How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local: Top 10 Ways

When it comes to coffee, Italy is a true master. With a rich coffee culture dating back to the early 20th century, the country boasts a wide variety of delicious brews, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profile.

Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a quick pick-me-up, knowing how to order coffee in Italy is essential.

How to Order Coffee in Italy

From the classic ristretto to the creamy cappuccino, the options are endless. This guide will take a closer look at the top 10 ways to order coffee in Italy, so you can feel like a true local the next time you’re at an Italian bar.

1. Caffè Ristretto

Caffè Ristretto is a short and strong espresso with less water than a regular espresso. It’s perfect for those who like a strong and intense flavor. To order a ristretto, simply say “Un caffè ristretto, per favore.”

2. Caffè Lungo

Caffè Lungo is an espresso with more water, making it less strong and intense. It’s perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor. To order a lungo, say, “Un caffè lungo, per favore.”

3. Caffè Corto

Caffè Corto is a small espresso, similar to a ristretto but with less water. To order a corto, say, “Un caffè corto, per favore.”

4. Caffè Schiumato

Caffè schiumato is an espresso with a frothy top, similar to a cappuccino. When ordering this type of coffee in Italy, simply say “Un caffè schiumato, per favore.”

5. Caffè Corretto

Caffè Corretto is an espresso with a shot of liquor, such as grappa or sambuca. It’s a popular after-dinner drink. To order a corretto, say, “Un caffè corretto, per favore,” and specify the liquor you want.

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6. Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam. To order a cappuccino, say, “Un cappuccino, per favore.”

7. Caffè Macchiato

Caffè Macchiato is an espresso with a small amount of milk foam. To order a macchiato, simply say “Un caffè macchiato, per favore.”

8. Caffè Latte

Caffè latte is a coffee made with espresso and steamed milk, similar to a latte. To order a caffè latte, simply say “Un caffè latte, per favore.”

9. Caffè Americano

Caffè Americano is an espresso with added hot water, similar to an Americano. To order a caffè americano, simply say “Un caffè americano, per favore.”

10. Caffè Freddo

Caffè freddo is a cold espresso, perfect for hot summer days. To order a caffè freddo, simply say “Un caffè freddo, per favore.”

Drinking Coffee in Italy? Test your knowledge of Italian coffee with this caffeine-fueled trivia quiz.

Different Types of Coffee Available at Italian Bars

Let’s look at some of the different types of coffee available at Italian bars.

The most basic and classic is the espresso (un caffè), a strong and intense shot of coffee that is the foundation for many other Italian coffee drinks.

Suppose you prefer a more robust, more concentrated coffee. In that case, when ordering coffee in Italy, you can ask for a ristretto (un ristretto), which is made with less water and thus has a more intense flavor.

On the other hand, if you prefer a milder coffee, you might like a lungo (un lungo), which is made with more water and has a milder flavor.

A corto (un corto) is also an option for those who want a shorter and more robust coffee.

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For those who prefer a frothy coffee, you can order a schiumato (un caffè schiumato), an espresso with steamed milk.

A corretto (un caffè corretto) is a shot of espresso with a drop of liquor, usually grappa or sambuca.

For those who prefer a sweeter and creamier coffee, you can order a cappuccino (un cappuccino), an espresso with steamed milk and foam, or a macchiato (un macchiato), which is an espresso with a dollop of steamed milk on top.

Caffè latte (un caffè latte) is a coffee similar to a cappuccino but with more milk and less foam. And for those hot summer days, you can order a caffè freddo (un caffè freddo) iced coffee.

Recommended Reading: 14 Best Italian Coffee Brands 2023: Taste Italy’s Finest Coffee.

Certain Types of Coffee Are Traditionally Consumed at Specific Times of the Day

When ordering coffee in Italy, it’s essential to remember that certain types of coffee are traditionally consumed at specific times of the day.

For example, cappuccinos are typically only consumed in the morning, while correttos are more commonly consumed as an after-dinner drink. Feel free to customize your order to suit your preferences. For example, if you prefer your coffee sweeter, you can ask for it with a bit of sugar (con zucchero).

In conclusion, ordering coffee in Italy is not just about getting your caffeine fix but fully immersing yourself in the local culture and savoring Italian coffee’s unique flavors and aromas.

So next time you’re in Italy, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s a classic espresso or a frothy cappuccino, you’ll find a coffee you’ll love.

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