Not Trump or Obama: The U.S. president with a one-gallon-a-day coffee habit
Teddy Roosevelt reportedly drank a gallon of coffee a day - but is it true?
We all like a hot drink on a morning. Be it a hot chocolate, a cup of tea or a pot of coffee, starting the day the right way is imperative.
But a gallon a day? Well, that’s what Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt allegedly consumed every 24 hours. His signature brew? Equal parts coffee and milk, loaded with up to seven sugar lumps. One witness even claimed Roosevelt polished off forty cups in one day, which is more than two and a half gallons... but is this all just a myth?
In short: no.
U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly drank more than a gallon of coffee a day. pic.twitter.com/rWUZclD8KK
— HISTORY (@HISTORY) April 22, 2015
As a child, Roosevelt suffered from asthma, long before inhalers existed. Back then, coffee was rumoured to ease breathing, and so he formed a habit that stuck. His mornings began with that ultra-sugary, creamy brew, and he kept refilling throughout the day. Eventually, to reduce calories, he switched from sugar to the artificial sweetener saccharin.
Beyond his coffee obsession, Roosevelt’s favourite treat was a currant-studded pastry known as a fat rascal: a modest indulgence alongside his strong caffeine habit.
Under the influence of the coffee bean, his achievements were remarkable: conquering the Nobel Peace Prize, orchestrating the end of a war, and kickstarting the Panama Canal.
Roosevelt also turned his family’s coffee passion into a business. In 1919, his children opened New York’s Double R Coffee House, inspired by their father’s admiration of the drink.
Coffee Prices:
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) August 12, 2025
• Rose 14.5% in July YoY
• Now sitting at record high $8.4 per lb.
• Oh, and a 50% tariff on Brazil imports (30% of US supply) kicked in last week
How can we be expected to work under these conditions pic.twitter.com/JFBCKMz71K
The original name was Roosevelt’s Brazilian Coffee House, later changed due to naming issues, but the family’s devotion to Brazilian roast (Teddy’s favourite) remained front and centre.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment