Learn to drink Italian coffee like a local

Taste testing the incredible range of Italian coffees is a must-do wherever you visit in this beautiful country. With coffee quite unlike any other, it is more than just a drink, it’s an experience that should be savoured and perfected so you can feel like a local. We have five of Italy’s favourite ways to serve coffee, with a few helpful hints as to how to sound like a local coffee drinker whilst staying in our luxury apartments in Italy:

Caffe

This first serving method is very simple, simply a shot of espresso (pronounced ess-press-o, not ex-press-o). With no fancy trimmings you can truly experience the depth in flavour and taste the quality of the local beans. A great little pick me up in the morning, throughout the day or even in the evening time, a caffe is the great all-rounder that will be there for you no matter what!

Caffe Macchiato

The macchiato is the next step up, with just a little stain of frothed milk swirling in the center, this takes any slight bitter edge there may be away for a sensationally smooth drinking experience. This one is pronounced mock-ee-otto, if you want to sound like a native!

Cappuccino

You’ve likely come across this many times before, but don’t be put off by anything substandard you have experienced in the past. The Italians are famed for their fine coffee creations and this is no exception. This shot of espresso is layered with warm milk and topped with a creamy foam for an indulgent and less punchy drink in the morning. The Italians say that only a tourist orders a cappuccino once the morning has passed; you should be moving onto something a little stronger once the afternoon has hit!

Cappuccino ben caldo

A variation on the cappuccino, the ‘ben caldo’ is simply an ‘extra hot’ version, so if you wish to sit and enjoy this hot beverage as you ponder over a book or stare out at the stunning views, you may want to order it extra hot, as they tend to come at a perfectly drinkable temperature.

Marochino

In England this would be compared in size to a ‘babyccino’, a small cup of cappuccino style coffee, topped with a fine dusting of chocolate. This is more popular with the younger generation who have not yet fine-tuned their taste buds to love the full flavours of a caffe.

Ristretto

The final coffee is the ristretto, in size this seems small, but is punchy and big on flavour. An extra strong shot of coffee that lasts barely more than a sip, it’s a perfect way to finish a meal and to experience the flavour notes in an even more intense manner.

In many Italian cultures, the day begins in a café, with a delicious cup of local coffee, so why not start your holiday like a local and embrace their wonderful cultures and traditions?