Ordering Italian coffee in Italy sounds like the most natural thing to do in this country, and it actually is. Still, it might not be as easy initially, and I realized that running my boutique hotel in Levanto.
We almost all drink coffee around here, from teens on, but each one has its favourite version, and depending on the region, there might be many options.
Also, suppose your idea of getting an Italian coffee is queuing up at Starbucks and ordering some flavoured coffee in a specific size. In that case, you might be really disappointed, although we now have the best one ever, the Starbucks downtown in Milan (visit it!!!).
Ordering Italian coffee in Italy
Italians aren’t that good at queuing (!) and certainly not to order a coffee, plus we usually order it at the bar and drink it right away, standing. Having more time or a friend to chat with, we sit at the table, wait for the waiter and use the coffee as an excellent excuse for a break. What we never do is order a coffee to go. I always do that when travelling, but in Italy, it’s not something you do, and it’s almost impossible to find a bar where this is an option…
We mainly drink coffee in the morning, while others are perfect for an afternoon break or after dinner. Still, I never really bothered following these non-written rules, and you definitely shouldn’t, but just so you know how it’s supposed to work, I’ll share typical Italian coffees in three blocks.
Italian coffee to drink throughout the day
Espresso
If you order a caffè, literally a coffee, you’ll get a shot of Espresso—the king. It is always served in a tiny cup, and you can add sugar or honey to it or drink it as it is. Its taste is really intense, but it actually has very little caffeine.
It can be lungo (larger, so weaker flavour, but more caffeine), corto or ristretto (just a few creamy drops), doppio (double shot), con panna (with whipped cream on top), or even decaffeinated (decaffeinated).
Macchiato
Macchiato is white coffee served in a tiny size or, to make it easier, a shot of Espresso with a bit of milk. You can order the milk as you prefer: cold, hot, with or without foam. If you don’t make a clear choice, you’ll get it hot.
You might also listen to somebody asking for a macchiatone. It’s just the same thing but served in a bigger cup.
Ginseng
My favorite! It’s the new entry to Italian coffee, and I drink it several times daily. You can order it in a small or big cup (in Tazza Piccola or Tazza Grande). It’s an espresso with ginseng extract, and it’s very sweet.
Italian coffee at breakfast
Orzo
Orzo is the only thing I was allowed to drink as a kid, as it’s caffeine-free. You can order it in a small or a big cup.
Caffè latte or latte macchiato
So, it’s basically an American latte (3/4 of hot milk and a shot of Espresso with a bit of foot on top) served in a tall glass. If you do ask for a latte, you’ll get the same tall glass full of milk—just hot milk. So, don’t forget to add the word caffè in front!
Cappuccino
If Espresso is the king, cappuccino is the Emperor because everybody knows it worldwide. It’s served in a teacup, and the balance between Espresso, hot milk, and foam is perfect, even though you can ask for it with a double shot, less or more foam, or even mild milk.
It’s considered a hot breakfast drink, but my mum, for instance, drinks it at any time, and you can certainly do the same if it pleases you…
Caffè americano
When you order a caffè americano, the closest you can get to a black coffee, you’ll get an espresso served in a big cup with hot water on the side.
Italian coffees after lunchtime
Corretto
If you want to taste espresso with a shot of your favourite liquor, you must order “un corretto” (i.e., a corrected one). We usually add a shot of grappa, whiskey, Sambuca, or cognac.
Shakerato
It’s a chilled espresso poured over ice and shaken to a froth. You can have it with or without sugar, and I love it with a few drops of Sambuca. It’s usually served in a fancy glass and is excellent on hot summer afternoons.
Marocchino
This is also a new entry among Italian coffees, and you get as many variations as our regioIt’sIt’s a perfect afternoon treIt’sIt’s generally a shot of espresso with frothed milk and cocoa powder on top, served in a cup-sized glass of espresso.
Moka, the authentic Italian coffee
I couldn’t end this post without telling you about our beloved Moka, a category on its own. This is the coffee we drink at home, the one whose smell wakes us up in the morning, and you’ll be offered it in any Italian home.
Moka pots are also known as stove-top espresso makers that brew coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee. Named after the Yemenite city of Mocha, they were invented by an Italian engineer named Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. Their coffee is much stronger than that obtained by drip brewing. Furthermore, depending on the bean variety, moka pots can create a foam emulsion known as crema.
Italian coffee at the Oasi in Levanto
You’re staying at my boutique hotel in Levanto, so don’t worry: you can order coffee or any other hot drink. I’ll arrange a private class with coffee tasting just for you!
But at least once, try it the local way: ristretto with a slice of freshly baked Genoese focaccia. Trust me!
