Everything You (Don’t) Know About Coffee

Yes, coffee is a ritual. But before it became your favorite reason to get out of bed, it went through a long and fascinating journey to become the global favorite it is today. In fact, there's an interesting legend about how coffee was discovered.

It all began in Ethiopia, where, according to the story, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating certain red berries. This discovery eventually led to the very first use of coffee as a drink. Research shows that the Coffea arabica plant, which is responsible for 60% of the world’s coffee today, originated more than 600,000 years ago in the forests of Ethiopia.

Today, coffee is many things: a morning meditation, an excuse for a break, fuel for big ideas, a boost during tough workdays, a reason to catch up with friends… the list goes on. Did you know that more than 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed every single day around the world? Or that the word „espresso“ comes from the Italian word "espresso", meaning „expressed“ or „pressed out“, ”— referring to the way it’s brewed under pressure and made fresh to order?

Basically, espresso is one of the first methods of brewing coffee instantly—by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. That’s what gives it such a strong aroma and bold taste. Plus, espresso can also mean “fast” in Italian, which is kind of ironic, considering how it’s often part of slow living rituals these days—even though it only takes 30 seconds to make.

But the real magic of coffee isn’t in the stats. It’s not about how many people drink it—but how they drink it. Is it your quiet moment to focus? A morning habit you share with someone special? Or a spontaneous “Let’s grab a coffee” that turns your whole day round?

That’s why right now, with the changing spring vibe, it’s the perfect time to redefine your coffee ritual—by mixing pleasure with creativity.

Coffee becomes art at the IQOS boutique in East Gate Mall—and every user is invited.

This Friday (April 12) and Saturday (April 13), from 12 PM to 3 PM, the IQOS boutique at East Gate Mall will transform into an urban coffee zone. You’ll get to taste different specialty coffee blends, personalize your device with an engraving machine and even receive a unique ceramic mug illustrated live by Macedonian artist Tinoski.

Coffee chats, creative energy, and your new morning mug with a story behind it.

If you’re a legal-age smoker or an IQOS user, come by the IQOS boutique in East Gate Mall, bring a friend, and find out how you can get your hands on a custom art cup.

And what’s next? Check out iqos.mk.