Types of coffee typical of Italy

Drinking coffee in this country is an art.

Espresso

Concentrated, bitter and aromatic Espresso. Photo: Coffee Gurus.

Espresso was invented by Italians in 1884. In Italian, Espresso is "express", meaning that coffee can be served to customers immediately.

This coffee is brewed at very high pressure. The best standard is brewing with a machine invented by the Italians. The machine has a copper coil. When the water is pumped in, the copper pipe system heats the water so quickly that it is above 90, below 100 degrees Celsius. The pressure that pushes water through the coffee powder is tightly compressed in a filter and poured directly into the cup only in about 25 to 30 seconds. On the surface of the coffee, there must be a brownish brown foam called crema, which is the standard to evaluate whether or not the Espresso is delicious.

Espresso is usually taken in a thick cup with preheated, volume of about 40 ml. This type of coffee is very concentrated and has a higher caffeine content than many other drinks.

Drinking Espresso is an art for Italians. People enjoy a cup of hand holding a plate, inhale the aromatic charm and then drink the glass in just 3-4 breaths. The process is fast but neat and elegant.

If you are not used to the bitter taste, you can add sugar. But for connoisseurs, pure Espresso is fresh and unforgettable.

Espresso is also used to make other types of coffee such as caffè latte, cappuccino, caffè macchiato, cafe mocha, caffè Americano.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is used for breakfast. Photo: Romasgelato.

Cappuccino is derived from Espresso but is somewhat more famous and favored by many countries around the world.

A cup of Cappuccino consists of three equal parts: Espresso coffee mixed with a double amount of water (espresso lungo), hot milk and effervescent milk.

Professional Cappucino bartenders were called Barista. Each Barista usually has its own secret to make the best Cappucino glass. Barista's workmanship is expressed in the ability to create milk.

Thick milk foam on a cup of Cappucino is created by stirring hot steam and bubbling in a fresh milk bottle. On the surface of the foam layer is sprinkled with a little cocoa powder or cinnamon powder to increase the aroma. While sprinkling, the Barista will use artfully molded or spoon-shaped art.

The name of the drink is thought to come from the Capuchin monk name. Monks' robes are similar to the brown of a perfect cup of Cappuccino.

As usual, Cappuccino is served in a cup made of stone or porcelain, has a thick wall and is preheated. In Italy, people only drink this kind of coffee at breakfast.

Latte Macchiato

Attractive coffee is loved by adults and children. Photo: Simplyfabulicious Blogspot.

Macchiato Latte is a hot beverage consisting of Espresso and milk, resembling a basic milk coffee but with more milk. The Italians originally made this coffee for children to drink, gradually adults also became addicted. The amount of caffeine in Latte Macchiatio is especially low.

Italians often drink Latte Macchiato with a high-thick glass wall. A proper cup of coffee must consist of three distinct layers, poured one after another without mixing. Milk is the first layer, then the milk froth - the highest layer. Finally, people poured Espresso into the glass through the milk foam.

Cocoa powder, chocolate or cinnamon powder is sprinkled on the top to decorate and create scents. Coffee shops always serve Latte Machiato with cookies.

Caffé Latte

Latte coffee is drunk in large cups or bowls. Photo: Yelp

Latte is made from Espresso and hot milk in the ratio: 1/3 of coffee, 2/3 of milk, the top layer of foam is about 1 cm thick. Italians drink Caffé Latte in a large cup, even with a bowl. This drink is often used for breakfast.

Caffé Latte is similar to French Cafe Au Lait, except that Cafe Au Lait has a ratio of one part of milk and two parts of coffee.

Also, if you come to Italy, you should try other types of coffee such as Corretto (with a few drops of wine), Freddo (iced coffee), Americano (American style coffee but darker, though not as Espresso), Hag (coffee without caffeine) ...