Italy has its own distinct coffee culture that was developed through different ages but introduced back in the early 1500s. Italy gave the famous coffee names that we use nowadays in common lingo- cappuccino, espresso etc. Italian culture and coffee go hand in hand every step of the way. Italian’s days are defined by coffee rituals, whether it is espresso ground coffee, Lavazza ground coffee, or Italian ground coffee. A cappuccino is had at breakfast, a Caffe macchiato or two of them are inadvertently picked up in the afternoon, espresso is usually had after dinner time. And there’s more – in Italian culture, Italian coffee has many laws as well.
Italy’s coffee culture is stringent with many laws, one of which considers the not just quality of the espresso ground coffee but also the thickness of the coffee mug. Some usually prefer having their coffee in a thick ceramic mug – as it retains maximum heat. Others refuse to have any of the coffee unless it’s served in best porcelain available.
Here are the few rules that you as a tourist to Italy might have to consider before making your way into safe houses and ordering up a drink of your favourite coffee. You don’t want to be considered an ‘uncivilized’ person while testing out the best whole bean coffee, espresso ground coffee, Lavazza ground coffee or any other kind of Italian ground coffee.
First thing first – Understand the glossary to know your options to avoid countering any mistakes when ordering:
- Cappuccino: Cappuccino is a huge no-no after lunch in Italy. Italians gawk at those ordering cappuccino post-lunch as dessert. Cappuccino is not available after 11 AM in Italy. The only people in Italy with a big cup of frothy cappuccino after 5 PM in the afternoon are – Tourists!
- Drink at the counter: Italians have a habit of drinking coffee at the counter. Coffee is imbibed in culture and culture states you make time for coffee. Nobody is seen with a go-cup in Italy – unless again- they are tourists. Italians consider there is always time for coffee at the cafes, especially since they are believed to be at the most three sips in the most.
- Cup Size matters: Each cafe chooses the size of their cups. However, the majority of the Italians drink coffee in their large cups.
- Double: A double coffee that is famously had in Italy is not a watered-down version of coffee. Caffe doppio – the standard double coffee is two espressos that are served in the same cup. That strong is how Italians drink it. If you are willing to try this, please make a note that your stomach isn’t too sensitive. Steer clear if it is. Don’t bother trying. It’s not for the weak in the gut.
- An espresso culture: Be sure to know that when you go into a cafe in Italy and ask for plain coffee, you will be served an espresso. If that’s not what’s on your mind, be particular about what you say ahead of time. Don’t just say coffee.
These are a few things you as tourists in Italy will experience. If then still come back to your respective places and crave to keep continuing the culture you’ve learnt – the best whole bean coffee can be bought online on authentic Italian stores that cater to your very needs across the globe.