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Espresso yourself: How to drink coffee like a local in Italy
There’s a lot to thank the Italians for when it comes to coffee – from introducing it to Europe from the Middle East in the 1600s to inventing ways of making the perfect cup. Nowadays, the average Italian has 7-8 coffees a day, so it’s safe to say life here wouldn’t be the same without it.
Coffee culture in Italy
You’re never far from a caffeine hit in Italy. And instead of generic chain shops – which are still rare here – you can look forward to top-notch coffees in lots of authentic cafés and bars. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy a cup the Italian way, from how to order to the best way to drink it.
When to drink it
Milky coffees are traditionally a breakfast drink in Italy, as avoiding milk later in the day is said to be better for your digestion. You might hear this custom being called the ‘11am cappuccino rule’, but if these kinds of coffees are your go-to, you can still order them whatever the time is.
After breakfast, it’s a case of little and often when it comes to drinking coffee during the day. You won’t find Italians lounging around in a café for hours – a coffee break is ‘una pausa’ (literally ‘a pause’), where you knock back an espresso in a few gulps before heading on your way. To keep your energy levels perked up when you’re out exploring, do as the locals do and stop off for a quick pit stop and drink at the counter.
After breakfast, it’s a case of little and often when it comes to drinking coffee during the day. You won’t find Italians lounging around in a café for hours – a coffee break is ‘una pausa’ (literally ‘a pause’), where you knock back an espresso in a few gulps before heading on your way. To keep your energy levels perked up when you’re out exploring, do as the locals do and stop off for a quick pit stop and drink at the counter.
Top tips for ordering
1. Takeaway drinks aren’t the norm in Italy, and places won’t usually have disposable cups unless you’re in a train station. So, enjoy a well-earned pause and soak up the atmosphere instead.
2. Each type of coffee will usually only come in one size, but you can ask for an extra shot of espresso if you fancy a stronger drink.
3. Love a latte? Remember to order a ‘café latte’, or you might end up with a glass of milk instead.
4. Lots of Italians simply drink standing at the counter, but if you’d prefer to sit back and relax, you can pay a little extra for a seat at a table.
5. It’s not unusual to pay upfront in busy places – usually around €1 for a simple espresso. Once you’ve got the receipt, take it over to the barista to get your coffee.
2. Each type of coffee will usually only come in one size, but you can ask for an extra shot of espresso if you fancy a stronger drink.
3. Love a latte? Remember to order a ‘café latte’, or you might end up with a glass of milk instead.
4. Lots of Italians simply drink standing at the counter, but if you’d prefer to sit back and relax, you can pay a little extra for a seat at a table.
5. It’s not unusual to pay upfront in busy places – usually around €1 for a simple espresso. Once you’ve got the receipt, take it over to the barista to get your coffee.
How to drink it
You’ll usually get a glass of water with your order, and you’re supposed to drink this first. The water helps to cleanse your palate, so when you do sip your coffee, you can taste the flavours more easily.
If you fancy making Italian coffee when you get home, you could buy yourself a moka pot. A must-have for every household in Italy, these metal, stove-top coffee pots force steaming water through ground coffee, so you can enjoy an espresso-style brew in your own kitchen.
If you fancy making Italian coffee when you get home, you could buy yourself a moka pot. A must-have for every household in Italy, these metal, stove-top coffee pots force steaming water through ground coffee, so you can enjoy an espresso-style brew in your own kitchen.
What's on the menu?
Discover why Italy and coffee are the perfect blend on your next Lakes & Mountains holiday. And take a look at our guide to Italian food for a round-up of the top things to eat while you’re there.
Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.
Author: Mathew Robinson
Last updated: 16.09.2021