An Italian morning without coffee? Unimaginable! Preparations for an Italian-style caffè usually start at the café in the morning, but what kind of coffee do Italians actually drink? This article will help you discover what Italians prefer to start their day with a cup of the famous brew.
Espresso
The espresso is most probably the most popular and traditional coffee in Italy. Typically served in a small cup and made with finely ground coffee beans and hot water, it provides a half cup of coffee with a unique and intense flavor. It is usually taken at breakfast but also during the rest of the day.
In Italy, espresso is usually served by an illy or Lavazza, two leading Italian coffee brands. These illy capsules or Lavazza ground coffee beans used to produce the espresso are sourced in many Italian regions, such as Puglia, Campania, Tuscany and more.
Moreover, espresso can be used to produce other types of Italian coffee, such as cappuccino, macchiato, caffe latte and more. It is the basis of those typical coffee drinks you can find in Italian bars.
American coffee
American coffee, also known as cafè Americano, is also a popular coffee choice in Italy. It is prepared by pouring one or two espresso shots into a cup of hot water, so it’s actually a diluted version of espresso.
This coffee option is mainly chosen by those who prefer a lighter version of espresso but still want to enjoy a folavorful coffee. It is usually taken with milk and sugar added to the mix.
Returns on American coffee suggest Italians prefer a sweet, light type of coffee in the morning. This is why it’s common to find Italian supermarkets offering a variety of creamers and sweeteners to go with the American coffee.
Frappè
Frappè is a light and refreshing twist on Italian coffee. It is made with an espresso shot, cold water, and plenty of ice. This type of coffee is the perfect pick-me-up for hot summer days, when you don’t want to end up with a tiring and overwhelming caffeine rush.
To enhance the taste of frappè, Italians like to add flavours such as cream, chocolate, spices and syrup. This makes it a great idea for those looking for a tasty and delightful break during the day.
Other alternatives
Apart from espresso, American coffee and frappè, there are plenty of other options when it comes to Italian coffee. Some of the most popular include caffè latte, caffè macchiato, cappuccino and caffè schiumato.
These are usually served in a small cup as well and they provide a different flavor and intensity. For instance, cappuccino is a slightly stronger version of espresso while caffè schiumato is usually an American coffee with a generous amount of foam at the top.
Coffee machines
Coffee machines have been widely popular in Italy for quite some time. As the demand for Italian coffee kept increasing, companies came up with their own coffee machines which allow users to customize their drinks.
These machines can make all sorts of drinks: from espressos to caffè macchiatos, from macchiatos to cappuccinos. They come in various sizes and designs, ranging from smaller machines for home use to large machines for café businesses.
The demand for these machines has been growing steadily in recent years and is expected to keep doing so, given the wide range of Italian coffee options it can offer.
Coffee flavour and aroma
As with all foods, Italian coffee can be judged not only by its flavour but also its aroma. Italians usually go for strong-smelling coffee beans, such as arabica and robusta.
The arabica is a popular choice as it provides a mild yet intense flavour. It is usually combined with cocoa and caramel aromas, giving it a delightful combination. On the other hand, robusta beans in a cup of coffee gives a more intense flavour but with much less complexity.
On the other hand, for those who opt for a more exclusive coffee experience, some lesser known beans have recently gained more popularity. These include the maragogype, catuai and caturra, which bring a unique taste that cannot be found in other types of coffee.
Baristas and Caffè culture
The development of the Italian coffee culture can be attributed to one group: the baristas. They take care of the entire process of preparing, serving and brewing coffee.
Furthermore, they are often in charge of stocking the coffee machines and managing the customers’ orders. They are usually Italian natives and have gained a great deal of experience over the years.
A barista’s passion for coffee is what sets Italian coffee apart from the rest. They are devoted to delivering the best possible experience and this is noticeable when tasting one of their brews.
Conclusion
Italian coffee is famous all around the world. All the different types of drinks offered in Italian cafés make up a dynamic and fascinating area of expertise. Espressos, American coffee, and frappés are only some of the coffee options Italians usually get in the morning. With some knowledge and the good advice of a barista, you too can join the Italians on their coffee journey.
