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Prendiamo un Caffè!
By: Effetto Italy On: May 1, 2020 In: Food and Wine
No arrival in Italy is complete without a trip to an Italian bar (café or coffee shop) for a jet lag deterring caffè. And although Starbucks has indoctrinated Americans into the complicated realm of coffee, the Italian experience is an entirely different world.
How to order
While it depends on the bar, most ask that you pay at the cashier first. After getting a receipt, you bring to the counter and present to the barista, who will make your drink. Alternatively, if there is no cashier, you may go directly to the barista for service. Italians drink their coffee standing at the bar, usually in lightning speed, and then leave. Should you want to sit at a table, the drinks come at a higher price.
What to order
Again, this is not Starbucks. You cannot order a “venti” size and to-go cups are not easily found. But the choices are vast, and the beverages are delicious.
Caffè – While caffè is the literal translation of “coffee” in Italian, ordering “un caffè” at the bar will get you one shot of espresso. A caffe is something that Italians will drink all day long.
Cappuccino – Italians tend to only drink cappuccino in the morning and not after a meal, as the milk and foam (1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam) inhibits digestion.
Caffè Latte – Another drink that is usually taken in the mornings, a latte has 1/3 espresso and 2/3 heated milk.
Caffè Macchiato – An espresso dotted with a splash of hot milk and served in an espresso cup.
Caffè con Panna – Similar to the macchiato but with sweet whipped cream added instead of milk.
Caffè Americano – The Italian answer to the American’s love of drip coffee… espresso diluted with much hot water.
Caffè Lungo – An espresso with a shot of hot water, rendering it stronger than an Americano
Caffè Shakerato – The perfect remedy for a hot summer’s day, a caffè shakerato is a fresh espresso mixed with sugar and ice. It is poured into a chilled glass after being shaken until it froths.
Do you have a favorite coffee order whilst in Italy? Let us know in the comments!
Ciao for now!
The Effetto Italy Team
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