As the nights draw in and the air sharpens, something shifts in our daily rituals. Mornings get darker. Evenings stretch longer. We start reaching for warmer mugs, richer flavours, and familiar comforts. It’s in this seasonal slow-down that coffee finds a new kind of role — not just as a wake-up call, but as a festive companion. And this bond between coffee and Christmas? It’s older, deeper, and far more magical than you might think.
At St Martins, we believe that coffee is more than just a drink. It’s memory. It’s moment. It’s meaning. So let’s take a moment to explore the roots of this winter ritual, and why our Nutcracker Christmas Coffee feels right at home at the heart of your holiday table.
From Forbidden Fruit to Festive Favourite
Coffee's story begins in mystery — its earliest legends filled with dancing goats and meditating monks. But as it journeyed from Ethiopia and Yemen into the heart of Europe, coffee wasn’t instantly welcomed. In fact, in the 16th and 17th centuries, many Europeans feared it. Its dark colour and intense bitterness earned it the nickname “the Devil’s drink.”
And yet, like many things first feared, it eventually became loved — even revered. By the 18th century, coffee had become a regular part of aristocratic life, especially during the holiday season. Served after extravagant Christmas feasts, it acted as both digestive and delight.
By the Victorian era, coffee tins began appearing as Christmas gifts, often presented alongside teas, chocolates, and spices. These weren’t everyday essentials — they were treats. Tokens of warmth and good taste. The kind of thing you unwrapped slowly.
The association was set: coffee as a winter ritual, a symbol of generosity and indulgence.
The Hearth, The Brew, and the Festive Table
Coffee and Christmas belong together because they serve the same emotional need: comfort and connection.
The cup you brew on Christmas Eve while wrapping gifts. The cafetière passed around the table after dinner. The mug cradled on Boxing Day when the house has quieted again. Coffee offers a pause — a moment to warm your hands, reset your mind, and soften into the slowness of the season.
Across Europe and beyond, coffee takes on new meaning during the holidays:
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In Italy, espresso finishes the Christmas Day meal.
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In Sweden, strong coffee is served with saffron buns during Jul.
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In Austria and Germany, festive spiced coffee is poured at Christmas markets.
In each case, the brew is about more than caffeine. It’s about gathering, storytelling, and tradition.
Why We Spend More on Coffee at Christmas
There’s a fascinating behavioural trend that happens every December: we give ourselves permission to upgrade.
Whether it’s splashing out on the good cheeses, the fancy biscuits, or the extra-thick cream, Christmas is the season of justified indulgence. And coffee is no exception.
It’s the one time of year when the daily brew becomes a little more considered. A little more special.
That’s why our Nutcracker Christmas Coffee exists. Because everyday blends are for everyday mornings. But Christmas? Christmas deserves something more.
Nutcracker: A Festive Coffee With a Story
We designed Nutcracker to feel like a celebration in a cup. It’s not overpowering, not over-spiced, and not a gimmick. It’s comforting, warming, familiar — with a little seasonal twist.
Expect notes of:
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Winter berries
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Candied oranges
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Chocolate
The roast profile is medium to dark — bold enough for a snowy morning, smooth enough to follow Christmas dinner. It pairs beautifully with mince pies, stollen, or absolutely nothing at all.
Nutcracker is available as whole bean or ground to your liking.
Like all our coffees, Nutcracker is ethically sourced and roasted fresh, right here at our roastery.
Final Sip: Why Coffee Belongs at Christmas
Because it’s not just a drink. It’s an invitation.
To slow down. To savour. To sit beside someone you love — or to sit alone and just be. It’s warmth you can hold. A ritual you can repeat.
Coffee and Christmas share the same heart: nostalgia, generosity, and a little magic. That’s why they go so well together. That’s why Nutcracker exists.
So this year, whether you’re shopping for a coffee lover or are the coffee lover, consider adding something special to your brew routine.
Because some blends are made for mornings — and some are made for moments.