{"id":2572,"date":"2019-03-27T11:40:22","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T11:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/devourromefoodtours.com\/?p=2572"},"modified":"2024-01-04T17:37:44","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T17:37:44","slug":"how-to-order-coffee-in-italian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/how-to-order-coffee-in-italian\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Order Coffee in Italy: The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Coffee is of crucial importance in all of Italy (coming in just behind the <\/span>Colosseo <\/span><\/i>in thematic importance). Coffee in Italy goes way beyond just a caffeine fix. It’s a ritual with cultural significance, social relevance and a profound impact in people’s lives. <\/span>

There’s no doubt: some of the world’s best coffee can be found in Italy, and Italians take this truth very seriously. <\/span><\/p>

Read on for everything you need to know to feel confident walking into any bar or café to order coffee in Italy.<\/span><\/p>

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Italians take their coffee seriously, so make sure to know the proper etiquette! Photo credit: Chevanov Photography<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Essential vocabulary for ordering coffee in Italian<\/h2>

Okay, you’re ready to walk into the bar and order your coffee the Italian way. But first thing’s first, you need to know what to order. Below, find the most popular ways to order a coffee in Italy, so you’ll know exactly what you want when you walk in the door.<\/p>

Espresso<\/h3>

This is the holy grail of Italian caffè<\/em>. Just like in the English-speaking world, an espresso is a shot of coffee.<\/p>

Italians have a tendency to order this at any and all times of day, and it’s a great way to finish an exquisite pasta lunch<\/a>. The good news is that there’s never a bad time to drink an espresso (but if you’re not used to Italian coffee, keep in mind that the caffeine may keep you awake at night).<\/p>

If you want a double hit of caffeine, order an espresso doppio,<\/em> a double espresso, but be ready for quite the kick!<\/p>

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An espresso is just that: a perfectly nice shot of coffee that you can enjoy quickly and continue with your day. Photo credit: tabitha turner<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Macchiato<\/h3>

A macchiato<\/em> in Italian is not the coffee of the same name you might order at Starbucks elsewhere in the world.<\/p>

The word literally means “stained,” and it stems from the dash of milk added to your espresso<\/em>.<\/p>

If you’re lactose intolerant, try asking for latte di soia<\/em> (soy milk), latte di mandorla <\/em>(almond milk), or latte di cocco<\/em> (coconut milk). However, these options may not be available everywhere. If not, you can always choose black coffee instead. Nevertheless, most places will probably have at least one non-dairy option.<\/p>

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An Italian macchiato coffee is a espresso with a dash of milk, still in a small mug. Photo credit: Victor Freitas<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>

Caffè latte<\/em>\/latte macchiato<\/h3>

Caffè latte<\/em> translates to coffee and milk. It will usually come in a cup filled with espresso and steamed milk. It’s also common to see it in a tall glass.<\/p>

The difference to note is that while a caffè latte<\/em> has milk added to the espresso, and is therefore coffee-based. Latte macchiato<\/em>, on the other hand, has espresso added to the milk, making it milk-based.<\/p>

A latte macchiato<\/em> will be foamier and have much less espresso in it than a caffè latte<\/em>, which may be why this tends to be the drink of choice for Italian teenagers just starting their espresso journey.<\/p>

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Caffè latte<\/em> is a good drink to enjoy at breakfast or while you’re having a chat with a friend. Photo credit: Lisa Fotios<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>
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Cappuccino<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>

Famous worldwide, we know we don’t need to tell you what a cappuccino is. But we added it to the list because this coffee drink does come with its own unique set of rules.<\/p>

A cappuccino (or anything that heavily involves milk, such as a caffè latte <\/em>or latte macchiato<\/em>), is very much considered a breakfast beverage. That’s why Italians tend to enjoy it with a cornetto <\/em>(an Italian pastry that is similar to a croissant) in the morning rather than after meals later in the day.<\/p>

If you order this with or after your lunch or dinner, expect a snicker or two as it’s not really what the locals do! That being said, at Devour we’re big believers in you doing you. So, if that’s what you’re craving, we say go for it, as long as you know it’s not the most traditional order.<\/p>

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Start the day off with a delicious cappuccino for breakfast and you’ll make Italians very happy. Photo credit: David Mackey<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Decaffeinato<\/h3>

This is the word for a decaf coffee. Order this if you’re looking for that coffee taste without the caffeine. You may also hear this referred to as a “deca<\/em>.”<\/p>

We’re not going to lie, for Italians the concept of ordering a decaf coffee is hard to grasp, so you may get a few of them asking why you’d do that. Don’t worry, they eventually understand not all of us have their extraordinary caffeine tolerance.<\/p>

Another popular option throughout Italy is ordering an orzo, <\/em>a caffeine-free coffee substitute made from ground barley. <\/p>

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There may come a time when you’ll be forced to order a “deca”<\/em> in order to be able to sleep at night. Photo credit: Ketut Subiyanto<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Caffè corretto<\/h3>

This is a shot of espresso with a bit of liquor thrown in for good luck, usually grappa <\/em>or sambuca<\/em>.<\/p>

Don’t expect anything too fancy on most occasions, though. In many cases, they’ll give you the espresso with a shot of liquor next to it, but that’s about it. <\/p>

It’s usually a good drink to warm up during winter, but also to cheer yourself up at any moment.<\/p>

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Caffè corretto<\/em> is a shot of espresso with a shot of alcohol. Photo credit: Takumi Yoshida<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Caffè shakerato<\/em><\/h3>

An amazing summer option, this is usually a simple mix of coffee and ice shaken up together, though some places will add cream or milk.<\/p>

It’s commonly known as just “shakerato,”<\/em> and once you learn how to do it<\/a>, it’s a delicious recipe you may take home with you for any warm day in the future.<\/p>

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Shake off the summer days with a delicious shakerato<\/em>. Photo credit: Craft Coffee Spot<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

How to order a coffee in Italy<\/h2>

Now that you’ve learned the different coffee options in Italy, it’s time to learn how to order.<\/p>

In most Italian bars (remember, in Italian, a bar is like a café), people go in, order, drink at the counter, have a chat and then head back out. This is certainly the most traditional way of having coffee in Italy, as Italians don’t subscribe to the coffee-to-go lifestyle.<\/p>

However, you can definitely find places where you can sit down as you linger over your newspaper, or in the summertime enjoy a table outside and people-watch while you enjoy your shakerato. <\/em> <\/p>

Now, let’s learn all the words you need to order a coffee in Italy…<\/p>