In Italy coffee ("caffè") is proudly part of our cultural identity and often a popular ritual, especially when drinking the "Espresso". Here following some free but real tips to be used when visiting our wonderful country: hope this might give you the chance to really... do as Italians do!

1. “WHEN IN ITALY,
DO AS THE ITALIANS DO”
LESSON N.1: COFFEE (CAFFE’)
Paolo Donati

2. Italians do
drink coffee
in a lot of
ways and in
several daily
rituals (being
at home or at
the office).
But the
most
regular and
popular
coffee is still
the…
ESPRESSO

3. “Macchiato freddo, macchiato
caldo, ristretto, lungo, schiumato,
freddo, shakerato, marocchino,
corretto (con la grappa),
decaffeinato (deca), bicerin,
d’orzo (in tazza grande o tazza
piccola), cappuccino, latte
macchiato (caldo o freddo), con
la panna…”
Especially in morning
and after lunch time,
Italians DO love a
“tazza” of espresso
coffee “al banco” (not
seated)…

4. DO’S AND
DON’Ts
1. In Italy, before drinking a coffee, usually you have to pay it “alla cassa” (= cashier). Average price ranges
from 0,90 to 1,20 Euro if not seated (rarely Italians seat down at the bar especially because most of them are
small and people is in a hurry). If you want a glass of water with it normally you have to ask for it (only in
central/south Italy the barman is going to give one to you by default).
2. When in front of the barman, make eyecontact and then tell him the following: “
- “uno” (= one): in Italy this simple word means “I want 1 espresso” and works out perfectly also
“alla cassa” when - without saying a word - you simply show your index finger. Of course if you
need more espressos, eg 2/3/etc, just say “due, tre” etc. This will turn you out as an Italian man!
- goes itself: if you want a different coffee (macchiato, cappuccino etc.) you have to ask for it to
the barman.
3. Then slowly drink it (best without sugar). At the end leave the cup at the bench and say “grazie,
arrivederci” and NOT “ciao” (tb used ONLY when you are familiar with someone you already know: Italians
are formal…)
4. Cappuccino & cornetto: THIS is the popular Italian breakfast (but also a quick lunch alternative).
“Cornetto” (or “brioche”) is the Italian for French “croissants”. Pls note that we do NEVER take cappuccino
after dinner (this immediately will tell everyone that you are a tourist)!

5. Simple to hand-make, nice to hear when boiling and
even nicer when sharing with friends and relatives!
This is the way most of our relatives
and grandpas were making coffee at
home. Still used in Italy is somehow
being slowly replaced by capsules.
The moka coffee is stronger in caffeine
in respect to the bar espresso…

6. In Naples coffee is made with the
“cuccumella” (“Napoletana” in
Italina) drip brew coffeemaker.
Unlike the Moka, a Napoletana
uses gravity and not the pressure
of steam to mix the water with the
coffee.
Totò and Peppino (left): being born in
Naples these famous Italian comic actors
were celebrating the “cuccumella” in a lot
of movies…
The famous cover of Pino
Daniele’s (1955-2005) iconic
song “na tazzulella e’
caffè”.

7. http://www.expo2015.org/en/index.html?packedargs=op=changeLang
http://www.localistorici.it/en/Schede/list/tipo/historical-establishments
http://www.illy.com/wps/wcm/connect/en/coffee/how-prepare-espresso
http://www.kimbo.it/Ricette?lang=en
http://www.lavazza.co.uk/uk/at-home/coffee-brewing/
Lots: only some
sorry…
Torino
Venezia
Trieste
Milano
Firenze
Napoli
…or simply around
the corner in each
(small or big) Italian
town!
Historical Coffees
are mostly in:

8. “WHEN IN ITALY,
DO AS THE ITALIANS DO”
But to do that..
you have to come to Italy!