— only the unwitting tourist will order a cappuccino in a restaurant after lunch or dinner. For some Italians it is an energizing, relaxing and convivial drink. 10 Unspoken Coffee Drinking Rules to Follow On Your Next Trip to Italy, http://www.coffeemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Italy-Coffee-Drinking-Rules.jpg, http://coffeemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/logo-coffeemuseum2.png, 10 most important Italian coffee drinking rules by Med Cruise Guide. Breakfast doesn’t count, because Italian breakfast typically consists of a coffee drink and a pastry and that’s it. Coffee culture is an essential part of Italian life, akin to an art-form and nigh on a religion. In fact, chatting with a barista is a great way for practicing your Italian, but it also shows that you respect the local language and culture, and they will appreciate it indeed. Like many other Italian traditions, Italian coffee is an art form where customs, rules and savoir-faire play an important role. Espresso is classic Italian coffee, so there must be a classic Italian way of drinking espresso, too! They took the art of coffee making and enjoying to a whole new level, and it is quite an experience to observe their customs on your next trip to this coffee-loving country. The coffee drink I ordered was okay, but certainly not exceptional. Non mettere il cucchiaino in bocca: è considerato maleducato assaggiare il caffè con il cucchiaino usato per mescolarlo (ops, io lo faccio sempre!). Explore the infographic below that explains the 10 most important Italian coffee drinking rules by Med Cruise Guide, and you’ll be ready for your next Italian adventure. In fact for most of them it is the best way to start off the day, and to regain energy and recharge. Always remember that Espresso coffee brewing secures the best of caffeine’s taste components. Dopo aver mescolato, il galateo dice che devi mettere il cucchiaino sul lato destro del piattino su cui poggia la tazzina. If these rules sound intimidating, don’t worry! L'acqua dovrebbe essere sempre bevuta prima per detergere il palato al fine di assaporare meglio gli aromi del caffè. Keep in mind, too, Italians generally don't drink coffee with any meal except breakfast. The Rules First things first, know what you're ordering and when to order it. Online Italian Classes - with us you don't study, you learn and speak Italian. If you try to order a coffee by asking the bartender, be prepared to give him your receipt. Anche se non si mette lo zucchero nel caffè, è sempre preferibile mescolare l'espresso con un cucchiaino in modo che gli aromi siano ben distribuiti; secondo il galateo, è necessario compiere movimenti delicati, dall'alto verso il basso, senza mai urtare la tazzina perché fare rumore sarebbe scortese. Thou shalt not muck around with coffee. Eataly suggests: “D on’t order these drinks after 11 a.m. Italians only enjoy milky coffee in the morning ― never in the afternoon, and especially not after a meal!” Sure, these days it’s easy to find a cappuccino almost any time of day in Italy, but those are on the menu only to make tourists happy ― it isn’t an accepted part of Italian coffee culture. If your coffee drink of choice is a cappuccino, then the milk is sort of part of the meal in that case. It … This is what Italians will be ordering... Pay Beforehand. La tazzina dovrebbe essere portata alla bocca e non viceversa; una volta finito di bere, la tazzina dovrebbe essere riposta sul piattino. Italians drink their coffee fast, and at the bar. The bartender may ask if you want hot or cold milk. Like many other Italian traditions, Italian coffee is an art form where customs, rules and savoir-faire play an important role. Because of this, Italian coffees are served at a temperature that allows you to drink them immediately – if you'd like a hotter cup, ask for un caffè bollente. Il caffè dovrebbe essere bevuto a piccoli sorsi, senza soffiarci sopra se è troppo caldo; piuttosto aspetta qualche minuto prima di berlo. LAST CONSIDERATION Most of the Italians opt for an espresso-based drink and never drink milky beverage after lunch or later on as they... There’s another aspect to keep in mind when talking about bitterness. Another rule is that, if you want to drink an espresso like a local, you should do it standing at the bar, and not sitting at a table outside, watching people for hours. Heating your coffee glass or mug helps keep the drink warmer to the last sip. So Italians just won’t order a cappuccino after a meal, no matter what time of day it is. Rule number one: don’t ask for a large double-shot skinny vanilla latte with whipped cream on top. Don't take ice from your water to cool a hot drink. If you want an espresso, ask simply for un caffè – espresso is more of a technical term that Italians themselves rarely use in a day-to-day context. Macchiato: Espresso that is ‘marked’ with a splash of milk or milk foam. Meaning one espresso. Water should always be drunk first to cleanse the palate in order to better taste the aromas of coffee. Italians drink it in three quick sips, and always exchange a few words with a barista on the latest gossip in town. While an espresso or macchiato are classic choices for any hour of the day, exceedingly milky coffees such as cappuccino or caffè latte should only be ordered in the morning hours to avoid indigestion. Here are the rules you need to follow on your next espresso break or when serving to family and friends. Last updated Dec 08, 2020. ITALIA: +39 0932 1846653 / Via San Brancati 16 C.da Cannizzara, 97015 Modica (RG), Italian Conversations: At the Food Market, 2021 Language Immersion Program in Puglia, Learn Italian in Genoa and Online - Centro Studi Italiani (Ex Scuola Tricolore). If you see a bunch of people sitting around drinking cappuccini at three in … Cappuccino is usually consumed only in the morning (until 11:00) and never after a meal. When the first coffee was poured in Venezia, Italians showed their true excitement and adoration for what was to become a huge part of Italian culture. You’ve probably heard that Italians don’t drink cappuccino after 11am; but what this comes from is the Italian belief that drinking milk after a meal screws up digestion. A macchiato is an espresso with a dash of steamed milk. Italians seem to approach coffee in a different way than the rest of the world and there are a lot of unspoken rules that leave people a bit puzzled. There is a type of coffee for every time and occasion of the day. She loves exploring and island-hopping across the Mediterranean, and enjoying local food specialties. There’s a myriad of coffees on the menu from Espresso to Caffé Shakerato – then there are the two, three or four different ways they’re served. Take a look at this handy infographic created by Med Cruise Guide below and get acquainted with the 10 key Italian coffee drinking rules for your next Italian adventure. You can order a straight coffee (un caffè) any time of night or day. Italians stay away from cappuccino after about 11 AM, as it's made with milk and milk is considered a morning-only drink. 55,922 suggested recipes. So Italians just won’t order a cappuccino after a meal, no matter what time of day it is. If your coffee drink of choice is a cappuccino, then the milk is sort of part of the meal in that case. An americano is an espresso with added hot water making for a slightly longer drink. The Italian ritual behind a cup of coffee is unique, defined by most as an undeniable pleasure. Perhaps you are dreaming of a Starbucks Grande-type coffee in a large cup, but you won’t find it in a typical Italian café. Pour us another cup! Our selection includes ground coffee, coffee beans, single serve cups, creamers & a variety of coffee sweeteners. Table manners for drinking coffee and tea. If you find these peculiar rules a bit intimidating, no worries. The coffee should be drunk in small sips without blowing on it if it’s too hot; just wait a few minutes before drinking it. Coffee in Italy dates back to the 16th century and since then the excitement over coffee has never worn off. Cappuccino is usually consumed only in the morning (until 11:00) and never after a meal. And since that’s not something they are wont to do, they avoid milk when eating. After stirring, etiquette says you have to place the teaspoon on the right side of the small plate where the cup rests. While that is amazing, the easy alternative is to simply use canned whipped cream. Anna Kay is an avid traveler, photographer and editor at MedCruiseGuide.com. Italian Drinks Guide. When ordering an after-dinner coffee, do not ask for an espresso, ask for " un caffè, per favore. This is not a hard rule, but ordering an espresso and sitting down... “Un café”. You can lightly whip cream and float it on top of the drink, just like the traditional Irish coffee. So without further ado, we reveal the rules to drinking coffee, Italian-style. And since that’s not something they are wont to do, they avoid milk when eating. Four quick don'ts: Don't leave your spoon in the coffee cup or teacup or mug; place it on the saucer or a plate. Cappuccino is for breakfast. Do not put the spoon in your mouth: it is considered bad manners to taste the coffee with the spoon that was used to mix it (oops, I do that all the time). The cup should be brought to the mouth and not the other way around; once you’ve finished drinking, the cup should be placed back on the small plate. Most Italian coffee orders can be made by uttering a single word. Cappuccino is probably Italy’s most famous coffee. You’ve probably heard that Italians don’t drink cappuccino after 11am; but what this comes from is the Italian belief that drinking milk after a meal screws up digestion. 2. How to Order Coffee in Italy Stand Up. Most Italians drink their coffee quickly at the bar before heading off to work, leaving the tables for the tourists. This is not a hard rule, but ordering an espresso and sitting down with it will certainly get some stares. Ristretto: A ‘reduced’ espresso that uses half the amount of water. Coffee is often served alongside a glass of water to cleanse your palate before and after. According to etiquette, you have to lift the cup using only thumb and index finger without ever raising the little finger. Want to drink Italian coffee according to etiquette? It seems like a pretty simple thing to put some ice in a cup along with the coffee if that is what the customer wants. That’s why you’ll usually see a line of people inside an Italian café, waiting to pay for their coffee before ordering it. It is not a drink itself but a coffee-making method developed and improved by Italian culture. There is a type of coffee for every time and occasion of the day. Italians are proud and protective of their coffee culture, and for a good reason. If you order a cappuccino after 10 or 11 a.m., you’ll get … Italians drink it in three quick sips, and always exchange a few words with a barista on the latest gossip in town. According to this report if you have more than 3 … 2. Enjoy! The Italian ritual behind a cup of coffee is unique, defined by most as an undeniable pleasure. Skip. Instead, they’ll pop into bars five or six times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista. 15 Minutes or Less 30 Minutes or Less 45 Minutes or Less No Restrictions. The Blue Pod Coffee Co Blog; Rules of drinking coffee in Italy; Rules of drinking coffee in Italy. Another rule is that, if you want to drink an espresso like a local, you should do it standing at the bar, and not sitting at a table outside, watching people for hours. IRISH COFFEE AndrewHealy95179. You can order a straight coffee (un caffè) any time of night or day. Coffee and Tea. Cappuccino: Espresso with equal parts steamed milk and topped with foamed milk. Most Italian coffee orders can be made by uttering a single word. “Let’s get a coffee!” Appropriate anytime, a caffè (or caffè normale) is simply an espresso, a … In fact for most of them it is the best way to start off the day, and to regain energy and recharge. A caffè is a strong shot of espresso (the term ‘espresso’ is rarely used in Italian coffee bar parlance). We’ve been traveling to Italy for almost 20 years, meaning we consider ourselves experts on food and drink in Italy. Italians stay away from cappuccino after about 11 AM, as it's made with milk and milk is considered a morning-only drink. ROME - Espresso, latte and cappuccino are words that Italians are passionate about when it comes to coffee. The alternative is to fill the glass with water and microwave it for about 10 seconds. . At most Italian bars, including motorway services, you will be expected to pay for your drink before it is … Coffee is often ordered after a meal and — che vergogna! They refused to make an iced version of what I ordered. Coffee is made to be drank standing up. Drinking at least three cups of Italian-style coffee every day may lower men's risk of prostate cancer by more than 50 percent, new research suggests. Se servi l'espresso a casa, anche qui ci sono regole da seguire: - Il caffè non dovrebbe essere servito a tavola, ma in soggiorno; - Se il caffè è preparato con la moka, la moka va messa sul vassoio insieme a tazzine, zuccheriera e lattiera; - È buona norma accompagnare il caffè con un buon dessert. It’s all in the name of research for our Italian Drinks Guide. It is the same culture that introduces gelato ice cream, tiramisu, and famous wines all over the world. Illustration by Holly Wales If you're making your coffee at home you have two options: invest in a proper espresso machine – Delonghi and Gaggia are always a safe bet – or brew your own in a macchinetta (a stove-top caffettiera). And as for paying for your espresso, it’s the other way round – first pay, and then order the coffee at the bar. Drinking coffee regularly may reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimers Disease, Liver Cancer, Parkinson’s, and Depression. Coffee isn’t just your liquid wake-up call in the morning. This search takes into account your taste preferences. According to Italian custom, I am violating an Italian taboo: It's afternoon and cappuccino is considered a breakfast beverage never, ever to be consumed after … Italian coffees come in standard sizes – an espresso comes in a small cup wherever you are in Italy, and cappuccino is, well… cappuccino. Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. Ecco le regole che devi seguire nella tua prossima pausa caffè o quando lo servi a parenti e amici. After all, while there’s no such thing as a grande anything when it… One of the most important rules is that you should not visit an Italian café unprepared. For some Italians it is an energizing, relaxing and convivial drink. The cup should be brought to the mouth and not the other way around; once you’ve finished drinking, the cup should be placed back on the small plate. It’s sad, but true. Secondo il galateo, devi sollevare la tazzina usando solo il pollice e l'indice senza mai alzare il mignolo. Coffee is made to be drank standing up. The most common words in Italian bar culture. Breakfast doesn’t count, because Italian breakfast typically consists of a coffee drink and a pastry and that’s it. The 5 basic rules of drinking coffee like an Italian Since moving to the UK I have often had conversations about coffee culture in Italy. Coffee may protect against heart disease. To blend in: Don’t order these drinks after 11 a.m. Italians only enjoy milky coffee in the morning – never in the afternoon, and especially not after a meal! Even if you don’t put sugar in your coffee, it is always preferable to stir espresso with a teaspoon so that the aromas are well distributed; according to etiquette, you need to stir in delicate movements, from top to bottom, without ever bumping the cup because making noise would be impolite. You can fill it with hot water while brewing the coffee. This is technically true; Italians view the milky drink only as a breakfast beverage; however, at holiday resorts, coffee bars can still be seen serving cappuccini (the plural) to tourists, well into the afternoon, but you’ll be hard pressed to find any restaurant that will serve any milk-based coffee after dinner. Requesting a mint frappuccino in Italy is like asking for a single malt whisky and lemonade with a swizzle stick in a Glasgow pub. If you see a bunch of people sitting around drinking cappuccini at three in … Shop Costco.com for packaged coffee & sweeteners. Author: Bluepod Date Posted:21 April 2010 Coffee is so much a part of Italian culture, the idea of not drinking it is as foreign as the idea of having to explain its rituals. A caffè is a strong shot of espresso (the term ‘espresso’ is rarely used in Italian coffee bar parlance). If you’re serving espresso at home, there are rules to follow too: - Coffee should not be served at the table, but in the living room; - If the coffee is prepared with the moka machine, the moka should be put on the tray along with cups, sugar bowl and milk jug; - It’s always best to accompany coffee with a good dessert. Older coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of death from disease. The coffee should be drunk in small sips without blowing on it if it’s too hot; just wait a few minutes before drinking it. How much time do you have? A macchiato is an espresso with a dash of steamed milk. Keep in simple. Italian Coffee Alcohol Drink Recipes 55,922 Recipes. Enjoying an espresso to the fullest is three parts: brewing the drink, enjoying the drink, and drinking in the culture. Having traveled from north to south, we’ve drank some of the most famous drinks in Italy. In other words, know your coffee, unless you are ready for a barista which puts you on the “ignore” mode. 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