How do Italians drink coffee? In this post, we will explore how Italians love drinking their coffee. You will be surprised! Let’s find out.
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I heard that Italy is the motherland of coffee and coffee drinking rituals. How do Italians drink coffee? What is special about it? Can you provide some insights?
Owly Choice reader Georgina
We can completely understand Georgina’s sentiment. Italy has become the world’s heart of coffee. How Italians drink coffee is important for all coffee lovers around the world.
When we think about Italy, we think of history, culture, pizza, pasta, expressive hand gestures, and, of course, coffee. In Italy, coffee is more than just a beverage.
Italians transformed coffee into an art, and coffee became almost synonymous with Italy (even though Italy does not even produce any coffee).
How so? The first espresso machine was invented and built in Italy, some of the most popular coffee drinks were first prepared in Italy, and of course, everyone has heard of famous Italian coffee-related brands such as Lavazza, Illy and DeLonghi.
Coffee became part of the Italian identity, and drinking coffee in Italy is an experience that you cannot live through anywhere else in the world.
Drinking coffee is almost a sacred practice for Italians, and you might see them watching you judgmentally if you do something that they would not do when it comes to coffee (like drinking cappuccino in the afternoon, after lunch, for instance).
Italian bars and coffee
Italians drink several cups of espresso every day, typically during short coffee breaks. However, you will not see Italians enjoying their espressos sitting down.
Instead, in Italy, people drink coffee in establishments called “bars,” where people drink coffee standing. Italians place their order at the teller, being as specific as possible about how they want their coffee. Then, they take their coffee from the barista, drink it in 1-2 minutes, after which they are on their way out.
As an Italian friend of mine explained: not only do you not need a lot of time to drink 2oz coffee, but you should think about other people who want to get their coffee. “Bars” are usually small places, so it is polite to finish as soon as possible and then leave room for others.
An Italian “bar” is a place that is usually bustling with sounds, movement and coffee aroma. The baristas are people who have mastered the art of coffee brewing (just like we did at OwlyChoice), and who are able to brew the perfect cup following your exact requirements.
Popular types of coffee
While coffee baristas can accommodate any style how Italians drink coffee, there are some popular styles. Let’s explore just some of them.
Italian espresso
The first espresso machine was invented in Italy, and espresso has become one of the most widely popular coffee beverages in the world. This is a 2oz shot of concentrated coffee served is a small demitasse cup. In an Italian bar, if you ask for a “caffee,” you will get a shot of espresso. Italians love their espressos, and drink several cups per day. If you ask for a “doppio” (which means “double”), you will receive a double shot of espresso.
Espresso macchiato
Caffe macchiato is similar to espresso, but comes with a splash of milk. This weakens a flavor a bit, and makes it a bit smoother to the palate. In the Italian bars, they will usually use only full fat milk to mix with their coffee. The barista may ask you if you prefer hot or cold milk.
Caffe latte
Usually served in a tall glass, caffe latte is a mix of espresso and milk (1/4 of espresso at 3/4 of milk). You should be careful not to order just a “latte” when you go to an Italian bar. Latte alone will get you a glass of plain milk (“latte” means “milk” in Italian). You will need to ask for a “caffe latte” in order to avoid misunderstandings.
Caffe marocchino
This coffee variant is served in a small glass, and consists of a shot of espresso, cocoa powder, and milk froth. In some regions of northern Italy, the barista may also add thick hot cocoa to the blend. The name of this coffee beverage was given by its color. “Marocchino” was a type of light brown leather that was used in the 1930s.
Caffe mocaccino
This is a caffe latte with chocolate syrup in it. In some places, the barista may add cocoa powder and sweetener to the mix of espresso and milk. In other places, they could also use chocolate flavored milk in order to make this beverage.
Cappuccino
One of the most popular coffee drinks, cappuccino is likewise prevalent in Italy. Cappuccino is a mix of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam (1/3 of espresso, 1/3 of steamed milk, and 1/3 of milk foam). Italians are quite particular about when to drink cappuccinos. For them, drinking a cup of cappuccino after lunch is close to a form of sacrilege because, according to their unwritten rules, cappuccinos should be drank only in the morning.
Americano
Americano is also a popular coffee brew with water in one/two shots of espresso. Generally, espresso and water are mixed in a one to one ratio. This beverage still provides a strong coffee taste, but the added water changes the flavor, making the coffee less bitter. More water can be added to the mix, depending on each person’s preference.
Owly’s conclusion: do you want to drink how Italians drink coffee?
Italy is not only the country with the highest number of UNESCO Heritage sites in the world, or the country where pizza dominated the tables. It is also the country where coffee drinking and brewing are part of the cultural identity. Italy gave us the espresso machine, it gave us the “cappuccino”, and it gave us the permission to enjoy and consume coffee not only as a beverage, but also as a personal statement.
You can also drink like an Italian! Enjoy delicious espresso from the following espresso machines:
What do you think?
Do you like how Italians drink their coffee? What is your favorite coffee drink?
Let us know in the comments!
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