Where Did the Phrase “Cup of Joe” Originate and Why Is a Cup of Coffee Called a “Cup of Joe”?

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Karen Hill

Up until 1913, the United States Navy practised the British tradition of each sailor receiving a daily ration of rum.

But that year, Secretary Joseph, or Joe, Daniels, a non-drinker, prohibited any alcohol on board any American vessel.

This made coffee the strongest drink available to the disgruntled sailors, who began referring to their mugs of coffee as a “cup of Joe.”

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