The Wine of the Infidels

In the late 16th century, coffee was still a mysterious and exotic beverage in Europe—dark, bitter, and associated with the Islamic world, and considered the wine of infidels, unfit for Christians to consume. Many of Pope Clement VIII’s advisors urged him to condemn it, calling it “the bitter invention of Satan.” But Clement, ever the curious soul, insisted on tasting it himself before passing judgment.

According to legend, after taking a few sips, he declared:

“This Satan’s drink is so delicious that it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it.”