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Espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino; there would seem to be as many types of Italian coffee as there are pastas. |
Espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino; there would seem to be as many types of Italian coffee as there are pastas. And just like pasta, Italian coffees are an art form accompanied by hundreds of customs and traditions. Whether it's a corretto coffee thrown back like a shot of alcohol, a cappuccino coffee and croissant for breakfast, or an iced coffee to cool off from the hot midday sun, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.
But how do you make the perfect cup of espresso? There are fully automatic espresso makers, pump driven espresso machines, lever piston espresso machines, and, of course, the classic aluminium espresso coffee maker – the choices are endless. All will make a great cup of coffee but it is entirely dependant on the features that you desire. The perfect cup of coffee depends not only on the bean type and the milk you use but also the machine - blade vs. burr coffee grinders, tamp pressure, water temperature, and humidity. Caffeine lovers not only have their favorite local coffee house or cafè, but even prefer certain baristi because of their ability to deliver a perfect espresso coffee.
So what kind of coffee should you order? The possibilities can be as daunting as a Starbucks menu. Below is a list of the most popular coffee beverages.
caffe (espresso)—a small cup of very strong coffee, i.e.,espresso
caffe Americano—American-style coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large cup
caffe doppio—double espresso
caffe freddo—iced coffee
caffe Hag—decaffeinated coffee
caffe latte—hot milk mixed with coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
caffe macchiato— espresso "stained" with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino
caffe marocchino— espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
cappuccino — espresso infused with steamed milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
granita di caffe con panna—frozen, iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it authentic) and topped with whipped cream |
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