How to Order Coffee in Italy and Types of Italian Coffee Drinks

Italy: excellent food and good coffee. But do they even produce coffee? In this article, we will take a look at coffee culture in Italy, types of coffee drinks, and some Italian lingo. So, read on to learn about Italian coffee!

Helena Shaw

December 2, 2022

About Italian Coffee

Contents hide

1 About Italian Coffee

2 Types of Italian Coffee Drinks: More than Cappuccino and Latte

3 Italian Coffee Culture

4 How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local

Coffee is an integral part of Italian culture, with many people starting their day with a cup of espresso. The Italian are one of the world’s leading lovers of coffee, however, they do not produce it themselves. There are many different types of Italian coffee, but some of the most popular include espresso, cappuccino, caffè d’orzo (coffee made with barley), and latte. No matter how it is made, Italian coffee is known for its rich flavor and strong caffeine kick.

Types of Italian Coffee Drinks: More than Cappuccino and Latte

Espresso: This classic Italian coffee is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. It is typically served in a small cup, and its strong flavor can be enjoyed on its own or with a dash of milk. It can also be served “lungo.”
Ristretto: Now that you know what espresso is, imagine condensing it. That’s ristretto. Translated to “narrowed” ristretto is a shot of super strong “condensed” espresso. It’s smaller but way stronger.
Cappuccino: A cappuccino is an espresso topped with steamed milk and foam. It is typically served in a larger cup than espresso, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a heartier coffee drink.
Macchiato: A macchiato is an espresso with a small amount of milk added. This allows the espresso’s bold flavor to shine through while still providing a bit of creaminess.
Mocha: Mocha is a marriage between espresso and hot chocolate (with the addition of milk). This sweet treat is sure to delight!
Shakerato: A shakerato is an espresso that has been shaken with ice and sugar. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days.
Americano: An americano is espresso that has been diluted with hot water. This results in a coffee that has a similar strength to drip coffee, but with a more robust flavor.
Marocchino: This is a beautiful combination of milk froth, a shot of espresso, and cocoa powder. First, the cup is dusted with the powder, and after the liquids are poured, a second dust of cocoa is added.

Italian Coffee Culture

Italy is well-known for its coffee culture, and Italians take their coffee seriously. In fact, coffee is so ingrained in Italian society that it has its own concept – caffè. And while caffè can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, there are some cup types that are more popular than others.

For example, cappuccino is a coffee drink that is traditionally made with espresso and steamed milk. The word cappuccino comes from the Italian word for cap, which refers to the drink’s foamy top. Irrespective of how it’s consumed, coffee plays an important role in Italian culture and society. Drink coffee, folks!

How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local

If you find yourself in an Italian coffee shop, you may be wondering what you should say. While the country is known for its espresso, there are actually a variety of coffee drinks available. Here is a guide to help you order coffee in Italy like a pro.

If you want a traditional espresso, simply ask for un caffè. If you want it with milk, you can ask for un caffè macchiato or un caffè latte. If you want a double shot of espresso, you can ask for un doppio. If you want your coffee with just a bit of alcohol, you can ask for un caffè corretto, which literally means “corrected coffee.” This refers to the addition of a splash of liquor, usually grappa or brandy. And if you’re looking for an iced coffee, you can ask for un caffé freddo.

So next time you’re in Italy and craving coffee, don’t be afraid to order like a local. Caffè is always the way to go.

Helena Shaw

Helena Shaw is an excellent baker. She also loves to cook, and has collected quite a few cookbooks over the years. In fact, she used to bake for hotels before moving on to do special orders for a local patisserie. Helena also enjoys going on coffee trips with her dog, and spending time with her loved ones.