Un Caffe

I am no longer counting down the days to Italy, but the hours! I understand that one of the first things I will need to do when I set foot on Italian soil is to grab a cup of " un caffe".  I love drinking coffee in Italy.  There is no such thing as a cup of coffee on the run in Italy.  Everything is meant to be savored and drinking coffee is no exception.  I remember stopping for coffee at a gas station on my first trip only to be surprised that it was served to me in a China cup.  I love this!

Ordering a cup of coffee in Italy is actually an art.  Here is a quick lesson on taking an Italian coffee break.

Caffè (kah-FE) - when ordering: 'un caffè'

We might call it espresso; a small cup (usually the equivalent of a shot glass...or less) of strong coffee.  When dispensed out of a machine, which is likely how you will most often receive it, it has a caramel-colored foam on the top called "crema".

Decafinato (deh-kah-fee-NAH-toe) - when ordering:  'un caffè decafinato'

Usually available, but don't be too surprised if it's not.  The "hi test" is most popular, partially because of its perceived aid with digestion after a meal.

Cappuccino (pronounced kah-pu-CHEE-no) - when ordering: 'un cappuccino'

A shot of espresso in a large(er) cup with steamed milk and foam.  Italians stay away from Cappuccino after about 11 a.m.  If you see a bunch of people sitting around drinking cappuccini at three in the afternoon, congratulations, you've found the tourist bar.

Caffè Americano (kah-FE ah-mer-ee-KAH-no)/Caffè lungo (Kah-FE LOON-go)/Acqua sporca (AH-kwah SPORE-kah) - when ordering: 'un caffè americano'

American coffee/"long" coffee/or "dirty water", as Italians might call it. They'll let the water pour from the machine until the coffee becomes weak and bitter.  Essentially the coffee we are used to in America.

Caffè macchiato (kah-FE mahk-YAH-to) - when ordering: 'un caffè macchiato"

Coffee "stained" with milk.  This is very commonly seen...espresso with just a touch of milk foam on top, served in an espresso cup.  A mini-cappuccino, sort of, that is ordered at any time of day.

Caffè latte (kah-FE LAH-te) - when ordering: 'un caffè latte'

Espresso with hot milk, a cappuccino without the foam usually served in a glass. This is what you might call a "latte" in the US. In Italy, outside of tourist joints, you run the risk of getting what you asked for - milk, or worse yet, steamed milk.

Latte macchiato (Lah-te mahk-YAH-to) - when ordering: 'un latte macchiato'

Steamed milk "stained" with espresso, served in a tall glass.

Caffè freddo (kah-FE FRAYD-o) - when ordering: 'un caffè freddo'

Iced, or at least cold, coffee

Caffè corretto (kah-FE ko-RE-to) - when ordering: 'un caffè corretto con grappa'

Coffee "corrected" with a drizzle of liquor.  Grappa is a common addition, cognac or sambuca.

See you at the coffee bar!

Ciao-

Lenelle