Italian coffee basics

(Note: you'll find a quick coffee tutorial below)

​This author didn't drink coffee until a few years ago. Yes, when I was a very little girl, I stole sips from my father's cup, back before he started drinking it black and sugarless.

I've always found the aroma of coffee comforting. But once my palate developed, and I got past the age where even finger scoops of butter sounded like a treat, I flat out didn't like the taste of coffee, no matter how divine it smelled.

Until I let my guard down and tried it in Italy. Oh. My.

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So now, there's no coffee I like better than a true Italian coffee. And few places I like it better than in Italy, though I bring home Italian coffee and make it in my stove-top Moka pot.

Those who regularly spend mornings with me in Italy have come to expect I'll choose a cappuccino before noon. They see me coming at the hotel or nearby cafe and bring it without my having to ask. My friend and driver, Luigi, stops for me at the Autogrill on the way to Naples and knows what I'm going to order. The Autogrill, for crying out loud. It's delicious even there.

In fact, it's difficult to get a bad cup of coffee in Italy. And, yes, I know I'm gushing at this point.

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Suffice it to say, whether a morning cappuccino, a granita caffé on a warm summer day, or a caffé macchiato in the late afternoon, I'm hooked. And I'm not so much of a sweet tooth that I can't knock back a hardcore espresso when the situation warrants.

​Need a QUICK TUTORIAL in Italian coffee basics?

Un caffé - an espresso, dark and robust.

Cappuccino - equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam; a morning-only drink in Italy. Ladies, if the barista likes you, he'll offer a dash of cocoa on top or pour the milk in a heart shape. Gladly accept either.

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Caffé macchiato - espresso "stained" with a dollop of steamed milk. In my opinion, this provides the perfect smoothness to a nice espresso while still allowing me to keep my dignity intact among my Italian friends.

​Caffé latte - mostly warm milk with a little espresso; a child's coffee primer, if you will. 

Caffé Americano - watered down espresso. This may be served with an additional pitcher of hot water to adjust to your liking. Never served with cream, but feel free to ask for warm or cold milk on the side.

Contact Soirée today to plan your next (or first?) taste of real Italian coffee. In Italy.

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