COFFEE PARTY, TREND OR FASHION?

Members of the most recent generations are decreasing their alcohol consumption. According to the international study HBSC ('Health Behaviour in School-aged Children'), promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), only 8% of young people consume this type of beverage every week, one third of those who were their age in 2006.

In Spain, data from the Ministry of Health confirm that alcohol consumption in adolescence has been falling since 2012. As for Spanish millennials, according to a study by Ipsos, Heineken and the University of Oxford, this habit has been decreasing significantly and, today, 41% of respondents say they choose non-alcoholic options when they go out.

Why young people drink less

There are many reasons for this trend. In general, young people are more aware of the need to take care of their health and physical appearance, something that the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted. This is according to a study by the University of León, which also points to the lack of social contact during that period as a reason for drinking less.

Social networks also play a key role in this trend, thanks to the role of communicators and influencers who share information and challenges to stay sober. In addition, platforms such as TikTok are popularizing trends that invite us to rethink our relationship with alcohol and to examine with whom we drink and in what context.

This is the case of 'Sober curious', a term coined by writer Ruby Warrington, which could be an extension of the challenge known as Dry January, which consists of not drinking alcohol during the first month of the year to compensate for the excesses of Christmas. The trend has caught on and, today, the hashtag #sobercurious has accumulated millions of views and various videos, starring young people, talking about the benefits of not drinking. The same happens in the sphere ofcelebrities, with actors like Tom Holland, or models like Bella Hadid, who have declared themselves teetotalers to live in a healthier way and stay away from addictions.

Another popular movement, which proposes to remove alcohol from our priorities, putting it on the back burner or eliminating it completely, is called 'Mindful drinking'. This trend proposes to do away with the prejudice that not drinking toxic substances for the body is synonymous with boredom and celebrates just the opposite; stop drinking to lead a life and have a more conscious leisure, without altering reality.

In this context, it is not surprising that new ways of having fun and socializing have been born. Among them, coffee parties. We have already told you that, at The Shed, we are very fond of them and we want you to enjoy them too, but first, let's tell you what they are.

What is a coffee party

A 'coffee party' is a party, usually held in the morning or mid-afternoon, with live music or a DJ, non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic beverages and a varied range of coffees, from different origins, with some kind of accompaniment, whether sweets, pastries or snacks. It is a healthy plan, conceived for people to have fun and connect with each other, without losing the essence of a night party.

These gatherings respond to the need for members of Generation Z and Millennials to find new ways to enjoy leisure in a healthy way. The 'coffee party' is emerging as the perfect daytime plan to have fun and meet new people in spaces that encourage real interactions. And, of course, without fatigue or headaches the next day.

The parties are held in cozy environments, such as a coffee shop or coworking space, where several factors come together: relaxed electronic music, dancing, personal connections and, of course, quality coffee from various origins for the public to sample different modalities.

This type of meeting favors personal connections at a deeper level than in other noisier environments where alcohol is served, as the atmosphere is more relaxed. They are therefore an ideal opportunity to make contact with professionals from different spheres and establish synergies that boost business.

The origin of coffee parties

The trend was born in Los Angeles (USA) and from there it has spread to other cities in the country, eventually jumping borders and settling in Latin America and Europe, where it has become popular in capitals such as Berlin and now in Madrid.

At first, they were called coffee raves because their aesthetic was very similar to that of these parties, with people dancing, disco lighting and a live DJ playing electronic music. However, the concept has evolved into a social event where people chat, dance and taste specialty coffee. And the number of followers continues to grow.

Why is the 'coffee party' triumphing?

Healthy activity

This trend promotes a lifestyle in which alcohol consumption is ruled out, making it a healthy option. In this type of meeting, more conscious lifestyles and a leisure philosophy away from excesses are promoted, which connects very well with those who want to take care of themselves. Therefore, this trend of the 'coffee party' fits with members of Generation Z and millennials who are looking for authentic experiences, real connections, without screens, and a healthier lifestyle.

2. Relaxed networking

In a world dominated by rushing and work demands, there is a public that appreciates being able to enjoy a deep conversation in a quiet environment, without the need for stimulants that affect health. In this sense, coffee parties allow socializing in a more authentic way, since connections are made in an environment that favors conversation and avoids distractions. Therefore, in the world of entrepreneurship, this format is ideal for conversation and generating new contacts.

At events structured around professional networking, the audience tends to be more inclined to establish business relationships and assume that this is the sole purpose of the meeting. However, at a coffee party, the atmosphere is more conducive to informal conversations, which allows you to get to know the other person from a more human perspective. It is no longer a matter of "selling yourself", but of chatting to find common interests.

Coffee is an ideal beverage for networking, as long as it is taken in moderation. According to an article by Harvard Health Publishing, "caffeine, in doses ranging from 30 to 300 milligrams, improves attention, alertness, reaction time and mood, especially when we are tired". All these properties predispose the audience of a coffee party to be in a better disposition to chat and to have greater clarity when presenting ideas and points of view to potential collaborators.

3. Schedules compatible with rest

Because they are held during the day, these meetings allow people to go to bed at a reasonable time so that they can perform well the next day without alcohol taking its toll. They are usually held in the morning, when the attendees are fresher as they have just started their day, or in the evening, at the end of the working day, which allows everyone to be more relaxed.

4. Popularity in social networks

It is undeniable that the combination of cozy and perfectly decorated premises, cups of coffee with latte art and people chatting or dancing, is irresistible in the photos and videos that are shared on social networks, especially Instagram and TikTok. If the attractive aesthetics are combined with positive testimonials, through stories and reels, from people who have already tried them, the result is that more and more people are joining the trend.

Major coffee brands, festivals and coffee shops are adapting to this format and offering parties to attract the public and gain visibility. This is the case of D'Sala Caffè which, in January this year, organized the first coffee party in Lima (Peru). The event required some changes to the venue: the furniture was removed to create more space, the lighting was dimmed and the window was turned into a canvas for attendees to write their messages. The bar was replaced with bartender stations and the DJ booth was installed on the terrace. The party turned out to be such a success that its owner, Alessandra Sala, has decided to hold this party periodically.

5. Gastronomic experience

Specialty coffees are usually served at a coffee party, which means that they are made with beans of extraordinary quality. This denomination is only acquired if obtains 80 or more points out of 100. This score must be awarded by a Q Grader or certified cupper based on the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association. Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). In addition, specialty coffee is produced in a sustainable manner, favors local trade and uses renewable resources.

Coffee is not the only beverage available at coffee parties, as 'mocktails' or non-alcoholic cocktails are also often offered. These drinks are very attractive because they combine healthy ingredients without losing flavor, including fruit juices, tea, aromatic herbs and sodas.

Of course, these drinks are not served on their own. Coffee parties often serve sweet treats such as cakes, cookies or cupcakes or savory options such as quiches or canapés. As these events are accessible to all kinds of audiences, vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free or plant-based milk alternatives of various kinds are included.

Come to The Shed coffee parties

Do you want to start the weekend with the best networking in the center of Madrid, while tasting a quality coffee? The Shed is the place you have to know. Come to the 'coffee party' that we celebrate every Friday at 11:00h and you can enjoy all these advantages:

Specialty coffee: As the lovers of this beverage that we are, we assure you that we will provide you with a wide variety of quality coffees.

The best music: At our parties, there is never a lack of quality live music, whether it is a DJ or a live band. This way we make sure that a good atmosphere is guaranteed.

Networking opportunities: Our coworking community is expanding by the minute because we like to open our doors to people from outside the coworking space. Join our 'coffee party' and get to know our space and the professionals who work in it.

Coworking space: After the party, you can stay in our flexible workstations and enjoy them for free until 6:00 pm. Bring your laptop and work in a space equipped with everything you need for a productive day.

Start the weekend with us and spend an unforgettable day at The Shed!