Coffee and Tea. — only the unwitting tourist will order a cappuccino in a restaurant after lunch or dinner. We’ve been traveling to Italy for almost 20 years, meaning we consider ourselves experts on food and drink in Italy. 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. 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. If you try to order a coffee by asking the bartender, be prepared to give him your receipt. A caffè is a strong shot of espresso (the term ‘espresso’ is rarely used in Italian coffee bar parlance). 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. Here are the rules you need to follow on your next espresso break or when serving to family and friends. Always remember that Espresso coffee brewing secures the best of caffeine’s taste components. Macchiato: Espresso that is ‘marked’ with a splash of milk or milk foam. An americano is an espresso with added hot water making for a slightly longer drink. She loves exploring and island-hopping across the Mediterranean, and enjoying local food specialties. Most Italian coffee orders can be made by uttering a single word. 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. Anna Kay is an avid traveler, photographer and editor at MedCruiseGuide.com. At most Italian bars, including motorway services, you will be expected to pay for your drink before it is … ROME - Espresso, latte and cappuccino are words that Italians are passionate about when it comes to coffee. A caffè is a strong shot of espresso (the term ‘espresso’ is rarely used in Italian coffee bar parlance). Coffee culture is an essential part of Italian life, akin to an art-form and nigh on a religion. The Rules First things first, know what you're ordering and when to order it. According to etiquette, you have to lift the cup using only thumb and index finger without ever raising the little finger. Online Italian Classes - with us you don't study, you learn and speak Italian. 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. A macchiato is an espresso with a dash of steamed milk. Italian coffees come in standard sizes – an espresso comes in a small cup wherever you are in Italy, and cappuccino is, well… cappuccino. Non mettere il cucchiaino in bocca: è considerato maleducato assaggiare il caffè con il cucchiaino usato per mescolarlo (ops, io lo faccio sempre!). For some Italians it is an energizing, relaxing and convivial drink. 15 Minutes or Less 30 Minutes or Less 45 Minutes or Less No Restrictions. Older coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of death from disease. Last updated Dec 08, 2020. Heating your coffee glass or mug helps keep the drink warmer to the last sip. 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. Italians drink it in three quick sips, and always exchange a few words with a barista on the latest gossip in town. 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. The Italian ritual behind a cup of coffee is unique, defined by most as an undeniable pleasure. Table manners for drinking coffee and tea. Breakfast doesn’t count, because Italian breakfast typically consists of a coffee drink and a pastry and that’s it. Thou shalt not muck around with coffee. 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. The bartender may ask if you want hot or cold milk. Ristretto: A ‘reduced’ espresso that uses half the amount of water. Cappuccino is usually consumed only in the morning (until 11:00) and never after a meal. 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. Shop Costco.com for packaged coffee & sweeteners. 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. Cappuccino is for breakfast. Enjoy! Italians drink their coffee fast, and at the bar. While that is amazing, the easy alternative is to simply use canned whipped cream. 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. Coffee in Italy dates back to the 16th century and since then the excitement over coffee has never worn off. This is what Italians will be ordering... Pay Beforehand. It … Requesting a mint frappuccino in Italy is like asking for a single malt whisky and lemonade with a swizzle stick in a Glasgow pub. The most common words in Italian bar culture. Like many other Italian traditions, Italian coffee is an art form where customs, rules and savoir-faire play an important role. In fact for most of them it is the best way to start off the day, and to regain energy and recharge. After all, while there’s no such thing as a grande anything when it… Skip. Coffee is often ordered after a meal and — che vergogna! 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. . 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). Cappuccino: Espresso with equal parts steamed milk and topped with foamed milk. 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. Most Italian coffee orders can be made by uttering a single word. 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. Keep in simple. Espresso is classic Italian coffee, so there must be a classic Italian way of drinking espresso, too! Bio: Like many other Italian traditions, Italian coffee is an art form where customs, rules and savoir-faire play an important role. Italian Drinks Guide. According to this report if you have more than 3 … Most Italians drink their coffee quickly at the bar before heading off to work, leaving the tables for the tourists. This search takes into account your taste preferences. 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. 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.