After the introduction of coffee, its popularity was inevitable. The drink made its way into people’s hands around the world, becoming a staple along side tea, wine, and beer. Coffee was popularized by wealthy consumers, and due to its exotic nature and high cost, it became a status symbol. Booming coffee farming and vastly underpaid workers brought prices down, and the hot drink became widely available to the general public. For many people, coffee is a staple of everyday life. It’s affordable, readily accessible, and easy to make. It hasn’t always been that way, though, and the culture surrounding coffee continues to evolve. Its first documented use in Turkey was as a medical substance to treat stomach issues (Cowan 17). Now, it is often used as a socializing medium; the popularity of cafes has skyrocketed since their inception in the 16th century (Jolliffe 8). Some are now looking for the most luxurious ways to drink their morning pick-me-up, whether it’s having a barista create latte art, ordering it to be brewed by-the-cup, or buying incredibly extravagant drinks. Others look at the beverage as a mandatory drink to chug on their way to work or school, taking a more utilitarian view. Coffee has become wildly popular around the world, and the industry shows no signs of slowing down.
