. But the first coffee shops opened only two decades later, and it is from this time that the history of Viennese coffee begins. And there is even a legend that he first appeared in Vienna in 1683, after the Battle of Vienna, when the Austrian capital was besieged by the Turkish army. The struggle was fierce, and if it were not for the help of the cavalry of the Polish king to the defenders of the city, it is not known how it all would have ended.
Legend has it that it was one of the Polish officers – Yuri Franz Kolshitsky (Kolchitsky, Polish Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki) – showed special courage during these hostilities, penetrating at the risk of his life through enemy positions, he maintained a connection between the Austrian reinforcements and the defenders of the besieged Vienna. As a result, the Turks had to hastily retreat and abandon their weapons and supplies. And among all this good, there were several bags of coffee, and a brave officer became their owner.
The Vienna authorities also did not remain in debt to Kolschitsky and presented him with a house, where he later opened the first coffee shop in the city called “Under a blue flask” (“Hof zur Blauen Flasche”). Very quickly, the institution gained immense popularity among the residents of Vienna, bringing the owner a good income. By the way, Kolshitsky is also credited with the authorship of the “Viennese coffee” itself, when the drink is filtered from the grounds and sugar and milk are added to it. Soon, this coffee became known throughout Europe. Grateful Austrians erected a monument to Kolshitsky, which can be seen today.
In subsequent years, other coffee houses began to open in different parts of Vienna, and soon classic coffee houses became the hallmark of the Austrian capital. Moreover, for many townspeople, they have become the main place of free pastime, turning into an important institution of society. Here everyday and business issues were discussed and resolved, new acquaintances were made, deals were concluded. By the way, the clientele of Viennese cafes at first consisted mainly of men who came here several times a day: in the morning and afternoon, patrons could be found reading newspapers, in the evenings they played and discussed all sorts of topics. The most elite cafes boasted renowned clients, including well-known cultural and artistic figures, politicians and businessmen.
By the way, they also gave rise to the fashion for wooden and marble coffee tables and rounded chairs, these attributes of Viennese cafes later became symbols of the atmosphere of similar establishments throughout Europe. Still, the first place was, of course, coffee – it was excellent here, and customers could choose a drink to their taste from a variety of varieties.
Today, Viennese coffee is a famous, exquisite drink, about which many legends are made, and with the creation of which the triumphant procession of coffee across Europe began. And its popularity in Austria is just as high, after water it ranks second among the drinks among the Austrians. So, every year one resident of the country drinks about 162 liters of coffee, which is about 2,6 cups a day.
After all, coffee in Vienna can be drunk on almost every corner, but in order to truly understand and appreciate the beauty of this famous drink, you still need to visit a coffee shop, or, as they are also called, a cafehouse. They do not like fuss and rush here, they come here to relax, negotiate, chat with a girlfriend or friend, declare their love or just read the newspaper. In the most respectable cafes, usually located in the center of the capital, along with the local press, there is always a selection of the world’s leading publications. At the same time, every coffee house in Vienna honors its traditions and tries to “keep the brand”. For example, the famous Cafe Central was once the headquarters of the revolutionaries Lev Bronstein and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. Then the coffee shop was closed, it was only reopened in 1983, and today it sells more than a thousand cups of coffee per day.
Another “declaration of love” by the inhabitants of Vienna for this drink was the opening of the Coffee Museum in 2003, which is called the “Kaffee Museum” and has about a thousand exhibits occupying five large halls. The exhibition in the museum is imbued with the spirit and smell of aromatic Viennese coffee. Here you will find a huge number of coffee makers, coffee grinders and coffee utensils and paraphernalia from different cultures and centuries. Particular attention is paid to the traditions and history of Viennese coffee houses. One of the features of the museum is the Professional Coffee Center, where the issues of making coffee are covered in practice, restaurant owners, baristas and just coffee lovers are trained, master classes are held that attract a huge number of visitors.
Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks in the world, which is why Vienna Coffee Day is already a great success and has many fans. On this day, all Viennese coffee houses, cafes, pastry shops and restaurants prepare surprises for visitors and, of course, all visitors are offered traditional Viennese coffee.
Although many years have passed since the appearance of this drink in the Austrian capital, and many coffee recipes have appeared, however, the basis of the preparation technology remains unchanged. Viennese coffee is a coffee with milk. In addition, some lovers add chocolate chips and vanillin to it. There are also those who like to experiment with a variety of “additives” – cardamom, various liqueurs, cream, etc. You should not be surprised if, when you order a cup of coffee, you also receive a glass of water on a metal tray. It is customary among the Viennese to refresh the mouth with water after each sip of coffee in order to constantly feel the fullness of the taste of your favorite drink.