The Politics of Coffee in the White House

When you picture coffee being poured in the White House, it might seem like a straightforward choice—but the truth is, only one Hawaiian coffee has ever been confirmed as the official brew served during major events. That coffee isn’t from Starbucks, Dunkin’, or even Chicago. So what exactly is being served to presidents and dignitaries in the Oval Office?

The only known coffee served at key White House events is a premium Kona Rainforest Coffee from a 24-acre farm in Hawaii. The White House typically orders a ‘Special Grade Blend’ roast, with half a pound costing over $20 plus $10+ for shipping.

The Exclusive Hawaiian Coffee Served at the White House

Among all the global coffee options available, the White House has, on record, selected a single-origin Kona Rainforest Coffee from Hawaii for important occasions. This coffee is sourced from a small family-run farm spanning just 24 acres, tended by two owners and four staff members. The farm practices 100% organic cultivation year-round and delivers a high-grade, specialty blend often referred to internally as a ‘Special Grade Blend.’ While not explicitly named by brand, the coffee is identified by its origin, grade, and flavor profile—typically ordered in a medium-to-dark roast for balanced dissolved taste. A half-pound package routinely costs over $20, with additional shipping fees exceeding $10.

How Kona Coffee Became a White House Staple

The presence of Kona coffee in the White House wasn’t automatic. During the George W. Bush administration, the White House began limiting coffee options at select high-level events. Upon learning this, the owner of the Hawaiian Kona Rainforest Coffee farm sent samples—including 12 distinct coffee varieties—to top White House officials, including presidential advisors and then First Lady Laura Bush. Impressed by the quality, the White House began placing regular orders, cementing Kona’s place in presidential coffee service.

Presidential Coffee Preferences: From Tea to Espresso Culture

Not every U.S. president has been a coffee drinker. Barack Obama, famously photographed with his signature cream-and-gold ceramic cup, almost exclusively drank tea—whether in the Oval Office or aboard Air Force One. His former speechwriter and press pool photographers confirmed he rarely, if ever, ordered coffee. On one occasion in Missouri, when asked about his drink at a coffee shop, Obama clarified, "It’s tea." He also opted for iced Earl Grey at a Missouri café.

In contrast, Vice President Joe Biden is an outspoken coffee enthusiast. Multiple media outlets and aides have noted his consistent coffee orders at high-end cafés. According to a New Yorker reporter, Biden habitually orders coffee as soon as he sits down. The Obama campaign even used “Let’s have coffee with Biden” as a fundraising email theme, accompanied by a handwritten note from Biden himself. Media often portrays Biden as energized and bold—“like someone who’s had several espressos”—while Obama is depicted as cautious and deliberate, “like a slowly steeping tea.”

Historic Presidential Coffee Moments

Coffee has been a constant in the White House since the nation’s founding. Historical records, including the 1968 book The Presidents’ Cookbook, confirm that George Washington imported 200 pounds of coffee in 1770 via a Philadelphia merchant and wrote to thank him for the shipment arriving by sea from the Red Sea port.

Other presidents also left their mark: Abraham Lincoln reportedly preferred only apples and hot coffee; Franklin Roosevelt drank nearly a gallon per day; Richard Nixon sipped coffee throughout his workday; Jimmy Carter made time for coffee during his busy schedule. Perhaps the most extreme was George H.W. Bush, who consumed ten cups daily until thyroid and heart issues led him to switch to decaf in 1991—only to return to regular coffee two weeks later, declaring decaf “not real coffee.” Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were known for ordering lattes, while a controversial “coffee with the president” fundraiser during Clinton’s era sparked legal debates. More recently, Clinton referred to Obama dismissively as someone who “would have been getting us coffee” during a 2008 conversation with Ted Kennedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What coffee is served at the White House for official events?

The only confirmed coffee served at significant White House events is a premium Kona Rainforest Coffee from a small Hawaiian farm. The White House typically orders a special grade blend, costing around $20 for half a pound plus over $10 for shipping.

Why is Kona coffee chosen for the White House?

Kona coffee gained the White House’s attention after the farm owner sent samples, including 12 different varieties, to top officials such as Laura Bush and presidential advisors. Impressed with the quality, the White House began placing regular orders for this Hawaiian single-origin coffee.

Did any U.S. presidents not drink coffee?

Yes, Barack Obama was not a coffee drinker. He was almost always seen drinking tea, both in the Oval Office and on Air Force One, and rarely purchased coffee even while traveling.

Which president drank the most coffee?

George H.W. Bush reportedly drank ten cups of coffee per day until health issues in 1991 forced him to switch to decaf. He returned to regular coffee shortly after, stating he could not tolerate decaf.

Has coffee ever caused controversy in the White House?

Yes, during Bill Clinton’s presidency, a “coffee with the president” fundraising event raised legal concerns due to restrictions on charging for White House access. Additionally, a comment by Clinton about Obama suggested a dismissive view of his early political role.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pour-Over

For fans of the nuanced, single-origin profiles similar to Kona, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor (Red Bourbon), offering a smooth, creamy body with notes of almond and milk chocolate; or their Colombia Sidra from Huila, featuring tropical fruit and winey acidity with a juicy sweetness. Both beans are excellent for pour-over and showcase the kind of clarity and balance often appreciated in specialty brews. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.