How 1776 Made America a Coffee-Loving Nation

Brought to you by Zona Coffee Company

When you think of the American Revolution, you probably picture muskets, powdered wigs, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But there's one unsung hero of 1776 that doesn’t get enough credit—coffee.

That’s right. America didn’t just break away from British rule in 1776—we also started breaking up with tea.

Tea Was for the British. Coffee Became a Rebellion.

Before the Revolution, tea was the drink of choice for colonists. But when King George III imposed a tax on it through the infamous Tea Act of 1773, Americans decided they’d had enough. The result? The Boston Tea Party.

In December 1773, colonists boarded British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor as a protest. This wasn’t just about taxes—it was about identity. And from that moment on, drinking tea became a symbol of loyalty to the Crown.

So what did proud revolutionaries do?They turned to coffee.

Coffee Became Patriotic

Drinking coffee became a political statement in Revolutionary America. Choosing coffee over tea meant choosing independence. In fact, some taverns and coffeehouses even hung signs reading:

"No tea served here. Coffee only."

And while tea may have been the drink of the British aristocracy, coffee was for the working class—the blacksmith, the farmer, the soldier. It was strong, bold, and distinctly American. Just like the people who built this country.

The Founding Fathers Drank It

George Washington? Drank coffee.Thomas Jefferson? Called it “the favorite drink of the civilized world.” John Adams? Switched to coffee after the Boston Tea Party and reportedly never looked back.

Coffee was the fuel of the Revolution. It warmed cold camps, sharpened the minds of strategists, and became a staple in the homes of free-thinking Americans.

The Legacy Lives On

Today, coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s a part of our national DNA and at Zona Coffee Company, we don’t just sell beans. We celebrate the bold, rebellious spirit that made coffee the drink of a free America.

So this Fourth of July, when you sip your morning cup, remember:You’re not just drinking coffee.You’re drinking freedom.

Zona Coffee Company Bold Beans. Strong Roots. Since 1776 (okay, not literally… but spiritually).

🗽 Shop blends inspired by the Revolution at ZonaCoffeeCompany.com