This document discusses "phatic coffee", which is using coffee as a social tool to begin casual conversations and establish social contact. It defines phatic communication as meaningless small talk used to maintain social relationships rather than exchange information. Coffee is well-suited for phatic conversations because it is a universal, unmarked social drink that does not have strong cultural associations or imply intimacy like alcohol. Drinking coffee with someone allows interaction without commitments. The document concludes that coffee is ideal for breaking social barriers because of its neutral, global status as a casual drinking.