Italian 'caffè': how do Italians drink coffee at the bar?

The coffee bar or simply 'bar' in Italy is a real institution. A place where people of all ages usually can go to have breakfast (colazione), a quick lunch (pranzo), a snack (spuntino/merenda), ice cream (gelato), where you can meet your friends, play typical Italian card games like burraco, read the newspaper, buy cigarettes and more.

The bar is a real Italian tradition and it is the center of the social life, but how do Italians drink their coffee at the bar? The coffee you order at home may be different from what you'll get in Italy. It is true that the Italians have their favourite coffees which are the most requested when they go to the bar.

So what are the most common ways to consume coffee at the bar in Italy?

Caffè espresso

Espresso is the most classic way to have coffee and the simplest one. It will be served in the traditional cup where you can taste all the aroma and the pleasure of Italian coffee, bitter or sweet

Caffè macchiato

This is the second most popular coffee in the bar; macchiato is just an espresso with a dash of steamed milk.

Cappuccino

One of the most famous Italian drinks in the world, cappuccino, consists of an espresso-based coffee prepared with double espresso and steamed milk foam, served in a low, wide cup. The most competent and professional bartenders will be able to delight you with the "Latte Art" (milk art): the cool, new technique for making cappuccinos decorated using the color of milk and coffee.

Latte macchiato

A good latte macchiato differs from the cappuccino in the glass it is served in. It isn't served in a cup but in a tall glass or tumbler. It is just a bit of coffee (no more than 20 cl) and is served with or without foam depending on the bar.

Caffelatte

Caffelatte is basically a cappuccino without foam. The quantities of milk and coffee are the same as the cappuccino, and even the cup should be the same (although sometimes some larger ones are used), while the milk that is used is not whipped.

Caffè decaffeinato

For those who don't want to give up a good coffee but want to avoid caffeine, decaf is the only solution... although a small percentage of caffeine is still present.

Caffè lungo

Caffè lungo should not be confused with double coffee (caffè doppio). While in the latter there are in fact two cups of coffee in one, a 'long coffee' is just one in a single cup filled up more. The difference in this case will therefore be in taste – stronger in the other and lighter in this one.

Caffè marocchino

Each bar has its own secret recipe which is often called by different names. It is prepared with a base of espresso coffee, dark chocolate powder and whipped milk.

Caffè corretto

Caffè corretto means a coffee 'corrected' with a small shot of liquor, grappa and sometimes sambuca or brandy. It is consumed more in northern Italy.

Caffè shakerato

For those that just can't do without a coffee even in the 40°C summer, this summer version has been invented specially. Caffè shakerato is generally prepared with the addition of ice and sugar.

Now you are ready to go to Italy and order at the bar just like a real Italian!