Italy’s Coffee Culture: How to Drink Coffee Like a Local
- ldubreucq
- May 24, 2023
- 4 min read
By Layla Dubreucq
When stepping onto the cobblestone streets of Florence, the air is permeated with the aroma of rich espresso. Here, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it is a ritualistic journey intertwined with the very essence of life in Italy. From the velvety caress of a cappuccino to the bold allure of an espresso, each beverage holds its own significance, carefully guiding the rhythm of the day.
Cafes, better known as bars in Florence, crowd the streets of the city beckoning every passerby to indulge in their delicacies. Italy’s coffee culture truly centers the lives of Italians whether it’s drank to wake up or socialize.
Types of Italian Coffee
Cappuccino
First made in northern Italy during the early 1900s, the cappuccino is one of the most renowned espresso beverages in all of Italy. The delectable concoction is made up of a harmonious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and topped with a velvety foam. With every sip, the cappuccino delivers a symphony of flavors that unveils the county’s deep passion and artistry for coffee.
Caffè Latte
The Caffè Latte is a luxurious marvel in the realm of Italian coffee. The beverage was created in order to appeal to tourists visiting Italy, who could not handle the strength of a traditional Cappuccino. The Caffè Latte is made up of equal parts of luscious espresso and steamed milk. Sip by sip, the Caffè Latte reveals its captivating blend, whisking enjoyers away to a realm of creamy decadence.
Caffè Macchiato
The name Caffè Macchiato comes from the direct visual of the beverage, where ‘macchiato’ translates to stained. The Caffè Macchiato is made up of a single shot of espresso followed by a light splash of foamed milk. This creation is a melodious median between the cappuccino and caffè, allowing the true essence of espresso to shine while embracing a delicate touch of creaminess.
Caffè
In Italy, caffè reigns supreme as the crowned monarch of beverages. Served in a dainty doll-like cup and saucer, the caffè is a single shot of potent espresso. Among every coffee beverage, the caffè is the most consumed across the county. The caffè is at the heart of Italy’s coffee culture and fuels the nation's vibrant spirit.
When and Where
In traditional Italian mornings, velvety cappuccinos and caffè lattes are most commonly consumed alongside delicate pastries. Though once the clock strikes 11 a.m., these frothy delights vanish from cafe menus like the morning mist.
Coffee connoisseur and barista at Caffè Scudieri, Ricardo Di Rocco delves into the phenomenon. “We are used to drinking coffee in order to wake up, but the espresso itself is too heavy. This is why we drink a cappuccino or caffè latte in the morning, the milk gives us energy for the day” Di Rocco said.
In Italy, the Caffè Macchiato is typically used as an afternoon pick-me-up. Served with or shortly after lunch, this beverage is commonly drank in the afternoon due to its low concentration of milk. This is because many Italians believe that consuming large quantities of milk with heavier meals, such as lunch, can slow down digestion and cause gastric distress.
Nearing the evening, acceptable caffeine beverages begin to dwindle. Generally, the caffè becomes the only readily available caffeine beverage throughout Florence. While caffè can be drank at any point in the day, it is most commonly ordered after dinner in order to keep the night young.
Another thing to note is that Italians commonly enjoy their coffee standing up against the bar. While table service is typically available, these beverages are generally consumed quickly and after finishing, Italians continue to go about their day.
Cafe or Bar?
While strolling the streets of Florence, there is an intriguing quirk when it comes to cafes—their signage reads the word ‘bar.’ In Italy, locals do not refer to cafes as such, but rather as bars. This is because of the duality of the establishment, where their selection offers both coffee and cocktails.
The beauty of Italian bars lies in their versatility, welcoming visitors at any hour of the day. While cocktails are available at any time, ordering one alongside a cappuccino would garner an outlandish look from the waiter.
These espresso bars define Italy’s coffee culture as they morph to match the journey of an Italian’s day. One can start the morning at the bar with a caffè latte and return to end their day with an espresso martini. This seamless transition from coffee to cocktails exemplifies the Italian way of savoring life's pleasures.
Shake Café: Florence’s Alternative Espresso Bar
Though the Italian coffee culture may come as a culture shock to tourists, Shake Café, the oasis of familiar flavors amidst the Florentine landscape, beckons homesick tourists with open arms.
With their bold proclamation as the 'alternative way of eating and drinking in Florence,' they satisfy taste buds with a modern menu. With offerings such as avocado toast, acai bowls, and iced coffees, tourists are able to taste home in the traditional city of Florence.
Rachel Greco, a spirited barista from Shake Cafe, captures the essence of the establishment perfectly. “Our shop is definitely most popular among tourists; it reminds them of home while they are here,” Greco said.
Their selection of cold brew and iced coffee is most commonly ordered to dissipate homesickness. This is due to the fact that coffee is routinely served hot in Italy, despite its iced counterpart being popularized worldwide.
In the enchanting city of Florence, espresso is woven into the very fabric of Italian life. To savor coffee like an Italian, visitors must wholeheartedly embrace the local culture and seamlessly blend into the routine. It begins by acquainting oneself with the diverse array of coffee types, each with its distinctive character waiting to be explored, and their specific times of consumption.
The coffee culture of Italy is a symphony of flavors and a celebration of life's pleasures. As Di Rocco said, "We always say in Italy, espresso is a way of life."
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