There’s something to be said about the coffee in Italy. The culture that has been created around the drink in general has flourished, inspiring coffee drinkers and cafes around the world through their unique treatment of the beverage. Although the country itself does not typically have the right conditions to grow their own beans, they have created a rich roasting history that spread across Europe and is integral to how we drink coffee today.
A Sip of History
At ORO Caffè, we know the history of this drink well. Venice first started to import coffee beans in the 16th century and, over the decades to come, the drink gained popularity across the country. Cafes opened as early as the 17th century, drawing in patrons looking for good conversation and their drink of choice. Today, coffee shops around the world have espresso and cappuccino on their menus as a result of the influence of Italian coffee cafes. Passionate about quality, we ourselves achieve full body, flavour, and smoothness throughout our specially roasted beans with the history of Italian coffee in mind, including with our Italian Coffee blend.
Exploring Different Types of Coffees
Italians drink coffee at all times of day, and with upwards of 20 different drink options they can choose from at the corner bar — what cafes are called in Italy — it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. For al banco and al tavolo home coffee lovers, we have put together a comprehensive list of the types of coffee drinks in Italy, narrowing it down to our top caffè picks, with and without milk, that you can achieve with our Italian coffee at home.
Italian Coffee Drinks Without Milk
- Caffè: A small and strong cup of coffee, known as an espresso.
- Doppio: A double espresso.
- Ristretto: Made with the same amount of coffee grounds and less water, this espresso is very strong with a concentrated taste.
- Shakerato: Chilled espresso is poured over ice in a metal shaker and shaken until frothy, then poured in a tall glass. It is a popular summertime drink.
- Caffè Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water, more similar to a regular black coffee.
- Caffè Lungo: Similar to an Espresso, but longer.
- Caffè Corretto: Translating to correct coffee, this espresso beverage has a shot of liquor added, usually sambuca or grappa.
Italian Coffee Drinks with Milk
- Caffè Macchiato: In Italian macchiato means stained, and this drink combines hot espresso with drops of warmed milk to give it that exact look.
- Latte Macchiato: A reverse from the caffè version, this drink starts with hot milk and drops of espresso are added.
- Caffè Latte: Prepared by combining a third of espresso and two-thirds warmed milk topped with a bit of milk foam.
- Cappuccino: Perhaps the most popular and notable beverage aside from espresso, a cappuccino is created with a one-third ratio each of espresso, milk, and foam.
- Marocchino: A shot of espresso is poured in a glass and covered in a layer of unsweetened cacao powder, topped with whipped cream or milk foam, and dusted with more cacao powder.
These drinks are derived from across Italy, and it is worth noting that each region has their own nuanced spin on coffee drinks. As a result, coffee can come in many different strengths, aromas, and tastes, showcasing the culture this drink has around it and its wider influence on coffee drinking around the world.
Go Ahead, Have a Taste!
With the use of our Italian coffee, you can enjoy these full-bodied beverages at home. With beans from Vietnam and Brazil, we have curated and roasted them to perfection, maximizing their potential and ensuring a wonderful cup every single time.
We pride ourselves on selecting, roasting, and blending only the finest coffee beans. Contact us to learn more about our passionate process and browse our selection of finely curated products!
