Caffè Rules

Italians love coffee and, like so many other facets of Italian culture, coffee has very strict rules and regulations.  One of the things I personally found and see other American tourists challenged by is adapting to these cultural standards.  To avoid breaking the rules and facing ridicule, let me tell you some of the things you need to know.

A) At almost any caffè bar and there may be multiple caffe bars on any given block.  When you enter the caffe bar:

1) you order and pay FIRST, before receiving your caffe.

2) with your receipt as proof of payment, you give it to the caffe maker (barista) and order again as the receipt only tells the amount paid and not the specifics of the order.   

3) the vast majority of people drink their caffe standing at the bar.  If you sit at a table, you will be served by the wait staff who will take your order, bring your drink, and present the bill when, and only when, you request.  Sitting is MUCH more expensive than standing.

4) many people request a bicchiere d’acqua (glass of water) at no cost from the caffe maker when you order.

B) Caffè consumption has a very set regime.  A caffe or cappuccino in the morning as breakfast, perhaps a caffe midmorning, perhaps after lunch or dinner as a digestive and probably in the late afternoon as a “pick me up” that tides you over as dinner is late.  Whether by yourself or with friends, caffè is always quick and on the run.  The caffè is consumed in two or three sips.  A couple of minutes max.

C) A typical breakfast (colazione) is a cappuccino and a pastry (cornetto) like confection similar to a croissant

D) The fundamental building block of all Italian coffees is Caffè , aka espresso, but never ordered my that name.  Caffè is a small cup of very strong coffee, topped with a caramel-colored foam called “crema”.  This is the preferred way of drinking coffee along with lots of sugar.

Modifying your Caffè

The two most common ways to modify caffè are:

1) Cappuccino is a shot of caffè in a large(ish) cup with steamed milk and foam.  Cappuccino is drunk in the morning ONLY before 11.  Italians are very suspicious of milk and its demands on the digestive system and loading the stomach with hot milk after mid morning is simply NOT done.

2) Caffè macchiato  is caffè with a splash of hot milk coffee, usually just a bit of foam on top of the caffè.

Other caffè modifications are:

1) Caffè corretto is  caffè “corrected” with a drizzle of liquor – conac or grappa for example.

Caffè lungo (a long coffee) is where hot water from the machine is poured into the caffè until the coffee becomes weak and bitter. Aka Caffè Americano or American Coffee, also called acqua sporca, or “dirty water” by Italians and something they NEVER drink.

Caffè latte is caffe with hot milk, a cappuccino without the foam usually served in a glass.  Be careful, a ‘latte’ will get you milk which may or may not be steamed.

Latte macchiato is steamed milk with a splash of caffe served in a glass.

Caffè freddo is cold caffe.  Typically drunk by tourist

Caffè Shakerato  is caffe, a bit of sugar, and lots of ice, shaken vigorously until a froth forms when poured. Can have some chocolate syrup added.  Again, a tourist drink.

Caffè is a wonderful tradition once you get the hang of it!