Coffee came to Italy in the 16th century, probably thanks to trade routes between Europe and the Orient. The first coffee shop opened in Venice in 1645. Since then, coffee has become an integral part of Italian society.
The 20th century saw several major innovations that defined modern Italian coffee culture. The most significant of these was the invention of the coffee machine in 1901. Espresso quickly became a staple of Italian coffee thanks to its quick preparation and intense flavour.
Although coffee is not grown in Italy, it is imported in large quantities and processed in small roasters.
"A cup of real Italian espresso is dark brown and crowned with a tan-nutty crema. It is very smooth with a thick, bubble-free consistency. The aroma is intense with pure notes of flowers, fruit, toasted bread and chocolate. All these notes can be perceived even before you take a sip, in a distinct aroma that lingers for several seconds, sometimes even minutes." This is how the Italian National Institute for Espresso describes this type of coffee.
Italian coffee culture is known for its diversity and specific preparation methods. The most common types of Italian coffee are:
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Espresso: A small (20-35 ml), strong cup of coffee prepared by extracting hot water over finely ground coffee. It is the base for many other coffee drinks.
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Cappuccino: A popular morning drink consisting of espresso, hot milk and milk foam. It is traditionally drunk before 11am.
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Latte: Espresso with more hot milk and a thin layer of milk foam. Often served in a larger cup than a cappuccino.
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Macchiato: Espresso with a small amount of hot milk or milk foam. The name means "marked" or "speckled," referring to the small amount of milk added to the espresso.
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Caffè Lungo: Espresso with more water, giving a milder taste.
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Ristretto: A stronger version of espresso, made with less water. It has a more intense flavour and a higher concentration of caffeine.
Drinking coffee is a social event in Italy. Coffee shops, known as "bars," are places where people gather to chat, read the newspaper or just relax. Italians drink coffee for only a few minutes, 2-3 sips. A morning visit to a café for an espresso or a cappuccino with a sweet croissant is a common routine for many Italians. Then, at any time of the day, they drink plain espresso - and that's fine until late in the evening.
Did you know?
- Sometimes the price of the coffee you order at your table can be higher than the one you drink at the counter (especially in the old bars in town)
- In summer, you can indulge in a delicious Affogato coffee dessert
