Beethoven Reportedly Counted Exactly 60 Beans for His Morning Coffee

German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, whose works became classics of world music, is said to have started his mornings with an unusual ritual: making coffee in a way that left nothing to chance. Foreign media report the habit, citing anecdotes about the composer's daily life.

Sixty beans per cup

According to the story, before sitting down at the piano Beethoven counted out exactly 60 coffee beans for a single cup. He believed that this amount gave the strength he wanted, helped him get in the right frame of mind for work and gave him energy for the day.

The care was not limited to his own cup. Anecdotes say he prepared drinks for guests on the same principle, patiently counting every bean. The habit is seen as an example of the attention to detail that showed in both his music and his everyday life.

How to repeat the ritual

Today, when coffee can be made at the press of a button, such a habit may seem odd. Yet it needs no special skills or complicated equipment, only favourite beans and a few spare minutes.

1. Choose your favourite coffee and place the beans on a clean surface.
2. Count out exactly 60 beans without hurrying, paying attention to the process itself. Such a small task can briefly take your mind off the daily rush.
3. Grind the beans and brew the coffee by whichever method suits you: a coffee machine, a French press or a coffee pot.