In some cases it could take up to ten minutes to complete the order and enjoy a good espresso at the table. In the past, people were forced to leave their homes even in the freezing winter and sweltering summer heat. Espresso coffee is available everywhere, from the big shopping centre to the small village shop with its weathered and faded sign. "They would take on the characteristic ape-like expression," recalls Stefano Benni, even managing to crack a smile. So let's think about how the people of antiquity managed without such an important gift. This is how Stefano Benni, Italian writer and playwright, speaks in his debut book Bar Sport to indicate the great cultural, if not evolutionary, importance for the human race of the discovery of espresso coffee.Ĭan one of the toughest and firmest glues of all humanity be defined differently? We need only think of espresso, especially in Italy, to bring to mind scenes of harmony, joy and conviviality that would otherwise seem impossible. But coffee had not yet been invented and primitive man frowned, assuming the characteristic monkey expression". ![]() When he got up in the morning in his cave, he immediately felt a strong desire for coffee. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.Espresso coffee, the art on the table according to Italians. Tina James is the Managing Director at Headwater Holidays. ![]() In some regions of northern Italy, thick hot cocoa is also added, and in Alba (home of Ferrero), Nutella is used.Ĭaffè ‘corrected’ with grappa, sambuca or another liquor – strong, so not to be ordered at breakfast! It consists of a shot of espresso served in a glass, with frothed milk and cocoa powder sprinkled over. This is becoming more and more popular in Milan and northern Italy, and was invented in Piedmont. It’s a cup or glass of hot milk ‘stained’ with a dash of coffee! You can also ask for ‘ macchiato caldo‘ (hot milk) or ‘ macchiato freddo‘ (cold milk). It’s an espresso ‘stained’ with a dash of milk. ![]() Many Italians make it in a Moka pot (small coffee machine). Don’t confuse it with caffè macchiato! It’s rarely ordered at a bar, more likely to be enjoyed in the home, served in a mug or a bowl (perfect for dipping biscuits in!). Cappuccino is traditionally taken in the morning, along with cookies or a flaky pastry.Ī cup of hot milk with an espresso. Don’t make the mistake: ordering a cappuccino straight after lunch/dinner is not Italian at all, as it’s considered too heavy on the stomach. This will come in a large cup, as an espresso with a froth of steamed milk on top. If you want it with milk, say ‘ con latte’. Or simply ‘Americano’ is the classic large black coffee (espresso filled with hot water). It will be served in a small cup on a saucer with a small spoon. In Italy they don’t use the word espresso because there’s no other coffee to differentiate it from. You can ask for this either lungo (long) or corto (short). It’s the traditional strong shot of coffee. When you order a simple caffè, an espresso will be served, by default. Now you know the dos and donts, here’s how to order the following types of coffee: ![]() This is because in Italy, an Americano is a strong aperitivo! Similar to ordering a latte, you should remember to put “caffè” before Americano. Remember to put “caffè” before it when ordering.Īsk for an Americano and you may get alcohol In Italy, asking for a latte is asking for a simple cup of cold milk. If you’re looking forward to a milky coffee, served in a glass, prepare to be disappointed. Request a grande or a venti and you’ll be met with confusion. There are no size differentials in Italy. If you do order a cappuccino, caffè latte or a latte macchiato after lunchtime, you may get a funny look, but you will be served it nonetheless. Part of the Italian coffee-drinking etiquette is to only drink milky coffees in the morning. In the larger towns and cities, they usually charge a supplement for sitting at a table. But do you really know how to order it? Here’s a short guide for you to use in Italy so you can ‘act like an Italian’ at the local coffee bar.įirst of all, when taking your coffee you stand at the bar with all the other Italians to drink it. The locals embrace every cup of coffee – drinking it is an enjoyable and relaxing moment to enjoy the flavour and smell of the coffee, with friends or family or during a quick coffee break (‘ una pausa‘). You may or may not be aware of the importance of coffee in Italian culture.
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