Coffee is so much a part of the Italian culture that the idea of not drinking it is very foreign. As Italians and Australians share a true passion for coffee I thought that I could offer some information on the most popular coffee drinks available in Italy, including some tips for foreigners keen to drink like the locals do. Prendiamo un caffè?
Please take a look:
Please take a look:
Caffè = Espresso. Caffè is a general term for coffee. However if you are in Italy and you ask for “un caffè” at the bar, what you get is a single shot of espresso... in fact Italians don’t order “un espresso,” they just order “un caffè”.
Caffè lungo - If a shot of espresso seems too strong for you, try a caffè lungo. This literally means “long coffee” and is slightly weaker than a regular caffè as it has got more water in it.
Caffè ristretto - A “restricted coffee” is essentially a single shot of espresso made with less water. The results is a richer, more concentrated flavour ideal for the bravest coffee lovers and those who struggle to wake up in the morning.
Caffè lungo - If a shot of espresso seems too strong for you, try a caffè lungo. This literally means “long coffee” and is slightly weaker than a regular caffè as it has got more water in it.
Caffè ristretto - A “restricted coffee” is essentially a single shot of espresso made with less water. The results is a richer, more concentrated flavour ideal for the bravest coffee lovers and those who struggle to wake up in the morning.
Cappuccino - Cappuccino is strictly considered a breakfast drink. From an Italian point of view, milk is a meal itself so having a cappuccino after lunch / dinner would be unthinkable. If you really fancy a cappuccino after 11am - 12pm, go ahead... but don't be surprised if you get suspicious looks from people! To fully embrace Italian food culture, only stick with an espresso after lunch.
Latte - In Italy this just means “milk”, so if you order a latte you’ll simply get some cold milk. Enjoying a tall glass of steamed milk with a shot of espresso in it would be much better, so next time ask for a caffè latte.
Caffè corretto - This is not a morning drink, it’s an after-dinner treat. It's basically a shot of espresso “corrected” by adding a shot of liquor like grappa, Baileys or Sambuca.
Latte - In Italy this just means “milk”, so if you order a latte you’ll simply get some cold milk. Enjoying a tall glass of steamed milk with a shot of espresso in it would be much better, so next time ask for a caffè latte.
Caffè corretto - This is not a morning drink, it’s an after-dinner treat. It's basically a shot of espresso “corrected” by adding a shot of liquor like grappa, Baileys or Sambuca.
Have you ever heard about the Napolitan tradition of the “ caffè sospeso”?
A caffè sospeso (suspended coffee or pending coffee) is a cup of coffee paid for in advance as an anonymous act of generosity, a gift for people too poor to afford it... because everyone deserves the pleasure of a good coffee and should be allowed to participate in this social ritual. It seems that the tradition began around 100 years ago in the working-class cafes of Naples, where someone who had experienced good luck would order a sospeso, paying for two coffees but drinking only one. The unconsumed coffee would stay available for any poor person enquiring later, as a gift. This practice boomed during World War II and has found a revival since the global financial crisis of 2007/2008.
Many bars across Italy have joined an international network called Rete del caffè sospeso and proudly display the suspended coffee label — a black and brown sticker with a white espresso cup — at their windows.
Do you have any other coffee favourites that you'd like to share?
A caffè sospeso (suspended coffee or pending coffee) is a cup of coffee paid for in advance as an anonymous act of generosity, a gift for people too poor to afford it... because everyone deserves the pleasure of a good coffee and should be allowed to participate in this social ritual. It seems that the tradition began around 100 years ago in the working-class cafes of Naples, where someone who had experienced good luck would order a sospeso, paying for two coffees but drinking only one. The unconsumed coffee would stay available for any poor person enquiring later, as a gift. This practice boomed during World War II and has found a revival since the global financial crisis of 2007/2008.
Many bars across Italy have joined an international network called Rete del caffè sospeso and proudly display the suspended coffee label — a black and brown sticker with a white espresso cup — at their windows.
Do you have any other coffee favourites that you'd like to share?
Paola Chiappinelli is an Italian tutor at VLLC. Contact VLLC if you are interested in learning more about the Italian language or culture.
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