ANZAC Day & Coffee: The Story Behind the Gunfire Breakfast ANZAC Day holds a deep and emotional place in Australian history. Every year on April 25, people across the country pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and mateship of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. From dawn services to quiet moments of reflection, the day is about respect and remembrance. One tradition that often sparks curiosity is the Gunfire Breakfast . While it may sound intense, the story behind it is simple, meaningful, and closely tied to coffee culture in Australia today. Over time, coffee has quietly replaced rum and tea, making freshly brewed coffee an important part of how many Australians mark ANZAC Day. This blog explores where the Gunfire Breakfast comes from, how coffee became part of it, and why choosing freshly roasted coffee beans matters when honouring a tradition built on warmth, comfort, and connection. What Is a Gunfire Breakfast? A Gunfire Breakfast traditionally takes place after the ANZAC Day dawn service. It is a simple meal shared in silence or quiet conversation, often with fellow community members, veterans, or family. Historically, the “gunfire” part refers to alcohol mixed with a hot drink , given to soldiers before heading into battle. It was never about celebration. It was about courage, calm, and getting through what lay ahead. Over time, especially in Australia, this tradition softened. The focus shifted away from alcohol and toward togetherness and remembrance . Today, many people enjoy a warm cup of coffee as part of the Gunfire Breakfast, reflecting modern values while still respecting history. The Origins of the Gunfire Tradition During World War I, soldiers were often given tea or coffee mixed with rum before dawn. The drink helped with warmth, nerves, and morale. It was a small comfort in an otherwise harsh reality. When soldiers returned home, the memory of that early morning drink stayed with them. Over the years, veterans’ clubs and local communities began serving Gunfire Breakfasts after dawn services as a way to honour those experiences. As coffee culture grew in Australia, coffee naturally replaced tea and rum. It became the drink people reached for when gathering early in the morning, especially on a day filled with reflection. Why Coffee Became Central to ANZAC Day Mornings Australia has one of the strongest coffee cultures in the world. From small suburban cafés to home brewers, coffee is part of daily life. On ANZAC Day, coffee offers something meaningful. Coffee is warm, grounding, and familiar. It encourages people to slow down, sit together, and reflect. A cup of coffee shared after a dawn service creates space for quiet conversations, memories, and respect. Using freshly roasted coffee beans makes that moment even more special. Fresh beans offer richer aroma, deeper flavour, and a smoother finish, turning a simple cup into something memorable. The Importance of Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans When it comes to meaningful moments like ANZAC Day, quality matters. Coffee made from freshly roasted coffee beans tastes noticeably better than coffee that has been sitting on supermarket shelves for months. Fresh beans: ● Have stronger aroma ● Taste smoother and cleaner ● Retain natural oils and flavours ● Deliver a more comforting cup Freshness also reflects care. Just as ANZAC Day is about respect and thoughtfulness, choosing fresh coffee shows intention. It’s not rushed or careless; it’s deliberate and sincere. If you’re buying coffee for ANZAC Day, it’s worth choosing beans roasted recently and sourced from a trusted Australian roaster. Organic Coffee and Mindful Choices Many Australians now look for coffee that aligns with their values. That’s where organic coffee comes in. Choosing the best organic coffee Australia has to offer means supporting cleaner farming practices and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. Organic beans are often grown with greater care for soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems. From a taste perspective, organic coffee often feels smoother and more balanced. It’s a great choice for early mornings when you want comfort without harsh bitterness. On ANZAC Day, organic coffee fits naturally with the theme of respect—respect for people, land, and tradition. Making a Simple Gunfire Breakfast Coffee at Home A modern Gunfire Breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need alcohol, fancy equipment, or café-level skills. What matters most is intention. Here’s a simple approach: Start with freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. Brew using a method you’re comfortable with—plunger, drip, or espresso. Keep it black or add a small splash of milk if that’s how you enjoy it. Sit quietly. Drink slowly. Let the moment mean something. That’s the heart of a modern Gunfire Breakfast. Buying Coffee for ANZAC Day: What to Look For If you’re planning ahead, buying the right beans makes all the difference. When you buy freshly roasted coffee beans , look for: ● A recent roast date ● Australian roasting standards ● Clear origin information ● Options for organic coffee Avoid overly old or stale beans. Freshness ensures the flavour is at its best, especially for an early morning cup when your senses are just waking up. Buying from an Australian coffee roaster also supports local businesses and ensures better quality control. Coffee, Community, and Remembrance One of the most powerful things about ANZAC Day is how it brings people together. Coffee plays a quiet role in that connection. Standing shoulder to shoulder at dawn, holding a warm cup, sharing silence—these moments matter. Coffee doesn’t distract from remembrance; it supports it. In many homes and communities, coffee has become a respectful companion to reflection, replacing stronger drinks with something calmer and more inclusive. A Tradition That Continues to Evolve Traditions are not fixed. They grow with time, shaped by values and culture. The Gunfire Breakfast has evolved from a soldier’s ration to a shared moment of reflection. Today, coffee represents comfort, connection, and calm. Using high-quality beans, especially organic and freshly roasted options, adds meaning without changing the heart of the tradition. ANZAC Day is not about perfection. It’s about presence. A simple cup of good coffee can help create that presence. Final Thoughts The story behind the Gunfire Breakfast is not about alcohol or ceremony. It’s about people, history, and shared moments. Coffee has naturally found its place in this tradition because it offers warmth and familiarity. Choosing freshly roasted coffee beans and supporting the best organic coffee Australia producers reflects care and respect—values that sit at the core of ANZAC Day. Whether enjoyed alone or with others, coffee on ANZAC morning becomes more than just a drink. It becomes part of remembrance. 1. What is a Gunfire Breakfast on ANZAC Day? A Gunfire Breakfast is a traditional early-morning meal held after ANZAC Day dawn services. It usually includes simple food like bacon, eggs, bread, and coffee, served to honour the routines of soldiers during wartime. 2. Why is coffee an important part of the Gunfire Breakfast? Coffee was a key comfort for soldiers, helping them stay alert and warm in the early hours. Today, sharing a cup of coffee symbolises reflection, connection, and respect after the dawn service. 3. Where did the Gunfire Breakfast tradition begin? The tradition dates back to World War I, when soldiers were served a mix of tea, coffee, rum, and breakfast before or after early operations. Over time, it became a commemorative practice on ANZAC Day. 4. Is the Gunfire Breakfast only for veterans? No. While it holds deep meaning for veterans, many communities welcome the public. It’s a way for people of all ages to come together, remember the fallen, and show gratitude. 5. What foods are commonly served at a Gunfire Breakfast? Typical items include bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, bread, and hot coffee or tea. The focus is on simple, hearty food rather than modern or elaborate meals. 6. How can people respectfully take part in a Gunfire Breakfast? Attend a local dawn service, observe the moment of silence, and approach the breakfast with respect. It’s less about the food and more about remembrance and shared reflection.