Tags
Bar, Cafe, Cappuccino, coffee, espresso, italy, Photography, travel, travel Italy
Italian coffee culture is strong, just like the espresso, and cafes are always full no matter the time of day.
Australia also has a strong coffee culture serving up excellent coffee that would take a lot to beat.
So what is it that is so special about Italian coffee. Why do we all fantasize when we think or talk about enjoying a cup of coffee in Italy? I suppose we all have our reasons and suggestions but I guess for me, it is just the fact that I am drinking coffee IN I T A L Y.
In Italy a cafe or coffee shop is actually called a “bar”. You will see hundreds of bars around Italy, and in Rome they are on almost every corner and sometimes up to three or four in one block
Italians don’t linger, they drink their coffee at the counter and fast. Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. 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 and continue on with their day. In Australia it is more of a social event to meet for coffee and chat for ages, rather than the need for a quick pick me up.
So for an authentic experience, join the masses standing at the bar. The most important thing is that you take in the bar’s atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy the taste of real Italian coffee. If you do feel like sitting, be prepared for a slightly larger bill. In the big cities, it is usually twice the price or even more if you use table service.
There are many many types of different cups of coffee; however Cappuccino is Italy’s most famous coffee drink. The cappuccino is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to whole milk, frothed to perfection. Be warned,they do come with an unwritten rule — you cannot order them after noon, unless you want to risk being scorned. Italians have a weird thing about drinking cappuccino only in the morning. You’ll never see an Italian order a cappuccino after dinner, yet it’s almost all they drink in the morning.
If you see a bunch of people sitting around drinking cappuccini at three in the afternoon, you have probably found the tourist bar.
Cappuccini are fantastically frothy, and the espresso is always made with quality coffee beans and ground on site.
If you request a caffe’ or coffee, what you will get is espresso in a demitasse, which is very strong coffee served in a tiny cup. The best espresso has strong caramel coloured foam on the top, which is the “crema.” Generally, the thicker the crema, the stronger the brew will be.
Ask for a latte in Italy and you will be served a large, tall, glass of milk. The correct way of ordering this drink is to request a caffe con latte – coffee with milk. Essentially a shot of espresso and double the amount of hot milk, this drink is topped with a little foam.
Coffee is one of the favourite drinks in Italy. It is consumed not just for breakfast but throughout the day.
Cappuccino e cornetto Crema per favori…!!
Si Mary, anch’ío
I am sitting at work drinking my morning coffee while reading this. Bummer would so much prefer to be in Italy. It is all about the smells, sounds, people watching and atmosphere as well as the coffee x
Yes Donna, it is exactly that. I love to people watch while drinking my coffee in Italy.
I hardly ever drink caffè when I’m not in Italy. People don’t believe me when I say it doesn’t taste the same-until they see for themselves. The thing about cappuccino is mostly a milk issue. Adults don’t have milk after ‘breakfast’ type hours and definitely not with a meal. It isn’t unheard of to have a cappuccino on a cold afternoon, but after your meal is definitely not done. Now that you’ve made me thirsty, I’m going to make myself some cioccolata calda con Strega!
I totally get that about the milk. Thanks Cristina
It seemed to be around .80c to €1 for a coffee in Rome a month or so ago which is roughly around $1.50NZ but here in NZ you can pay $4.50 for a coffee!! No wonder we want to linger over it :)
Yes you are right. It is about a euro all around Italy except for the expensive tourist cities. Thanks for your comment
I can smell the brew now. Bellissimo!!!!!!!
The power of thought. Enjoy that aroma
Reblogged this on Make Italy Yours.
Nice post Lyn…I’m habitually guilty of having a cappuccino after noon in Italy…and yes, I do get those looks:)
Thanks Susan. I say if you feel like having one, who cares what time it is.
My thoughts exactly:):)
Coffee cafe’s, unfortunately, have not caught on in Hawaii. One day I would love to drink coffee in Italy!
It is OK Linda, Hawaii has so so many other wonderful things
So very interesting! After doing a Barista course I realised that not many cafes here know how to make coffee properly. If you find one that does you should stick with it. Loved your blog. Thank you xx
I think that Aus has excellent coffee but maybe it is only in the places that I am familiar with. Interesting comment, thanks Leah xx
Gorgeous – Just going to dash off and make my espresso – just one a day and always in the morning.
Me too Kay, only in the mornings. Usually with a friend in a “bar”
Ever tried ginseng coffee?very tasty & strong! I can drink it only in the morning otherwise I couldn’t sleep 😊🙏☕️
HI. I make ginseng tea, is that the same. Thanks for your comment Lyn
Never tried ginseng tea !
Terrific post – great series. Oh, but I do miss the coffee in Italy. It is just so special, and the scenery makes it all even better. I hope 2016 is treating you well, and I wish you great success all through the year.
Thanks Adri. Yes, coffee, or probably anything or everything is special in Italy. 2016 will be a great year, wishing you a happy and successful one also