Sorry Starbucks lovers, but you won’t find any triple venti non-fat caramel macchiatos in Italy. However, if you’re a fan of espresso then Italy is one of the best places to try it! Check out these 9 different ways to order coffee in Italy!
1. Caffè Normale (Espresso)
This is just a normal espresso. However, when ordering in Italy, you would ask for “un caffè” or “un caffè normale.”
2. Caffè Lungo (Long Espresso)
Caffè lungo is espresso but longer. This means that the barista just lets the espresso machine run a little longer.
3. Caffè Ristretto (Short Espresso)
The exact opposite of a caffè lungo. The barista will stop the espresso machine earlier leaving the espresso short, think, and strong.
4. Caffè Doppio (Double Espresso)
The perfect pick-me-up right in the morning. This is a double shot of espresso where the barista will make 2 espressos in one cup.
5. Macchiato (Espresso With Milk)
This is simply an espresso made with milk. It can either be a little bit of hot milk, cold milk, or sometimes just the foam on top.
6. Cappuccino
Made with espresso, steamed milk and foam. The cappuccino is a morning favourite amongst Italians.
7. Decaffeinato (Decaffeinated Espresso)
If you enjoy espresso without the caffeine, then ask for a “caffè decaffeinato.”
8. Un Ginseng (Ginseng Espresso)
Made from an automatic machine, ginseng espresso is coffee flavoured with ginseng root extract. It’s usually already sweetened with milk already in it.
9. Caffè Corretto (Espresso With a Shot)
Caffè corretto literally translates to correct espresso. This is when you get an espresso with a shot either Sambuca, Grappa or sometimes Brandy.
10. Caffè Freddo or Shakerato (Cold Espresso or Espresso with Ice)
A summer favourite, this espresso is prepared normally and then put in a cocktail shaker with ice (and sugar if you’d like) and shaken up. This refreshing espresso is usually strained into a fancy martini glass.
How do you like your espresso? Let us know in the comments.
Sources:
Main Photo by Cyril Saulnier [Unsplash]
“Caffè corretto” does not mean “correct” (i.e. the right kind). It means “corrected”, a jocular way of saying “improved”. If you order one, you ay say “Me lo corregge, per favore?”, “Will you please correct it for me?” and then you specify with which liquor.