Know your Lungo from your Latte
If you ask for a “Latte” in Italy, you’ll get a glass of milk and a puzzled expression. “Caffè Latte” is what they call a milky coffee drink, prepared by adding milk to a Lungo. A Lungo (which means “long”) is basically an espresso, but made with more water. A ristretto (which means “limited”) is the opposite: it’s espresso prepared with half the amount of water for a more concentrated taste.
Milk is for breakfast
In the morning, by all means take your coffee with milk. Bonus points if you use a Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother. But later in the day? Italians just wouldn’t. Especially when Nespresso Grands Crus taste so delicious on their own. Italians also tend not to add sugar. If you enjoy a sweeter taste, try the Nespresso Variations range.
Stand to attention
In slower, southern Italy people may linger over a coffee, but most Italians drink it standing at the bar. You don’t have to follow this at home, but you may find it gives you more get-up-and-go if you’re already up!
Appreciate the crema
A good espresso has a good crema – that’s the tan-coloured layer that sits on the top, like the head on a Guinness. Take note of the colour: the darker it is, the more intense the coffee is likely to be. Sniff it, then stir it in: this will release even stronger aromas.
Slurp, don’t sip
A good wine should be decanted to aerate it; in the same way, introducing air to your coffee will help release the full range of flavours. Professionals hold a “cupping spoon” to their lips, which is a spoon with an extra-deep bowl. You can use a normal spoon, or just slurp it from the cup!
Get spirited away
Coffee should always be drunk in high spirits, but at night Italians sometimes drink it with low spirits. A caffè corretto is an espresso with a little something added: usually grappa, but sometimes sambuca or brandy. Needless to say, this is not recommended as a morning drink on your way to work!
