Every year since 2002, Coffee Day has been celebrated on October 1 in the Austrian capital – Vienna –. And this is not surprising, because «coffee in Viennese » is a real brand, the popularity of which is undeniable. A lot unites the beautiful Viennese capital with this equally 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, but still its «European» history began in Venice, a city located very favorably geographically from a trade point of view. Venetian traders have had successful trade with all Mediterranean countries for centuries. So the first Europeans to try coffee were the residents of Venice. But there, against the backdrop of a huge number of other exotic goods brought from different countries, it got lost. But in Austria he received 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According to historical documents, coffee first appeared in Vienna in the 1660s, but as a «home» drink that was prepared in the kitchen.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 was from this time that the history of Viennese coffee began. 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 not for the help of the Polish king’s cavalry to the defenders of the city, it is not known how it would all have ended.
Legend has it that it was one of the Polish officers –, Yuri Franz Kolshitsky (Kolczycki, Polish). Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki) – showed special courage during these hostilities, penetrating at the risk of his life through enemy positions, he maintained contact between Austrian reinforcements and the defenders of besieged Vienna. As a result, the Turks had to hastily retreat and abandon their weapons and supplies. And among all this goodness there were several bags of coffee, and the brave officer became their owner.
The Vienna authorities also did not remain in debt to Kolshitsky and gave him a house, where he later opened the city’s first coffee shop called «Under the Blue Flask» (Hof zur Blauen Flasche). Very quickly, the establishment gained enormous popularity among the residents of Vienna, bringing the owner a good income. By the way, Kolshitsky is also credited with the authorship of « coffee in Viennese style, when the drink is filtered from the grounds and sugar and milk are added to it. Soon such coffee became known throughout Europe. Grateful Austrians erected a monument to Kolshitsky, which can still be seen today.
In subsequent years, other coffee shops began to open in different parts of Vienna, and soon classic coffee houses became a distinctive feature of the Austrian capital. Moreover, for many citizens they have become the main place of free time, turning into an important institution of society. Here, everyday and business issues were discussed and resolved, new acquaintances were made, and 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, regulars could be caught reading newspapers, in the evenings they played and discussed all kinds of topics. The most elite cafes boasted famous clients, including famous cultural and artistic figures, politicians and businessmen.
By the way, they also made a fashion for wooden and marble coffee tables and rounded chair shapes; these attributes of Viennese cafes later became symbols of the furnishings of similar establishments throughout Europe. But still, naturally, coffee came first – it was excellent here, and customers could choose a drink to suit their taste from many varieties.
Today, Viennese coffee – is a famous, exquisite drink, about which many legends are formed, and with the creation of which the victorious march of coffee across Europe began. And its popularity in Austria is just as high; after water, it ranks second among drinks among Austrians. Thus, every year one resident of the country drinks approximately 162 liters of coffee, which is about 2.6 cups per day.
After all, coffee in Vienna can be drunk on almost every corner, but in order to truly understand and appreciate all the charm of this famous drink, you still need to visit a coffee shop, or as they are also called – cafehouse. People here don’t like fuss and haste; they come here to relax, negotiate, chat with a friend or friend, declare their love, or just read a newspaper. The most respectable cafes, located, as a rule, in the center of the capital, along with the local press, always have a set of the world's leading publications. At the same time, every coffee shop in Vienna honors its traditions and tries to «hold the brand». For example, the famous Cafe Central coffee shop was once the headquarters of revolutionaries Lev Bronstein and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. Then the coffee shop was closed, it was reopened only in 1983, and today it sells more than a thousand cups of coffee a day.
Another « declaration of love» of the residents 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 at the museum is imbued with the spirit and smell of aromatic Viennese coffee. There are a huge number of coffee makers, coffee grinders and coffee tableware and paraphernalia from different cultures and centuries. Particular attention is paid to the traditions and history of Viennese coffee shops. One of the features of the museum is the Professional Coffee Center, where coffee preparation issues are covered in practice, restaurant owners, baristas and simply coffee lovers are trained, and master classes are held that attract a huge number of visitors.
Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks in the world, so Coffee Day in Vienna is already a great success and has many fans. On this day, all Viennese coffee shops, pastry cafes 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, the basis of the preparation technology remains unchanged. Viennese coffee – is coffee with milk. In addition, some amateurs 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. It should not be surprising if, after ordering a cup of coffee, you also receive a glass of water on a metal tray. In Viennese people, it is customary to refresh their mouth with water after each sip of coffee in order to constantly feel the fullness of the taste of their favorite drink.