National Espresso Day

National Espresso Day is observed each year on November 23. The day recognizes the importance of espresso in modern coffee culture and honors the innovation that made it possible.

Espresso changed how people drink coffee by introducing a fast, concentrated brewing method that opened the door to today’s wide range of coffee drinks. The observance highlights its Italian origins and celebrates the 1901 patent by Luigi Bezzera, whose machine set the standard for the espresso preparation still used around the world.

People mark the day by enjoying espresso in their preferred form—at a café, at home, or in recipes that use its strong flavor. It’s also a moment to appreciate how this brewing technique shaped global coffee habits.

☕️ A related observance, Espresso Italiano Day, takes place on April 17 and highlights the drink’s Italian roots and traditional preparation.

When Is National Espresso Day?

National Espresso Day always takes place on November 23. The date stays the same each year, so only the weekday changes. Below is a quick overview of upcoming celebrations.

Interesting Facts About Espresso

These facts highlight how espresso evolved through invention, experimentation, and changing tastes—shaping the drink we know today.

• Espresso originally solved a workplace problem. Luigi Bezzera wanted a faster way for factory workers to make coffee during breaks, so he created a brewing method that cut the wait time dramatically.

• Crema was once considered a defect. Early espresso drinkers thought the foam on top meant the coffee was over-extracted. Over time, crema became a sign of a well-made shot.

• The first espresso machines used steam, not pumps. These early models produced lower pressure and very different results from today’s machines, which use pumps to create consistent extraction.

• The espresso “standard” is surprisingly flexible. Italy’s official guidelines set ranges for dose, water temperature, pressure, and shot volume, yet baristas worldwide routinely adjust them to explore new flavors.

• Espresso reshaped café design. When machines moved from behind the counter to customer-facing positions in the 1940s, cafés became more social and interactive.

• Single-origin espresso used to be rare. Blends dominated for decades, but specialty coffee introduced an interest in showcasing specific farms and regions.

• The ristretto started as a workaround, not a trend. Baristas used shorter shots to cope with inconsistent grinders, and the resulting taste became popular in its own right.

Ways to Celebrate National Espresso Day

These ideas offer fresh and creative ways to enjoy espresso beyond the usual cup.

• Try a new espresso drink you don’t usually order. Pick something outside your routine—like a cortado, flat white, or affogato.

• Make a better shot at home. Adjust grind size, tamping pressure, or water temperature to improve your current setup without upgrading equipment.

• Use up leftover espresso creatively. Freeze extra shots in an ice cube tray for iced drinks, smoothies, or baking.

• Pair espresso with food. Test simple pairings like dark chocolate, nuts, or pastry to see how flavors change with each sip.

• Prep a homemade coffee syrup. Make a small batch of vanilla, honey, or spiced syrup to elevate lattes and iced drinks throughout the week.

• Explore beans from a new region. Buy a single small bag from a country you haven’t tried before and compare it with your usual roast.

• Refresh your coffee corner. Clean your grinder, descale the machine, or replace worn-out filters and baskets.

• Try a stovetop method. If you don’t own a machine, brew a moka pot or AeroPress espresso-style concentrate for a similar flavor experience.

• Invite someone to share a cup. Meet a friend or coworker for a quick espresso break and turn the day into a small moment of connection.

• Recreate a historic espresso style. Make a classic Italian moka brew, or try a 1940s-style lever-shot if you have access to a manual machine.

• Create your own espresso-based mocktail. Mix espresso with tonic water, citrus peel, or spiced syrup to explore lighter, non-alcoholic options.