How to Drink Coffee Like An Italian
Do you love coffee? If you do, we’re sure that you’ve walked in your local Starbucks or Costa to scan the menu - and what do you find? Much of the jargon used in the art of coffee-making derives from Italian. Whether its an espresso, cappuccino or even a macchiato, all Italiano. It boils down to the fact that much of things we know about coffee, actually originates back to Italy. If you’re travelling to the Italian Alps this upcoming Winter, then there’s no better beverage to have than to indulge in an authentic cup of the finest Italian coffee. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the coffee-culture is entirely different compared to what you’re typically used to. One of the ways you might realise this is if you order a latte because you will inevitably receive a cup of milk (which is precisely what you ordered). So you want to avoid a trip up like that? Look no further. We at Albergo Miramonti, have written the key things to remember when ordering coffee in Italy.
MILK IS ONLY FOR THE MORNINGS
If you’ve come from a country where drinking milky coffee is acceptable at any time of the day, you will be intrigued at the fact that Italians save the milk for the mornings. Why? Many people believe that drinking milk later on the day can lead to indigestion. So if it’s the afternoon, try and refrain from ordering milky coffee and save it for breakfast. Here are a few kinds of coffees for the morning:
Cappuccino - Italy’s most famous coffee, it is espresso, steamed milk and foam.
Caffe Latte - It’s just like the cappuccino, but with more milk.
Latte Macchiato - Consists of espresso, with a drop or two of milk foam.
UNA PAUSA AL BANCO
For Italians, the ritual of drinking coffee is quick. If you walk into Caffe and attempt to order a ‘grande’, we’re sure that you will be met with confused looks. The Italians serve coffee in a small 20oz cup and are seen as a quick top-up of caffeine. Furthermore, the coffee-drinking culture is seen as ‘una pausa’ - literally - a pause. The Italian coffee scene is usually like this; ordering a cup of coffee and stand beside the bar. Take a bite out of a pastry, talk a little, then carry on with what you’re doing. If you’re taking a trip around Italy, perhaps stopping by the Lombardy Lakes, perhaps, then taking una pausa for some extra energy is a great idea.
ROASTED FLAVOURS
Italian coffee shops don’t spend a lot of time making the coffee; the recipe is simple. Don’t expect them to whip up something inventive or to take several minutes just to make the coffee look pretty. Wherever you go in Italy, the quality is consistent. The Italians like their coffee bittersweet and heavily roasted, topped with some crema on the top.
ORDERING COFFEE
When it comes to ordering coffee, it doesn’t need too many words. There is a standardised recipe for each order. To make it easier for you, here is a breakdown on some of the popular items to order:
Caffe - literally means ‘coffee’, so if you order this, you will receive a tiny cup of espresso.
Caffe Americano - Consists of espresso, diluted with hot water.
Caffe Corretto - A shot of espresso with a shot of liquor (grappa, sambuca, cognac)
Caffe Freddo (or Shakerato) - A chilled espresso poured over ice and shaken to make foam.
Why not stay at Miramonti Boutique Hotel? We are located within the Alps, with a Hotel Spa, relaxing Cigar Lounge and an Italian Restaurant that serves local Valtellina Cuisine.
For more articles about the Italian Alps and Northern Italy, read our blog: