Italian Coffee Guide: Taste, History, & More

Do you love coffee? If so, Italy is the place to be. Italian coffee is famous worldwide for its unique and delicious flavor. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of coffee, how to order them, and what they taste like. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of espresso or cappuccino – it’s time to delve into Italian coffee!

Italian Coffee Rules

In Italy, coffee is not just a beverage – it’s a way of life. There is an entire Italian coffee culture, and there are rules about how to make and drink coffee.

Saying Italians take their coffee seriously is an understatement. Here are a few things to keep in mind when enjoying coffee in Italy:

• A café in Italy is called a “bar.” Most cafes are hard to find in Italy because they typically don’t have an online presence. Look for a “BAR” sign out front, and you’ve found a café.
• Coffee is typically drunk in the morning or after a meal. While not rare, it’s not particularly common to find Italians drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening.
• When ordering coffee in a café, keep in mind that takeaway coffee is not as standard in Italy as it is in other countries. You’ll have two options: al tavolo meaning coffee at a table, and al banco for coffee at the counter.
• Italians typically drink their coffee standing up at the bar because it’s cheaper and they’re busy. So do what the locals do and order your coffee al banco!
• It’s rare to find sizes for coffee. The size of your coffee depends on what type of drink you want.
• Since coffee dehydrates you, coffee in Italy comes with a glass of water for you to drink at the bar.

Types of Italian Coffee Drinks

Now that we know how to order coffee in Italy let’s take a look at the different types of coffee you can find.

Caffè (espresso, caffè normale)

Pronunciation: kaf-feh

When to drink it: Primarily in the morning, but it can be drunk at all times.

Caffè, or espresso, is the most popular type of coffee in Italy. It’s made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a strong and concentrated coffee. Caffè is typically drunk quickly, in one or two sips.

Ready to order? Ask the cashier for a “un caffè.” If you want an extra boost to your day, grab a double by asking for a “doppio caffè.” And if you want a caffè with less caffeine, ask for a “caffè decaffeinato“.

Caffè Ristretto (short shot espresso)

Pronunciation: kaf-feh ree-streht-oh

When to drink it: In the morning.

A caffè ristretto is an espresso with less water, making it stronger and more concentrated than a regular caffè.

The variation in water and extraction time helps the quantity, taste, and caffeine level to be unique from a traditional espresso.

Ready to order? Ask the cashier for “Un caffè stretto, per favore.”

Be prepared, though; ristretto is the coffee you order when you want to conquer the world!

Caffè Lungo (long shot espresso)

Pronunciation: kaf-feh loon-goh

When to drink it: In the morning.

A caffè lungo is an espresso with more water, making it weaker and less concentrated than a regular caffè.

Most people agree that it’s not as flavorful as a traditional espresso, but it’s getting closer to the drip coffee we come to know in the United States, so it’s a favorite of tourists.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè lungo, per favore.”

This type of espresso may also be called a “caffè allungato” depending on where you are in Italy.

Caffè Americano

Pronunciation: kaf-feh ah-mer-ee-kah-noh

When to drink it: Any time of the day.

A caffè Americano is a lungo with even more water, making it closer to drip coffee. Like the previous option, this is more diluted than a caffè normale, and you won’t catch too many locals ordering it. But, hey, you like what you like.

Caffè americano is a great option for coffee drinkers who want a less intense coffee experience but still want the taste of espresso.

Ready to order it? Just ask for a “Un caffè Americano, per favore.”

Is Americano an Italian Coffee?

The short answer is no; Americano is not an Italian coffee. Americano is an American invention.

The long answer is a little bit more complicated. Americano is a cup of espresso with hot water added to it. It’s basically the Italian version of drip coffee.

So, while Americano is not an Italian coffee, it is inspired by Italian coffee. And it’s become quite popular in Italy over the years.

If you’re looking for a coffee similar to Americano, try an espresso with a splash of hot water. Or, if you want something closer to drip coffee, try an espresso with a lot of hot water.

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. So, experiment and see what you like best!

Caffè Latte (milk coffee)

Pronunciation: kaf-feh lah-teh

When to drink it: Any time of the day.

A caffè latte is a coffee with steamed milk and a little bit of foam. It’s similar to what we call a “latte” in the United States, but it’s important to note that the term “latte” in Italy simply means milk. So, if you want a latte, it’s best to specify that you want a caffè latte.

Caffè latte is a great coffee for those who want something a little sweeter and creamier than a caffè normale.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè latte, per favore.”

Cappuccino

Pronunciation: kah-poo-chee-noh

When to drink it: In the morning. Cappuccino is never drunk after 11 am.

Cappuccino is the second-most popular Italian coffee drink after the caffè. It’s even made its way to chain coffee shops like Starbucks (but once you try a cappuccino in Italy, you’ll quickly realize the one they serve at Starbucks isn’t that good).

A cappuccino is 1/3 coffee with 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foam. The milk-to-foam ratio is higher in a cappuccino than in a caffè latte, making it a bit lighter.

Fun fact: the name “cappuccino” comes from the ale-brown color of the robes of ancient Capuchin Monks from Rome.

Cappuccino is a popular coffee in the morning, but it’s important to know that it’s considered bad manners to drink it after 11 am.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un cappuccino, per favore.”

Caffè Marocchino (chocolate coffee or espressino)

Pronunciation: mah-roh-kee-noh

When to drink it: Any time of the day.

Alright, this is probably my favorite coffee when I go to Italy. Admittedly, it’s not great at giving you a jolt of energy, but it sure is delicious.

A marocchino is a coffee with a shot of espresso, milk, and chocolate powder. It’s served in a small glass, and it’s the perfect coffee to get if you’re looking for something sweet.

While it’s not as popular in southern Italian cities, it’s everywhere in the north – particularly the Piedmont region where it originated.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè Marocchino, per favore.”

Caffè Shakerato (iced coffee)

Pronunciation: shah-keh-rah-toh

When to drink it: In the summer.

A caffè shakerato is a cold, iced coffee that’s made by shaking an espresso with some sugar and ice. It’s served in a martini glass, and it’s the perfect coffee to get on a hot day.

It’s always made fresh, and your barista might ask, “Vuoi zucchero?” (Do you want sugar?). While sugar is frowned upon for espresso, it’s perfectly acceptable for a caffè shakerato.

If you’re heading to Italy in the Fall or Winter, you’re out of luck. Caffè shakerato is only offered in the warmer months, and bars stop making them in October and won’t make them again until May.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè shakerato, per favore.”

Caffè Macchiato (stained coffee)

Pronunciation: mahk-kee-ah-toh

When to drink it: Any time of the day.

A caffè macchiato is a coffee with a shot of espresso and a little bit of steamed milk. It’s served in a small glass, and it gets its name from the “stain” of milk on top of the coffee.

While it’s similar to a caffè latte, it’s important to note that a caffè macchiato has less milk and more coffee. So, if you want something that will give you a little bit more of a caffeine kick, this is the coffee for you.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè macchiato, per favore.”

Caffè Corretto (coffee with a shot of liquor)

Pronunciation: koh-reht-toh

When to drink it: After dinner.

A caffè corretto is a coffee with a shot of liquor. It’s usually grappa, but it can also be vodka, brandy, or whiskey. It’s a popular coffee to have after a meal, and it’s served in a small glass.

One popular variation of the caffè corretto is the ammazzacaffè which means “coffee killer.” It’s a coffee with a shot of espresso, and it’s served in a small glass.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè corretto, per favore.”

Caffè Orzo (barley coffee)

Pronunciation: ohr-tsoh

When to drink it: Any time of the day.

A caffè orzo is a coffee with roasted barley. It’s served in a small cup, and it has a toasted, nutty flavor.

Caffè orzo is a popular coffee in Italy, and it’s often given to children since it is 100% caffeine-free. Orzo isn’t a type of coffee per-se because you can order any coffee orzo style: americano, macchiato, marocchino, cappuccino, etc.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè orzo, per favore.”

Caffè Ginseng (ginseng coffee)

Pronunciation: jeen-sehng

When to drink it: Any time of the day.

A caffè ginseng is a coffee with ginseng extract. It’s served in a small cup and it has a sweet, earthy flavor. Think of it as a chai tea latte but in a much smaller size and featuring an espresso flavor. In other words, it’s delicious!

It’s believed to help with digestion, so many people will order it after a meal or later in the evening when they’re done eating for the day.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Un caffè ginseng, per favore.”

Crema di Caffè (coffee cream)

Pronunciation: kreh-mah dee kah-feh

When to drink it: In the warmer months, from May to October.

A crema di caffè is a coffee with ice cream and it’s just as amazing as it sounds. It’s served in a tall glass and it has a creamy, rich flavor. Due to how cold it gets during Italian winters, crema di caffè is only served during the summer months.

If you want to try a crema di caffè, it’s best to order it early in the day or later in the evening when it’s not as hot outside.

Ready to order it? Just ask for “Una crema di caffè, per favore.”

Is Italian Coffee Stronger than American Coffee?

The answer to this question is a little bit complicated. While it’s true that Italians generally drink their coffee with less milk and sugar, it’s not necessarily true that all Italian coffee is stronger than American coffee.

It really depends on the type of coffee you’re drinking and how it’s made. For example, a caffè latte is going to be weaker than a caffè macchiato because it has more milk.

However, if you’re looking for a coffee that’s going to give you a little bit more of a caffeine kick, it’s always best to go for something that’s less diluted like an espresso.

In the end, it really all comes down to personal preference. So, if you want a stronger coffee, go for something with less milk or sugar. If you want a weaker coffee, go for something with more milk or sugar. It’s as simple as that!

Italian Coffee Vocabulary

Now that you know all about the different types of Italian coffee, it’s time to learn some key vocabulary words. After all, what’s the point of knowing all about coffee if you can’t order it in Italian?

Below is a list of essential Italian coffee vocabulary words and phrases. Be sure to commit them to memory so you can order like a pro the next time you’re in Italy!

Caffè – coffee

Espresso – espresso

Macchiato – coffee with a dash of milk

Cappuccino – coffee with milk and foam

Latte – coffee with milk

Americano – coffee with water

Orzo – barley coffee

Ginseng – ginseng coffee

Crema di caffè – coffee with ice cream

Asking for a Coffee in Italy

Now that you know all about the different types of Italian coffee and the key vocabulary words, it’s time to learn how to order like a pro.

Here are a few key phrases you’ll need to know in order to ask for a coffee in Italy:

Posso avere un caffè, per favore? – Can I have a coffee, please?

Un espresso, per favore. – An espresso, please.

Un cappuccino, per favore. – A cappuccino, please.

Un latte, per favore. – A latte, please.

Un americano, per favore. – An Americano, please.

Asking for a Coffee To-Go in Italy

In Italy, it’s not very common to drink coffee on the go. However, if you find yourself in a hurry and you need to get your coffee fix, it’s totally acceptable to ask for a coffee to go.

Here are a few key phrases you’ll need to know to ask for a coffee to go in Italy:

Posso avere un caffè da portare via, per favore? – Can I have a coffee to go, please?

Vorrei un caffè da portare via, per favore. – I would like a coffee to go, please.

Asking for the Bill in Italy

Once you’ve finished your coffee and you’re ready to move on with your day, it’s time to ask for the bill. In Italy, it’s considered bad manners to ask for the bill right away.

Instead, you should wait a few minutes after you’ve finished your coffee before asking for the check. This will give the server time to clean up your table and it will also give you a chance to relax and enjoy your coffee.

Here are a few key phrases you’ll need to know in order to ask for the bill in Italy:

Il conto, per favore. – The check, please.

Pagherò con carta di credito. – I will pay with a credit card.

Puoi portare il conto, per favore? – Can you bring the check, please?

Quanto devo? – How much do I owe?

Ready to take the conversation into your kitchen? See our guide to the best Italian coffee brands you can drink at home.

There you have it, a quick guide to the different types of Italian coffee, how to order them like a true local, and tips for exploring Italian coffee culture. Now that you know all about Italy’s famous coffees, which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!