There is nothing quite like a well-made cup of coffee. Whether you want a simple, single shot of caffeine or a rich, decadent blend of expresso, cream, and cocoa, different drinks from different regions have their distinct flares. Italian coffee is an art strongly grounded in tradition and authenticity. Each of the 20 regions boasts a unique coffee culture. Here is a comprehensive of some of the most prevalent traditional coffee-based drinks from around the Bel Paese, as well as everything you need to know about coffee etiquette. After this, you’ll be on your way from novice to seasoned connoisseur.
Some Ground Rules:
For some, the day is defined by coffee rituals: cappuccino in the morning, a caffè macchiato for a boost in the afternoon, and espresso after dinner. But before you walk into a bar (the common name for the traditionally family-run establishments that we might recognize as a café or coffee shop), there are some things you should know.
There are rules for ordering coffee in Italy. Order a “latte”, and you’ll receive a glass of milk (which is exactly what you ordered). Ask for a to-go cup or order a “medium”, and you might as well tell the barista you’re a tourist.
Here are a few usual tips on how to order a drink.
– There are two prices in bars: a table, or al tavolo, price, and an at-the- counter, or al banco, price. Many locals will spend only a few minutes in a bar, enjoying their morning cappuccino standing at the counter before moving on with the rest of the day. If you’re on a budget or have a busy day planned, consider saving some euros by trying the same. You can also gather some friends or get comfortable with a good book and savor your coffee at a table.
– Many bars require you to pay first before going to the counter to order, so make sure you keep your receipt.
– In Italy, the default coffee is espresso. If you’re in search of an American style. or “drip” coffee – you’re out of luck. The closest you can get is ordering the “caffè americano” where available. This is usually a shot of espresso that’s been diluted with hot water.
– There is also caffè lungo (pronounced: LOON-goh). This is not a caffè americano. Instead, it’s a bridge between expresso and the traditional filtered, or drip, coffee. There is more water than a traditional caffè, but it is water that is run through the espresso grounds, as opposed to the hot water that is added into the Americano. It’s more authentic and less diluted. You can flavor this with Zucchero (sugar) found on the counter of the bar, or amaro, a bitter-sweet Italian herbal liqueur that is commonly consumed as an after-dinner digestive.
– There are no sizes for coffee in traditional bars. The standard size for espresso or Caffe Americano is a little more than a shot. Serving sizes for other drinks may vary, but there are no unlimited-mugs-of-joe like you’d have in the states. In general, they are quite small, which is why many bar patrons choose to enjoy their java at the counter.
– Coffee usually comes with a complimentary glass of water. If the barista doesn’t give it to you with your order, feel free to ask.
Now that you know how to order coffee in Italy, let’s talk about what options you have for caffeinated fare.
Morning
The popular go-to is a cappuccino, which is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
(Fun fact: ‘Cappuccino’ takes its name from the Capuchin friars, part of a larger Franciscan order of monks, the color of espresso mixed with frothed milk was similar to the color of the Capuchin robe.)
Other breakfast beverage options include caffè latte: espresso with more steamed milk and less foam, and macchiato: espresso “marked” with a splash of steamed milk.
Why are these treats traditionally reserved for the start of the day? Italian eating habits emphasize good digestion and having milk in the afternoon or evening complicates digestion. As a result, most of these drinks are reserved for the morning, typically before 11 AM, and never after a meal. However, you can enjoy each of these drinks with a pastry from a neighborhood bar or pasticcerie.
Afternoon and evening pick-me-ups
Caffè (espresso, or caffè normale)
Caffè is Italian for coffee, but it is also the term many use to order an espresso, the most prevalent type of brew. A tip for fitting in at the bar is to say “un caffè”, and not “un espresso” when ordering.
You can also opt for a “doppio”, or a double espresso.
Caffè ristretto (or caffè stretto)
Ristretto means restricted, and the name is fitting for this drink. It’s similar to a caffè normale as it is still a single shot of espresso. However, it contains less water, giving it a more concentrated flavor. This is ideal when you only have time for one sip, as opposed to the three sips in a caffè.
Caffè Corretto
The name of this coffee translates to “correct coffee”, and the reason why is pretty cheeky. It is spiked espresso served with a few drops of Baileys, grappa, rum, or Sambuca. It’s typically ordered from about 5 pm onwards. This is commonly an after-dinner drink, because of, in a not-so-shocking twist, its assistance with digestion.
Caffè shakerato
This is the Italian answer to iced coffee. “Shakerato” means shaken up, and that is exactly how this drink is made. It is espresso, shaken with ice in a cocktail mixer, and then poured into a martini-style glass or a taller glass. This refreshing brew is unfortunately only offered in the warmer months, and bars will usually start making them around May.
Caffè Ginseng
This is essentially espresso flavored with ginseng extract and is naturally and subtly sweet, similar to the taste of a chai tea latte.
Not big on caffeine?
Not a problem! Many neighborhood bars offer Orzo. Designed to be a coffee substitute for those who can’t drink coffee, it is naturally and entirely caffeine-free and made from barley.
Where it is available, you can order Orzo the same ways as a caffè – doppio, macchiato, cappuccino, etc. It is not an iced coffee and does not come with milk, so it is a solid choice year-round and for any time of day!
What is your favorite orzo or caffee? Tell us by posting on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and tagging The Maria Liberati Show!
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