Do you really know how to order a coffee?
Coffee, the most popular drink in the world that can generate big doubts when is the moment to order.
This can be different depending on the country, so let’s clarify it!
- Espresso: Espresso is the foundation of Italian coffee culture. It’s a strong, concentrated shot of coffee served in a small cup. Italians typically drink it quickly while standing at the bar.
- Caffè Lungo: This is an espresso “stretched” with additional hot water, making it a milder and slightly larger coffee.
- Cappuccino: Cappuccino is a combination of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It’s typically enjoyed in the morning with a delicious croissant and never after a certain time, as it’s considered too heavy for later in the day.
- Caffè Latte: Caffè Latte is similar to a cappuccino but with more milk and less foam. It’s often served in a glass.
- Macchiato: “Macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. A Caffè Macchiato is an espresso with a small amount of frothy milk or milk foam on top.
- Ristretto: Ristretto is an even shorter and more concentrated version of espresso, made with less water and finely ground coffee beans.
- Caffè Americano: This is essentially a diluted espresso, where hot water is added to an espresso shot, creating a coffee that’s similar in strength to American-style coffee.
- Caffè Corretto: Caffè Corretto means “corrected coffee.” It’s an espresso “corrected” with a shot of liquor, often grappa or sambuca.
- Marocchino: A Marocchino is an espresso shot with a small amount of cocoa powder and frothy milk on top, served in a small glass.
- Caffè Mocha: Similar to a Marocchino, this coffee includes espresso, cocoa powder, and milk but is usually topped with whipped cream.
- Shakerato: A Shakerato is a refreshing coffee drink made by shaking together espresso, ice cubes, and a sweetener (usually sugar) until it’s frothy and chilled.
- Granita di Caffè: In some regions, especially in Sicily, you can find a coffee slushie called Granita di Caffè. It’s made with sweetened, flavored coffee that’s frozen and then shaved into a granita-like texture.
- Caffè Freddo: This is a cold coffee, typically espresso, served with ice cubes and sometimes sugar.
- Caffè Freddo Shakerato: A cold coffee variation where espresso, ice cubes, and sweetener are shaken together until frothy and cold.
- Decaffeinated Coffee: For those who prefer decaffeinated coffee, you can ask for “caffè decaffeinato.”
Keep in mind that coffee culture can vary from region to region in Italy, so you might find local variations and specialties not listed here. Also, remember that ordering coffee in Italy often involves standing at the bar and enjoying your coffee quickly, as sitting at a table typically costs more.
