National Espresso Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Beverage Breakfast
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November 23
Holiday emoji:: ☕

National Espresso Day energizes coffee lovers every November 23. This day celebrates the potent, finely-brewed coffee shot, known for its rich flavor and signature crema. Dive into the world of espresso by trying a new blend, mastering your home brew, or visiting your favorite local coffee shop.

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Expected National Espresso Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Espresso Day brings exciting deals from major coffee chains and local cafes. Expect Starbucks to offer discounts on espresso beverages, while Dunkin’ might feature special espresso-based drinks. Smaller chains like Peet’s Coffee and Caribou Coffee often run BOGO offers or loyalty point bonuses on espresso orders. Even grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s could highlight espresso beans and home brewing equipment. Local independent coffee shops are also likely to participate with unique specials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 23 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Espresso Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalEspressoDay. Share photos of your favorite espresso creations, latte art, or cozy coffee shop vibes.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalEspressoDay. Film a ‘how-to’ on pulling the perfect shot at home or review different espresso blends.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalEspressoDay. Tweet about your go-to espresso order, favorite coffee facts, or local cafe recommendations.

National Espresso Day Hero

Angelo Moriondo

Angelo Moriondo, an Italian inventor from Turin, is widely credited with patenting the first espresso machine in 1884. His invention, designed to speed up coffee service for his customers, used steam and hot water to brew coffee rapidly. Though his machine was never mass-produced, it laid the foundational principles for modern espresso technology, making him the 'father of espresso machines'.

National Espresso Day timeline

1884

The first coffee maker is patented.

An Italian named Angelo Moriondo patented a steam-driven "instantaneous" coffee-making device, believed to be the first Italian bar machine that controlled the supply of steam and water separately through the coffee.

1905

Espresso machine improvements were patented.

After Milan native Luigi Bezzera patented a number of improvements to the espresso machine in 1901, the first of his patents was bought by Desiderio Pavoni, who began to produce the machine industrially in his workshop in Milan.

1950s

The latté was invented in America

Lino Meiorin - an Italian-American, claims credit for creating the first caffé latté at Caffe Mediterraneum in Berkeley, California, calling it a "long cappuccino."

1971

Starbucks is born!

The biggest coffeehouse chain in the world - Starbucks, is founded in Seattle.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Espresso Day

Local coffee shops and restaurants can celebrate National Espresso Day by offering special discounts on espresso shots or espresso-based beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. Consider a ‘buy one, get one free’ deal on espresso drinks or a loyalty bonus for espresso purchases. Cafes could also host an espresso tasting flight, allowing customers to sample different roasts or origins. Bakeries might pair espresso with complementary pastries, while offices could treat employees to a mobile barista service for an afternoon pick-me-up.

National Espresso Day FAQs

When is National Espresso Day?

National Espresso Day 2026 falls on Monday, November 23, offering a perfect start to the work week with a potent caffeine boost.

How much espresso is consumed globally?

While exact global figures for espresso consumption are hard to pinpoint, coffee is the second most-traded commodity worldwide, with billions of cups consumed daily. Espresso, as a concentrated form, is a significant part of this global coffee culture.

What is the origin of espresso?

Espresso originated in Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by the need for faster coffee preparation. Angelo Moriondo patented an early steam-driven machine in 1884, laying the groundwork for modern espresso.

What is crema in espresso?

Crema is the reddish-brown foam that forms on top of a freshly pulled espresso shot. It’s an emulsion of coffee oils, proteins, and sugars, and its presence indicates a well-extracted shot.

National Espresso Day Activities

Learn the "4 Ms" of espresso (spoiler: Italian lesson ahead)
Remember to use a lot of molto Italiano hand gestures when saying these words: la macinazione — the correct, very fine grinding of the coffee beans la macchina — the espresso machine itself la miscela — the coffee blend, often a mixture of high-quality Brazilian beans, but with many variations la mano — the skilled hand of the person making the coffee
Ask your barista for a demonstration
Now that you know the proper terminology, if you're on friendly terms with your neighborhood barista, ask if he or she will show you how the professionals make the perfect cup of espresso. (Just don't do this during the morning rush.) This might also be a great chance for a friend with a new espresso machine to show it off to you.
Enjoy espresso even if you're not a coffee drinker
Try popping a few chocolate-covered espresso beans (in moderation — they pack a punch). If you like a subtle hint of coffee flavor, try adding espresso to a cup of hot chocolate for a mocha treat. Are you a baker? A little espresso powder (not the brewed drink) mixed into chocolate frosting really amps up the sophistication level. Hmm, there seems to be a theme here...chocolate plus espresso equals a match made in heaven.

3 Uncommon Ways To Use Espresso (hint: You Don't Drink Any Of Them)

Add espresso powder to your next batch of cookies
Espresso powder (concentrated coffee granules), can be added to many cake and cookie recipes, such as brownies and chocolate chip cookies, for a delicious mocha flavor twist.
Trade in your usual vinegar for espresso balsamic vinegar
Whether you're making a simple vinaigrette or a complex meat marinade mixture, espresso balsamic vinegar will bring a rich new flavor profile to the table.
Indulge in the Italian confection caffé affogato
One last Italian lesson: this dessert is a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream "drowned" (affogato) by pouring a shot of hot espresso over it — molto delizioso!

Why We Love National Espresso Day

It's an all-day wake-up call
Whether you like your espresso straight up or blended into a latté or cappuccino, just a single shot can perk up even the slowest morning mover. Adding espresso to a chocolate smoothie creates a luscious mocha pick-me-up in the afternoon, and espresso also makes the perfect after-dinner drink, especially if you're having tiramisu for dessert.
It gives us that Euro-chic air
One sip of steaming hot espresso, and we're transported to an Italian piazzo, surrounded by ancient cobblestones, weathered statues, cypress trees, and hundreds of years of history. (Talk about traveling on a budget!) And those tiny cups that espresso is traditionally served in? They're simply molto alla moda (very trendy).
It’s an excuse to try something new (do we need an excuse?)
Are you a strict black coffee person? Try a shot of espresso instead. If you like your morning brew a little lighter, order a latté (you can choose how many shots you want added to that steamy, foamy milk). Or how about espresso added to hot cocoa for a sophisticated mocha drink?