Caffè Culture
It’s been said that (I cringe just mentioning the word) Starbucks was created from Italian coffee culture. In reality, the brand is at best a caricature of ‘coffee life’ here in Italy. Full disclosure: I am not, nor ever was, a Starbucks fan. I respect coffee to much to order one of their ‘americanized disney-ified’ drinks with quirky ‘Italian’ names. But, suffice it to say, I have and do stop in and order a ‘grande black coffee’ or ‘a real espresso’ when in California…if there isn’t a Peet’s or Philz around.
Coffee here in Italy could not be more different than your nearest Starbucks. While Starbucks may have created it’s own culture, it’s a far cry from ‘the original coffee culture’ of Italy.
Taking coffee is ritualistic here and as such, there are rules. To truly experience Italy, we recommend embracing proper coffee protocol. First, (responsibly) throw out your recycled paper cup - with plastic lid and sleeve - that dons your misspelled name, and read on:
How to Order
Coffee can be ordered just about everywhere - a cafe, a bar, a restaurant - and any time of day. Typically, you order from a cashier get a receipt and hand that to the barista. In some locations, the person taking your order and payment, is the barista. You will stand and drink your coffee at the bar (il banco) quickly and say, “Grazie, Ciao Ciao” as you walk out the door with a newly caffeinated zip to your step. Or, if you prefer to sit, give a nod to a waiter or barista as you sit at an open table. They will come take your order, bring your coffee (and food if ordered) along with your receipt. NOTE: eating at a table will incur a ‘coperto’ or cover charge, usually a few euro. You will have to ask for ‘il conto’ when you are ready to leave, or take the receipt to the cashier to pay.
What to Order
Okay, so here are the super important, ‘You’re not in Starbucks-land’ anymore, Italian coffee terms. The sizes, riffed from Italian, are not to be found here. Neither are caramel sauces and mountains of whipped cream. And that paper takeaway cup so often toted around as status symbol that I told you to toss? Well, you can’t replace it here in Italy. Takeaway coffee doesn’t exist to Italians the way it does in the USA.
Following is a ‘menu’ in no particular order:
Espresso — This is simple coffee in Italy and what you will get if you order a ‘coffee’. If you intend to order an espresso, you can simply say that you would like a coffee by saying, “Un caffè per favore.” It is a small cup of caffeinated goodness meant to be taken like a shot, in one to three sips. It will be served with a tiny spoon (il cucchiaino) for you to stir in your sugar (il zucchero).
LANGUAGE NOTE: There is no X in espresso, and is not pronounced with one.
Caffè Lungo — A long pour of espresso.
Caffè Corto — A short pour of espresso. Just a few drips of pure, concentrated caffeine.
Doppio Espresso — Two shots of espresso in a larger cup. For when a single just isn’t enough.
Caffè Americano — Based on how Americans like their coffee—watery. Often make with a drip maker (at hotels) and served in a traditional coffee cup.
Cappuccino — Shot of espresso with a bit of milk and a cap (“capuccio”) of milk foam. Taken only with breakfast and never to be ordered after 11am - max.
Caffè Macchiato — Meaning “cloudy coffee,” a shot of espresso with a splash of milk. If you must have a cappuccino after 11am, you would order a Macchiato Caldo (hot milk). Or you can order a Macchiato Freddo (cold milk).
Caffè Latte — espresso mixed/stirred in with warm milk, another option for your after 11am cappuccino fix.
LANGUAGE NOTE: Do not order a ‘Latte’, this will get you a cold cup of milk.
Caffè Corretto — “Corrected coffee” or coffee with a shot of liquor, usually grappa, sambuca or brandy. Sometimes served along side espresso in a separate cup, or a few drops added inside the espresso by the barista.
Caffè di Grano or Caffè d’Orzo — A type of decaf coffee made with grains and plants. There’s no actual coffee in it, but it’s a pleasant, warm drink. Naturally decaf.
Marocchino — This is the perfect combination of espresso and chocolate. Best sipped and enjoyed seated so you can savor it’s yummy goodness. It is made by pouring chocolate syrup around the inside of the cup, then espresso is added, topped with dollop of frothy milk, then (!) another drop of chocolate syrup for good measure (ya’ll just made a note to order this when in Italy, didn’t you???).
Cioccolata Calda — This is hot chocolate, and not that powdered junk from the package. Only served in cold weather months, Italian hot chocolate is thick and closer to the consistency of hot chocolate pudding.
Caffè con Panna — Coffee with a dollop of whipped cream.
Decafinato — Decaf coffee, served as an espresso would be in a little cup.
Il Tè — Tea. Obviously not coffee, but hey, it’s becoming more popular and most places serve hot tea. Just don’t expect your special variety (I have yet to find my favorite anywhere - Jasmine Green Tea).
Coffee is deeply engrained in the culture here, in almost every opposite way than America. Whether you are addicted to ‘American Coffee Lifestyle’ or not, experiencing coffee like an Italian is a great way to expand your own ‘coffee-mindedness’. While I never succumbed to the Starbucks craze, I have fallen madly in love with Italian coffee culture. A perfectly timed, velvety, smooth espresso shot works wonders - and is so very tasty. Hot off our stove in a moka or standing at a bar, there is always time for a quick coffee. Served in hot, highly caffeinated small doses is just the way I like it. Paper ‘Venti' cups be damned.
Want to experience true coffee culture in all it’s tasty goodness? Come for a stay at our B&B and let us plan a perfect custom tour with BELLA VITA VACATIONS or BICI ITALIA. Our travel agent partner, The Conciergist is happy to help plan your trip. Andiamo!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I fully support my friends and family who are addicted to Starbucks. You know who you are and you know I will gladly purchase SBUX cards for you and join you a time or two…just don’t take me away from the real deal and when in Rome…drink espresso.
Also…I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cup and saucer’s off-center placement. I am now on a hunt to find for my home. The bar’s logo is pretty great too. The hand-lettering is not lost on me.
