Types of coffee in Italy and how to make Italian coffee at home

Interesting Facts

Italy is one of the top ten consumers of coffee in the world. But grains are not grown here. We have collected 10 interesting facts about why Italians love coffee. And about the drink itself, of course.

1. The first coffee shop in Italy was opened in Venice back in the 17th century. At that time, people in Russia had not even heard of the drink.
2. The world's first espresso coffee machine was also invented by Italians - in 1905. She was brewing a disgusting bitter drink. Later it was modified. The result is a geyser “moka” coffee maker. Most Italians have one.
3. Instant coffee is not recognized in this country. They drink, of course, but they scold demonstratively.
4. Many Italians like to drink 3-5 cups of coffee every day. Especially the older generation.
5. It is not customary to drink coffee with milk after lunch. This is clearly visible in the south. If you order a cappuccino in the evening, the bartender will look at you with undisguised sympathy. And in the waiter’s gaze you will read: “Oh, poor tourist, he doesn’t understand coffee culture at all...”
6. The “paper cup” culture has not taken root in Italy. Only tourists or overly modern young people drink takeaway coffee.
7. Italians love to drink coffee in bars. Clients often shout from the doorway: “Caffè!” The bartender puts espresso in front of them at lightning speed. With one hand the Italian pours the contents into his mouth, and with the other he puts in the bill. Then, with a crash, he presses the money with his mug and flies out of the bar like a bullet.
8. The best Italian coffee producers usually import beans from not one, but at least 3 countries. In this way they create complex blends. This is how one of the best coffees in the world is born.
9. Almost every region of Italy has its own coffee drink. For example, Neapolitan Caffè Napoli or Turin Bicerin. You almost never see them in other regions.
10. The legendary Starbucks originated here, and not in the USA. The founder of the company was inspired by the passion with which Italians treat coffee. We heartily recommend reading Howard Schultz’s inspiring book “How Cup by Cup Was Built” to learn more about this (you can).

Italian traditions: what tourists need to know

Coffee is very popular among Italians; they drink this drink often and in small portions. Coffee Italy is an already established phrase that arises in thoughts at the mere mention of coffee drinks and a given country; this drink is like a calling card of the country.

It is common to end meals with coffee. This is a common drink available to everyone. The average price for coffee to go, or to drink coffee at the bar counter is $2-3, but if you want to drink coffee at a table, the price will be more expensive taking into account the service.

Tourists planning to visit Italy need to be prepared to drink large quantities of coffee. In this country, Italiano coffee has a special taste that no one can resist.

Tourists should not order cappuccino after meals, because it has a laxative effect, and the natives will only laugh at it. It’s right to finish with an Italian espresso or macchiato. After placing an order, there is no need to rush to pay; this usually happens after drinking freshly prepared coffee.

Adding spices to coffee in Italy is not unequivocal. Some residents consider it unnecessary to spoil the true taste with various additives, while at the same time, famous coffee shops are famous for their unique recipes with the addition of spices.

Ordinary tourists should learn a few well-established phrases on how to correctly order a particular coffee. If a tourist wants to drink a cup of latte and says just latte, they will bring him a glass of warm milk, because this is how it is translated from Italian, so you need to say latte macchiato.

What is real Italian coffee?

Italian coffee is not an ordinary drink, but a whole process of enjoyment. The golden espresso foam has a thick consistency and covers the entire surface of the cup; the smell of coffee is very pronounced and spreads throughout the entire area of ​​the room. Serve the prepared coffee in a thick-walled cup with a volume of 80 ml. You should only drink freshly brewed coffee. Proper serving ensures the consumer receives the necessary pleasure.

Traditional Italian coffee is usually brewed directly with milk, without adding sugar, and is served separately. The correct proportions for two people are 2 cups of ground coffee and 2 glasses of milk. Sugar should not be coarse, ideally similar to sand.

In order to prepare real Italian coffee, use a special “Caffettiera” or “Moka” kettle; you must use soft water and only cold water; speeding up the preparation process by pouring warm or hot water is prohibited. Do not leave coffee until it boils.

Types of Italian coffee

The main types of Italian coffee are:

1. Americano;
2. cafe (espresso);
3. latte;
4. cappuccino;
5. dieter;
6. doppio;
7. Fredo;
8. ristretto;
9. Shakerato;
10. mochaccino;
11. Romano.

Americano is practically the same as espresso, the difference is that it requires more water for brewing and is served in a larger cup than for espresso.

In Italy, in any establishment you need to order regular espresso; when we say café, this already means preparing rich coffee with a small amount of water.

A cappuccino consists of several layers, the first is espresso, the next is hot milk and the last is milk foam. It must be remembered that it should not be consumed after meals, as it has a laxative effect. In terms of time, it is consumed in the first half of the day, but it is not mainly consumed only by tourists; Italians prefer strong coffee for the most part.

The dieter is suitable for people who do not consume sugar, as this type is served with a sweetener.

Doppio is just a double shot of espresso.

Ice is added to Freddo coffee to create cool espresso.

Latte is one of the most popular types of coffee not only in Italy, but throughout the world. It consists of a small amount of espresso and a large portion of milk with milk foam.

Ristretto is a very rich, strong coffee, prepared like regular espresso, but uses a smaller portion of water.

Features of Italian coffee

Coffee is not grown in Italy. The grains come to the country from South America, Africa and Asia. Italians do roasting and blending. They have no equal here.

5 countries where Italian coffee is grown:

• Brazil;
• Colombia;
• Cameroon;
• India;
• Ethiopia.

In Italy they skillfully mix varieties to make the drink complex and deep. Manufacturers play with roasting, grinding, proportions of Arabica and Robusta, and combine beans from different countries.

Italians joke: “A woman is like coffee: first bitter, then sweet.” The saying was born from the Neapolitan tradition of putting sugar in a drink, but not stirring it. This allows you to feel all the shades of the drink: astringency, bitterness, strength, sourness, and then an all-consuming sweetness.

How to drink coffee the Italian way

It is not enough just to learn how to make coffee in Italian to fully enjoy it. The rules for its use are of no small importance. Italians take the ritual of coffee drinking very seriously.

It is worth highlighting several important points:

• There is a time for every drink. In the morning - espresso, from 10:00 to 11:00 - cappuccino or latte, at lunch - again a cup of espresso, and in the evening decaffeinated coffee. It is not customary to drink cappuccino in the afternoon.
• Italians believe that coffee drinks are a pleasant “drug”. To make it better absorbed, it is drunk while standing.
• Only slightly cooled coffee is suitable for consumption. It should not burn your lips and throat.

The coffee industry in Italy is quite well developed and supplies its products to various countries. Italian brands are known all over the world and loved by many coffee lovers. In addition, this state has given many amazing recipes for coffee drinks, which are extremely popular all over the world.

Geyser coffee maker Moka

The first Italian coffee machine did not produce the most delicious drink in the world. Over time, steam was removed from it, the heating temperature was lowered, and the pressure was increased. This is how coffee was born, which today is called classic Italian espresso. It is brewed in moka geyser coffee makers. This is a whole art, almost a religion. But in modern bars there is no time for long cooking. That's why baristas trust machines to do most of their work. Local residents, especially the older generation, love both.

For Italy, preparing coffee in a geyser coffee maker is the same tradition as brewing a drink in a Turk in the East. This is an art that requires time and attention.

Watch the video in which the famous Italian chef Marco Cervetti teaches how to brew the “correct” coffee in a geyser coffee maker.

Types of coffee drinks

There are more than a dozen different coffee drinks in Italy. Let's talk about the most popular ones. They are definitely worth trying during your trip to Italy.

Caffè normale (Espresso) | Normal

The most popular Italian coffee: aromatic, strong, thick, dense. On top it is covered with velvety foam with a golden tint. Normale coffee in Italy is drunk in one gulp in a couple of sips. We walked up to the counter, ordered, swallowed it, and moved on. The name of the drink in Italy need not be specified. Say “Un caffè” or “Due caffè” and politely add “per favore”. They will understand you. Life hack: drinking while standing is cheaper. In this case, in almost any Italian bar you will pay 1 euro for a cup of espresso.

Ristretto | Ristretto

Very strong espresso. The portion of coffee is the same, but the water is half as much. It turns out to be a bitter, invigorating drink. Not for everyone. Italians often drink classic espresso rather than ristretto.

Caffè Romano | Romano

Or Roman espresso. Essentially the same normale, but with fresh lemon juice. This Italian coffee is also drunk in one gulp. It is distinguished by its bright acidity, strength and density. In Rome, the drink is often served with candied lemon. Italians swallow their coffee, pop a lemon in their mouths, and move on happy.

Corretto | Corretto

A popular Italian coffee is espresso with the addition of liqueur. Most often, corretto is prepared with grappa. Served for breakfast. Sometimes, instead of grape vodka, brandy, cointreau, sambuca or other strong alcohol is added to it. The drink turns out to be hot, bitter, piquant. Try it with sugar - the taste develops better.

Lungo | Lungo

That is, “long coffee”. Lungo in Italy is a classic espresso diluted with hot water. The whole world calls the drink “Americano”. It's good to order after lunch or dinner. You can drink without haste.

Caffè macchiato | Macchiato

Italian coffee with milk. The same espresso, but with light white foam. In Italy, two types of macchiato are popular: Freddo - with cold milk, Caldo - with hot milk. The drink is stronger than cappuccino, but much lighter than espresso. The Italians call it "feminine".

Latte macchiato (caffè latte) | Latte macchiato (coffee latte)

The same macchiato, but with more milk and an airy white top. In Italy, latte coffee is often decorated with a design. Be careful: if you order just a latte, they will bring you regular milk. Add the word "coffee".

Cappuccino | Cappuccino

The perfect balance of coffee and milk. Stronger than a latte, softer than an espresso. Cappuccino in Italy is a breakfast drink. Locals will roll their eyes if you:

• order it in the afternoon;
• you will drink coffee with milk after meals;
• if you (oh horror!) order a drink along with pasta or another traditional dish.

Don't tease the locals and grab a cappuccino for breakfast with fresh pastries or dessert.

Сaffè con panna | Kon-panna

Espresso topped with sweet whipped cream. They slowly melt in the hot coffee. The drink turns out soft, creamy, thick. A good option for breakfast or an aperitif.

Marocchino | Marocino

Similar to moccacino. A coffee drink made from espresso, milk and cocoa powder. Sometimes thick hot chocolate or even chocolate spread is added to it. Serve in a glass goblet. This coffee in Italy is worth trying for dessert.

Don't forget to try 3 famous Italian coffee-based desserts: tiramisu, cookie-based affogato with ice cream, coffee mousse with amaretto. We wrote about other popular sweets in Rome, Milan, Florence and other parts of the country in this article.

Types of drinks

Italy has its own coffee culture. Residents of the country have given the whole world many variations of the coffee drink: strong or light, pure, with milk, cream, ice cream, cognac, lemon, with added spices.

Starting the morning with a cup of latte (accent on the first syllable, translated from Italian as milk) or cappuccino is a traditional trait of Italians. Lattes contain more milk than coffee. Cappuccino is traditionally served warm (60°C) in a heated cup. If you add chocolate, you get moccacino.

Throughout the day - just caffè, espresso (Italian - urgent, fast). The drink is poured into small thimble cups, in which its aroma is best revealed. The taste depends not only on the variety, but also on the maintained proportions of water and processing temperature. Serve immediately, within the first minute after cooking, always with a glass of water. It can be a strong concentration - double or weak - long, diluted with boiling water.

It is not customary for Italians to drink instant coffee, only natural, freshly ground coffee, brewed according to all the rules in a coffee machine or Turk.

Top brands

Most of all, Italians love family coffee shops. Every small town has its own manufacturer, trusted by local residents. We will name the 7 largest Italian companies that have entered the international market. If you don’t know what kind of coffee to bring from Italy, buy a product from these brands: beans or ground - we chose the leaders in the rating.

Lavazza

The company was founded by Turinian Luigi Lavazza in 1895. Lavazza is the most famous Italian coffee in the world. Today the company even sells coffee machines: home and professional. In Italy, Lavazza coffee costs about the same as in Russia. However, it tastes a little different. That’s why we advise you to buy Lavazza coffee made in Italy and not in Russia.

Illy

Coffee shops of the Italian brand Illy have filled all of Europe. Although the company started as a small family business. In 1933, Francesco Illy invented and patented his own method of roasting and packaging coffee. Today Illy is famous for its Arabica beans, brought from 6 different countries - this is a unique product. The company practices 2 roasting options and sells impeccable coffee.

Kimbo

The company was founded by the Rubino brothers in 1950. Italian Kimbo coffee is loved by locals. This is a worthy product from the budget segment. Kimbo's most famous blend is a mixture of Arabica and Robusta Gold Medal. Try it, this is a win-win coffee from Italy.

Segafredo

The company is originally from Bologna. Its logo is often featured on sports banners. Italian coffee Segafredo has won brilliant reviews from coffee lovers from all over the world. Try a range of products from different countries. And the company’s own blends with varying degrees of roasting.

Pellini

The company comes from Verona. It was founded by Renzo Pellini in 1922. Pellini originally sold spices and herbs. 25 years have passed and the company has focused only on coffee. Now it confidently remains among the top five largest producers of Italian coffee. Try grain and elite “Espresso Superior”.

Vergnano 1882

The oldest family-owned coffee factory in Italy. Specializes in the production of premium products. It is reasonable to bring this coffee from Italy as a gift to a loved one. It is difficult to find in Russia. And in Italy he is considered one of the best. Everyone respects this brand and looks up to it.

Borbone

A relatively young company from Naples. Her secret to success is an impeccable product, the love of Italians and competent PR. This is the coffee that the heroes of local TV series drink. Neapolitan grandmothers buy it. It is suitable for geyser coffee makers, Turkish coffee makers and modern coffee machines. Italian Borbone coffee can be purchased as beans or already ground. Try it!

The most famous brands

Italy is home to a large number of coffee roasting and packaging companies. The most famous brands of Italian coffee are Lavazza, Quimbo, Trombetta, Illy.

Illy is a brand operating in the premium segment of the market. Offers the best blends of high quality Arabica beans from around the world. The brand is well known in Europe, but in Russia it is just beginning to gain popularity. The brand's products always have a deep and rich aroma, medium caffeine content and a unique aftertaste. Illy offers ground, bean and batch coffee. The brand's technologists are credited with developing the first coffee machine.

Lavazza is the largest and most popular Italian brand, which has well established its position in Europe. Works with different varieties of coffee beans from all over the world - from Brazil and Colombia to Vietnam and Indonesia. This brand offers many blends of coffee of different roasts. The brand's product range includes ground and bean coffee, as well as product in capsules and pods.

If you ask 4 Italians what kind of coffee they prefer, then 3 out of 4 will point to Lavazza as the best and most authentic. The photo above shows the brand's range, available in all European countries.

Kimbo is a brand that operates at an average price in the market segment and sells its products in 60 countries around the world. Offers blends of different varieties of Arabica and Robusta. Kimbo coffee can be purchased in beans and ground. A distinctive feature of the production technology at the brand’s factories is hot air roasting, thanks to which the maximum aroma is preserved in the beans and a constant consistency of taste is achieved.

Trombetta is another famous Italian coffee brand. Offers ground coffee, coffee beans and capsules, monodoses, coffee machines, dishes and other accessories. Works with Arabica and Robusta from different regions, offering unusual and classic blends. In Russia, the taste of such coffee is little known.

Squesito is coffee made from the best combinations of Robusta and Arabica from plantations in Ethiopia, Brazil, Kenya and Asia. The brand offers the best coffee capsules for coffee machines, allowing you to prepare real Italian espresso at the touch of a button. In Russia, products of the brand called Squesito can be purchased since 2008 through a network of coffee boutiques. The budget price of coffee machines offered by the brand makes delicious Italian coffee accessible to many.

For real coffee lovers

True coffee lovers should visit Italy at least once in their lives. We advise you not to miss the chance and take a thematic excursion. We have selected the best options for “coffee” excursions in Italy in Russian.

Coffee Rome

An individual walk around the Italian capital in the company of a professional barista. The best espresso in Rome, the most iconic coffee shops in the city, everything about the culture of drinking the drink. Sounds tempting, doesn't it? Along the way, the guide will show you the sights and tell you what guidebooks don’t write about. Read more details and reviews from tourists here.

Delicious Florence

Tasting the best Tuscan delicacies on an excursion in Florence with a Russian guide. Snacks, desserts, street food, traditional dinner, wine. But it all starts, of course, with coffee - you’re in Italy. The most delicious and “correct” cappuccino in the city, the best types and varieties of the drink and local traditions. You'll like it! More details at this link.

Milano with espresso flavor

On an excursion in Milan you will understand the coffee traditions, habits and rituals of Italians. You will find out the difference between a ristretto and a corretto, why you should not order cappuccino after lunch, and try interesting drinks. You will also visit the best coffee shops: famous and secret ones. Detailed information about the tour and reviews here.

Tastings in Naples

Only in Naples can you try the “correct” Caffè Napoli. The guide will tell you everything about the legendary drink. He will also show you secret coffee shops and the best pastry shops in the city. You will visit colorful shops and eateries, try cheeses and sausages, and visit a legendary pizzeria. Not an excursion - a fairy tale! Read more details and rave reviews from tourists at this link.

Before traveling to Italy, check out our post on shopping in Rome and provincial cities. Be sure to try the local coffee and bring a couple of packages of good grain or ground product as a gift to your loved ones.

>>> Useful services for travelers (gift inside!) <<