Napoleon and Other Famous Coffee Drinkers Through History

When you think of world-changing thinkers, artists, and leaders, you might picture them with a pen, a paintbrush, or a sword—but many also had a coffee cup in hand. From French emperors to German composers, some of history’s most influential figures drank coffee not just for pleasure, but as fuel for their greatest work. What did they drink, how much, and why? Let’s look at the real habits behind the legends.

Napoleon called strong coffee “a force that warms and empowers,” while Voltaire reportedly drank 50 cups a day. Bach wrote a comic opera about coffee addiction, and Balzac wrote for 12 hours straight fueled by endless cups. These aren’t just anecdotes—they reveal how coffee shaped history.

Why Did Napoleon Drink Coffee?

French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) had a deep love for coffee. He described its effect as giving him “a certain excitement, along with warmth and an extraordinary strength.” For Napoleon, coffee wasn’t just a luxury—it was a functional stimulant that helped him through military campaigns and long days of leadership. His preference was for dark, concentrated brews that delivered a powerful kick.

Coffee and Creativity: Bach, Balzac, and the Writers

German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was both a coffee enthusiast and ironically, the writer of the satirical one-act comic opera The Coffee Cantata, which tells the story of a father trying to get his daughter to give up coffee. In real life, however, Bach relied on coffee for creativity and social connection. Similarly, French writer Honoré de Balzac (referenced here as “Balzac”) drank coffee obsessively to fuel his writing marathons. He worked through the night after sleeping from 6 p.m. to midnight, drinking coffee nonstop for 12-hour writing sessions, claiming it stirred his thoughts “like a great army preparing for battle.”

Voltaire’s Extreme Coffee Consumption

French philosopher Voltaire (1694–1778) drank coffee throughout his life, even in old age. According to reports, he consumed around 50 cups per day. When told coffee was a slow poison, he famously replied that he had been drinking it for 65 years and was still alive—at the age of 84. His extraordinary intake reflects not just a taste for the drink, but a dependence on its stimulating effects to power his sharp wit and prolific output.

Unusual Coffee Rituals: Frederick the Great and Others

Prussian King Frederick the Great (1712–1785) had an unusual habit: he drank his coffee mixed with champagne instead of water. While most enjoyed coffee black or with milk, Frederick sought a different kind of stimulation by blending the bubbly wine with his brew. American General Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885), meanwhile, preferred a more straightforward routine—starting his day with fresh vinegar, cucumber, and a large cup of strong coffee at breakfast. British political figure James Mackintosh believed intelligence was directly proportional to coffee consumption.

Philosophers, Diplomats, and the Perfect Cup

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) didn’t care for coffee early in life but developed a strong attachment to it in his later years. French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754–1838) is credited with one of the most quoted descriptions of the ideal cup: “Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.” French Enlightenment thinker Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle (1657–1757) lived to be 100 and joked with a neighbor that he and she had likely been forgotten by death itself—advising her to keep it that way. Louis XV of France was such a coffee fan that he grew his own trees in the palace garden, harvesting six pounds of beans each year for his personal use.

When Coffee Was Banned

Not everyone embraced coffee. In 1524, the Mecca religious court banned coffeehouses to prevent public unrest. In 1570, Ottoman Sultan Murad III treated coffee like alcohol, shutting down coffee shops in Constantinople. Even in the 18th century, Swiss King Gustav III (1746–1792) considered coffee a drug and tried to ban it, with similar bans recurring into the 19th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did Voltaire really drink per day?

Voltaire reportedly drank around 50 cups of coffee per day for most of his life, including in his later years. Despite this high intake, he lived to be 84 and claimed coffee was not harmful, as he had been drinking it for 65 years without ill effects.

What did Napoleon say about coffee?

Napoleon described the effect of strong coffee as giving him “a certain excitement, along with warmth and an extraordinary strength.” He valued coffee for its stimulating properties during his military and political career.

What was Balzac’s coffee habit while writing?

Honoré de Balzac slept from 6 p.m. to midnight, then wrote for 12 hours straight, drinking coffee continuously throughout. He believed coffee stimulated his mind and helped him focus during long creative sessions.

What did Talleyrand say about the perfect coffee?

French diplomat Talleyrand described the ideal cup as “black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.” This quote is often cited as a poetic standard for well-brewed coffee.

Why did Frederick the Great put champagne in his coffee?

Frederick the Great of Prussia had an unusual habit of mixing his coffee with champagne instead of water, seeking a unique and stimulating experience that combined the effects of both beverages.

Was coffee ever banned historically?

Yes, coffee was banned in several historical periods and places, including Mecca in 1524, Constantinople in 1570 under Sultan Murad III, and by Swiss King Gustav III in the 18th century. Bans often cited concerns over public order or moral impact.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for History Lovers

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