Across Time: Uncovering Coffee Marvels at World’s Fairs

World’s fairs have been happening since the 19th century, and they have brought us many innovations since then. One of the things brought to us in these events is the introduction of new and special coffees. World’s fairs are where great minds gather to showcase their amazing discoveries, and that includes coffee blends. These events have brought us some fantastic coffee flavors that are popular even today. So, let’s travel back in time and explore the world of special coffees at world’s fairs.

1851 London World’s Fair

The London World’s Fair in 1851 was the first of its kind, and it was where the world of coffee was introduced to a new blend – Mocha Java. This coffee blend originated from the ports of Yemen and Java and was named after the two countries of its origin. This blend was the first to mix two different beans and is still popular today.

1904 St. Louis World’s Fair

The St. Louis World’s Fair, held in 1904, featured a new coffee blend, which was the first coffee blend to be served as iced coffee. This special coffee was created by George Constant Louis Washington, who mixed coffee, sugar, and milk and served it chilled. He called this new drink “Cafe Frappe,” and it quickly became a popular drink during the hot summer months!

1924 Paris World’s Fair

This World’s Fair in Paris brought a new coffee blend called “Café Brûlot.” This special coffee blend was made with brandy, Cointreau, lemon peel, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. The ingredients were then set on fire and served with black coffee. The guests loved it so much that the recipe was even printed in the official cookbook of the event.

1962 Seattle World’s Fair

The 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle showcased the world’s first-ever automatic espresso machine. This new creation brewed shots of coffee with a push of a button and served it in a matter of seconds. Espresso quickly became a popular drink in the US, thanks to this event.

World’s fairs have been the center of innovation in various industries, and the coffee industry is no exception. These events have introduced new and exciting coffee blends and drinks that are still popular today. From Mocha Java, the first blend to combine beans from two different countries, to the introduction of the first automatic espresso machine, world’s fairs have left a lasting impression on the world of coffee. We can only imagine what kind of coffee creations the next world’s fair will bring!

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