How to order coffee in Italy (and how to drink it like a real Italian)

In Italy, coffee is more than just a drink; it is a way of life. Italian coffee culture is deeply rooted in the country's traditions and daily life. This is something every tourist should experience.

Here's why you need to know How to enjoy coffee in Italy, starting with the words to use, the choice of types of coffee available, the etiquette to follow, and the best brands to try. Are you ready? So, let’s dive into the aromatic world of Italian coffee.

How to order coffee in Italian

When you enter Italy barthe first thing you need to know is How to order coffee.In Italy, when you ask for a “caffè”, you get a Strong coffee, as it is the standard coffee consumed by most Italians.If you want a double espresso, you should order one double.However, please note that ordering Strong coffee or a Double espresso Your travel identity may be exposed.

To order a cup of coffee, you can say:

In fact, it is very common for Italians to mean Strong coffee use this word coffeewhen you want a cup of coffee, all you have to do is say:

• a cup of coffee (Strong coffee)
• a double (Double espresso)
• The longer one (Generally speaking, a small cup of coffee is almost full to the brim)

If you're looking to order more than just a basic cup of coffee, you'll also want to learn about the types of coffee commonly found in Italy. Some common names for Italian coffee include:

• long (long shot)
• short (a short coffee)
• Restricted (Limit coffee)
• Macchiato (Espresso with milk)

Unfortunately for those in love Americano Coffee, usually not on the Italian menu. Nowadays you will find it in many places but it is only designed for tourist purposes.No one drinks except a very few people Americano In Italy.

So to experience true Italian coffee, try to avoid Americano, because it's not a typical thing. Most importantly, avoid coffee chain stores like McCafé or Starbucks. In fact, although their products are adapted to Italian tastes, they do not represent Italian tradition at all.

How do Italians drink coffee?

Drinking coffee is an art in Italy, there are some rules you need to follow if you want to blend in with the locals. First of all, Italians usually drink coffee standing at the bar. This is a quick social event rather than a long, sit-down event.

remember, cappuccino Usually only eaten in the morning, many Italians consider it rude to order one after 11am. But don't despair, they are getting used to the foreign customs of the major cities. So if you can't live without it, go ahead and have it.

Italians often enjoy their Coffee with sweet pastrieslike a Croissants, like a croissant.But be careful, this will only happen if have breakfast in the morning.

During the day, people drink coffee as a social habit, sharing moments of the day, meet friends. Especially in southern Italy, coffee is always offered to visiting guests: it's not just a rule, it's like a sacred dogma.

Finally, when it comes to paying for your coffee, there are two ways. You can pay before you drink your coffee or after you finish your coffee. The most common way is to order food, drink, and pay.

Italian coffee types

In Italy, you can enjoy many types of coffee. Here are some of the most popular:

• Strong coffee: This is the standard coffee in Italy. This is a small shot of strong coffee in a small cup.
• cappuccino: This is an espresso with steamed milk and foam on top. Usually consumed in the morning.Many times it is presented as latte artthat is, garnished and dusted with cocoa powder upon request.
• Macchiato: This is an espresso shot with a small amount of milk.
• coffee with milk: This is an espresso with a lot of milk, like a latte in other countries.
• coffee with alcohol: This is an espresso shot with a small amount of liquor, usually grappa, ouzo, or sambuca. In summer, you should try the “corretto” with Vélez Irish Cream and ice.

Each of these coffees offers a unique taste and experience, so don't be afraid to try them all. But unlike the US and UK, keep in mind that coffee sizes are smaller in Italy, and for good reason. The coffee you drink at the Peninsula is strong, and a tall coffee like an English or American will give you more than just a pleasant buzz. So, don't expect to get big cups like Starbucks.

Drinking coffee in Italy

In Italy, drinking coffee is a daily ritual. It's common to start the day with an espresso at a local bar before going to work. Around 10 a.m., Italians may take a brief coffee break, which is known as “coffee time (leisure time”.After lunch, another Strong coffee Commonly used to aid digestion of meals.

In the afternoon, Italians may enjoy a second or even third coffee break with snacks including dessert and coffee. After dinner, what Italians call “digestive coffee,” used to aid digestion. It could also be a “coffee with alcohol“Have a glass of wine, or just a small glass of local wine, e.g.”grappa”. As you can see, coffee is also used to mark the time of day.

What Italians think coffee should taste like

It’s no secret that whenever Italians go abroad, they often have trouble finding what they consider a good cup of coffee.

This happens because many Italians find global coffee chains offer poor imitations of the real thing. The coffee at these chains often tastes burnt or too bland for Italian tastes. Instead, Italians are accustomed to the smoother, richer flavor of traditional Italian espresso.

Coffee made in Italian bars usually uses About 7 grams ground coffee When it comes to espresso, there isn't much variation from bar to bar. Specialty coffee shops may use more coffee, resulting in a stronger cup.

The coffee must be almost thick, with a bit of foam on top, and a rich black color on top that fades to a golden brown. Smell is part of the ritual: intense, enveloping, fragrant.

Globally, the perceived Italian espresso culture is a caricature of the real culture. Award-winning barista James Hoffman confirms this. When exporting, things undergo some changes to suit local tastes. This evolution also occurred in many other Italian gastronomic specialties, sometimes not even recognized by Italians.

Although Italians are not as popular as they used to be due to the widespread use of coffee machines, they have always Mocha in their house. It is as important to the Italian kitchen as the kettle is to the British kitchen. It is used to brew strong, rich coffee that is much stronger than the latest coffee machines. This is something that cannot be changed and traded by any other coffee or machine in the world.

Italian coffee etiquette

to that moment Italian coffee etiquette, there are some rules to keep in mind.First of all, if you are in a bar, or what the Italians call a coffee shop, you should Order and pay at the counter.

Many times, you Standing at the bar drinking coffee. Keep in mind that sitting at a table usually costs more, and you may have to pay extra for service.

As already said, milk coffee Usually a cappuccino or latte only in the morning. Ordering a cappuccino after a meal or in the late afternoon may get you some strange looks.

Also, when ordering, simplify things. Italians usually just order an “espresso,” which they call “coffee” or “cappuccino,” as we've already discussed. No long and complicated order forms that you may be used to in other countries. Order food, drink, and relax.

No need to be in a hurry like the Italians Since you're on vacation there, you can have coffee whenever you want. But if you happen to be passing through Naples, remember that you can pay extra for your coffee and leave it to someone else. Usually it’s people who don’t have money to buy it. This custom is called “Pay for coffee” (paid coffee).

How much does a cup of coffee cost in Italy?

The cost of a cup of coffee in Italy can vary greatly depending on where you are. Generally speaking, if you stand at the bar and drink an espresso, expect to pay between 1 and 1.50 euros. If you sit at a table, the price can be as high as 3 euros or more. For example, near the “Duomo” in Milan or near Piazza San Marco in Venice, you can even charge 5 euros or more.

In tourist areas, prices are higher and some places charge more for certain types of coffee. Keep in mind that cappuccinos, especially those made with latte art, are more expensive than standard coffee anyway. In some coffee shops you can find it for 3 or 4 euros.

It is also worth noting that in some places, as already expected, there are "cover” fee, which is an additional charge for sitting at the table. This may add a few euros to your bill.

Be aware of where you drink your coffee, and remember that most of the time, real traditional coffee is found outside of tourist resorts. And, generally speaking, the price you pay for it is very small.

Famous Italian coffee brand

Italy is home to some of the world's most famous coffee brands. For example, Lavazza is one of the most well-known Italian coffee brands and is often referred to as “Italy's most popular coffee.”

The company produces 17 brands and products, including Lavazza Oro, Qualità Rossa, Caffè Crema e Gusto, Crema e Aroma, Dek (caffeine-free) and Lavazza Blue.

other Famous Italian coffee brand yes:

• illy
• segafredo
• Jinbo (Made in Naples)
• bourbon
• Perini
• Vergnano
• Torraldo

Each brand offers a range of products, from whole bean coffee to ground coffee to coffee pods.

in conclusion

In Italy, coffee is more than just a drink; This is a cultural experience. From the moment you walk into the bar and order your first coffee, you join a tradition rooted in Italian life. Whether you sip an espresso at the counter, enjoy cappuccino and carob for breakfast, or end your meal with a cup of caffè corretto, you're sure to taste the rich flavor and tradition of Italian coffee.

Fabio Guarino is a linguist and language expert who works as a freelance content writer and SEO marketer. He considers himself lucky to be able to combine his passion for his native Italian, English and Spanish with his career.