Italians are known for their coffee culture. It is an essential part of their daily ritual, and they have a long tradition of drinking it, celebrating it, and talking about it. When it comes to ordering coffee in Italy, it can be tricky. It’s different from what you’d find in your local coffee shop back home, so it’s essential to learn the nuances of Italian coffee culture.
Caffe
A quick coffee shot, an espresso, is what Italians call it. It’s served in a cup and usually with water to clean your palate before you drink it. Francisco Cervelli has a great interest in Italian coffee. Caffe affogato (AFGHOT) is one of the most popular types of Italian coffee, and it’s made with one shot of espresso, milk, and almond-flavored syrup. It’s a great drink on hot days because it is very refreshing! Unlike an Americano, the coffee in a caffe lungo has been run through twice as much water. It’s a bit like a caffe Americano but a lot stronger, and it’s the best way to get a substantial caffeine boost. Order a caffe lungo when you’re visiting Italy and experience the difference! You won’t regret it. Just make sure you ask for an espresso, not a latte!
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a popular espresso-based coffee drink created in Italy in the early 20th century. It is typically prepared with a single shot of espresso, hot milk, and a layer of steamed milk foam. A great cappuccino should be smooth, creamy, and have a delicately sweet taste. The milk should be steamed to introduce tiny air bubbles into the milk, creating what is known as microfoam. The foamed milk should be dense to the point that it sticks to a spoon. This makes a thick milk mustache and helps to give the cappuccino its velvety texture.
Latte
The Latte is one of the most famous Italian coffee drinks. It’s a simple blend of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. This drink is a staple in most cafes. It’s easy to make at home with a standard coffeemaker or French press, and you can add flavored syrups. However, many people need an espresso machine to realize you can make a latte! All you need is a good recipe and a few essential kitchen tools. A latte is made with a ratio of one to two shots of espresso and several ounces of steamed milk, then topped off with a layer of thick foam. It’s one of the most popular espresso drinks in the world, and it’s prevalent in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shakerato
Shakerato is a classic Italian iced coffee similar to a cold brew drink. It uses the same essential ingredients but is made slightly differently. It’s made by shaking espresso with sugar on ice and served in a martini glass. It’s easy to make and can be paired with any liqueur you like, such as Baileys Irish Cream or vanilla. It’s a simple drink but a great way to cool off and get your caffeine fix in the summer. While shakerato has never become a staple in the United States, it has gained popularity abroad. It’s a fun and easy cocktail, but it requires some practice. It’s a good option for those who want to try something different in the coffee category but want to avoid brewing their cup of espresso.
Freddo
A Freddo espresso is a quick and easy way to enjoy your coffee on a hot summer day. Just shake a double shot of espresso over ice, strain and serve it in your favorite glass for a refreshing drink that will help you relax on the beach or stroll through the city! It’s easy to make at home and can be enjoyed with or without sugar. The key is to select a full-bodied, low-acidity coffee that can stand up to the mixing process. This can be done by using a milk frother or simply shaking it until it has a thick layer of foam on top! A Freddo cappuccino is the second variation of this drink, similar to a Freddo espresso, except that the milk is cold-foamed before being added to the shaken espresso mixture.
