Legend has it that coffee and the widely feted National Coffee Day wouldn’t exist without an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. The herder spied his goats eating berries and then acting strangely animated. When he tried the berries for himself, he was just as energized. Turns out, those berries are where coffee ultimately comes from.

Whether Kaldi is real or just a representative for whoever really discovered coffee is up for debate. But it’s a fact that those exhilarating little berries were beloved across the Middle East and Europe by the 17th century.

Today, coffee is a workplace staple that keeps people moving through morning meetings and would-be afternoon slumps. It’s no surprise, then, that the good old cup of Joe has its own holiday.

Here are some ways you can treat your employees on National Coffee Day, showing your appreciation for their hard work while also putting some extra pep in their steps.

1. Hire an onsite barista for National Coffee Day

Bring in a catered coffee cart, including a professional barista who can whip up drinks on demand. Having an actual person who can make the perfect cappuccino or blend up a frappe with the milk, syrup, and toppings picked by each employee is an extra-special gift.

You’ll want to consider whether to have the barista onsite all day or just for a surprise morning pick-me-up. If National Coffee Day coincides with a corporate lunch-and-learn or a big final push toward a product launch, an afternoon barista visit could be even more helpful.

2. Set up a specialty coffee bar

If a barista doesn’t make sense for your space or budget, a MYOD (make your own drink) coffee bar is still an exciting option. Ask your catering partner to set up a cart complete with several coffee options — regular and decaf are both must-haves — plus a variety of milks, milk alternatives, and sweeteners. 

Then comes all the special elements that make coffee lovers feel truly giddy. An array of flavored syrups (both sugared and sugar-free, if possible), whipped creams, and chocolate and caramel drizzles can really help add a fun, exciting touch to each drink.

Keep in mind that unless your office is pretty small and you don’t intend for anyone to have refills, you’ll need to designate a person (or ask the caterer) to check in and replenish the cart throughout the day. Milk has to be refrigerated, and chances are you’ll also need fresh pots of coffee.

3. Host a coffee-themed happy hour

Alcohol-friendly workplaces can amp up the National Coffee Day fun with a happy hour dedicated to all kinds of coffee cocktails.

Here are a few popular recipes you can adapt for your event:

• Espresso martini
• Cold brew bourbon cocktail
• Iced “drunken” mocha
• Irish coffee with whipped cream
• Espresso margarita
• Kahlua coffee
• Spanish coffee

Always include some nonalcoholic options for those who prefer them. A Thai iced coffee with a fun garnish or a peppermint white Russian made with coffee (instead of coffee liqueur) are both easy enough to whip up.

4. Give out personalized coffee mugs

Pair your one-day coffee cart with an employee appreciation gift that will last for years. Commission some bespoke coffee cups emblazoned with “National Coffee Day,” your logo, and each employee’s name. It supports sustainability (no paper cups left on desks and piled up in office trash cans) and celebrates the holiday and your organization at the same time.

5. Turn your CEO or manager into a coffee delivery person for a day

Bring in a catered array of coffee and complimentary snacks, such as muffins, pastries, and bagels. Ask several managers to take orders and make deliveries department by department. It’s a fun way to ensure people from various areas of your team get to interact, and you can even take pictures of the temporary delivery crew for your next company newsletter.

6. Order an array of coffee-infused desserts

Many caterers have at least one or two coffee-flavored desserts on their menus. Partner with a coffee shop that caters and your options expand exponentially. Tiramisus in little cups, coffee cheesecake bites, coffee-dusted cinnamon rolls, tasty coffee cakes, and mini panna cottas — they all sound delicious, and they’ll all be appreciated by someone on your team.

7. Host a coffee tasting

Add some education to your National Coffee Day celebrations by inviting a coffee expert to your office to do a coffee tasting. A true coffee pro can explain the nuances of a vibrant and fruity Kenyan brew versus the richer, more floral aromas of coffee made with beans from Ethiopia.

You can leave it as a strictly instructional event or turn it into a contest. Ask your expert to make it a blind tasting and see who can guess which variety is from where. The winner gets a bag of company swag or a bag of coffee all to themselves.

8. Give out coffee gifts

• Bags of coffee: Partner with one of your favorite vendors to give away bags of coffee to your team. You may even be able to get custom labels that advertise the roaster and your brand.
• Packaged coffee-flavored treats: Ask local businesses or your regular caterer for their best coffee-flavored treats that can be packaged for later consumption. Ideas include chocolate-covered espresso beans, mocha cake pops, and wrapped biscotti, or cookies intended for dipping.
• Gift cards: Invest in your team’s productivity by gifting each employee a gift card for a cup or two of coffee from your local coffeehouse.
  

From bringing in a barista to giving out free lattes and a side of biscotti, there’s no wrong way to celebrate National Coffee Day. For more ideas on how you can increase productivity and happiness in the workplace with the wonders of caffeine, explore your coffee catering options today.