Stand. Sip. Socialize.
This is how you drink Espresso like an Italian.
Whether it’s morning, noon or night, Italians love their espresso. Unlike a café in the USA or Canada, Italians don’t linger over their aromatic beverage. An espresso is meant to be a quick, potent dose of energy. To blend in with the local scene, follow these tips from one of Collette’s local experts:
- Stand, don’t sit. Italians like to stand at the bar as they chat and sip. You’ll likely hear a variety of local topics from sports to fashion to politics.
- Order confidently. When it’s time to order, approach the barista and say “un caffè, per favore.” Or to make it a double, “un caffè foppio.” The term “espresso” is hardly used, so be sure to swap it for the word “caffè.”
- Keep the time in mind. If you like a good cappuccino, plan to order yours early in the day. Italians rarely enjoy this drink past 10am.
Espresso has become a staple of countless coffee shops across North America. But you’re unlikely to get the same kind of beverage at an Italian café, unless it’s at a franchise like Starbucks. Forget about ordering a grande or vente. The standard drink size in Italy is 180ml, served in a porcelain cup. Rarely will you find take-out, except at bus or train stations.
Italians will prop themselves at a bar, take a few sips of their espresso along with a small flaky pastry, throw out a few words about the latest political scandal or recent sports results, and be on their way.
The first steam-driven espresso machine is said to have been invented in Turin in 1884. Since then this savoury beverage has spread to all corners of the world, along with fashionable brands like Illy and Lavazza making their way into the retail industry.
In Italy, a macchiato is an espresso with a dash of steamed milk, an americano is an espresso with added hot water. You may want to try a cappuccino, an espresso topped with warm frothy milk (chocolate sprinkle optional). A latte could get you into trouble, since it means “milk” in Italian – if you order a caffè latte you’ll get warm milk with a tiny drop of coffee. A caffè correto contains a splash of liquor, and is consumed later in the day. A ristretto is potent with less water and a cappuccino scuro is with less milk.
Steeped in tradition and pride, Italian coffee is pretty consistent in quality – heavily roasted, bittersweet, with brown foam or crema on top. No sculpted hearts or leaves in the foam. Italians may be artistic, but they are also purists and so their caffè remains a blank canvas.
Travel Options
We are pleased to partner with Collette, one of the world’s largest tour companies. Collette offers travel to over 125 destinations on all 7 continents. When you sign up with a Collette tour, you are in good hands.
Interested in trying out the espresso in Italy? For more information about the tours below and others, visit www.collette.com
Italy’s Treasures
12 Days | From $3999 CAD
From the bustling piazzas of Florence to the quaint Tuscan villas, your senses will come alive in Italy. Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden gems. Discover the rugged coast of Cinque Terre. See the rosy hues of a sun-soaked Siena. Take a boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a special welcome dinner. Attend a cocktail party in Stresa and sample some local specialties. Visit a Tuscan winery and take part in a cooking lesson given by the winery’s chef.
Italy’s Bella Vita
9 Days | From $4729 CAD
Revel in the stunning sights, natural wonders and storied history of Italy. Admire famous masterpieces from the Renaissance in Florence. Relax and unwind by the palatial Lake Como. Life is beautiful. Learn how to craft one of Italy’s most famous social cocktails – the Spritz! Enjoy a home-hosted cooking lesson followed by dinner in historic Bologna. Experience the workings of a local cheese shop and sample regional specialties.
Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside
11 Days | From $3589 CAD
From the medieval hilltowns of Umbria to Tuscany’s pastoral landscapes, experience the idyllic charm of Italy. Participate in a cooking class in a 16th century Umbrian farmhouse. Delight in an authentic Tuscan lunch at a local winery. Learn how olive oil is produced at a family run frantoio (olive-presser). Explore the art, history and culture of Florence. Discover the medieval city of Siena.
Our partnership with Collette allows our readers to claim a $100 INSPIRED membership credit when you book any tour with Collette using the code INSPIRED. *
You can book any of Collette’s tours through your travel professional, or by calling Collette at 1-800-468-5955. You can find listings of all Collette tours online at www.collette.com
*some restrictions may apply
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