“First I have a coffee and then we can talk about it” typical Italian phrase in the morning and no matter how important the matter is! When someone says he needs a coffee, it’s much more important, of course! Coffee is an important part of Italian culture. The coffee belongs to Italy, like the beer to Germany and the wine to France.
The love story between Italy and coffee began almost 500 years ago: it is thanks to the Venetian merchants and the botanist and physician Prospero Alpini that the coffee arrived in Italy around 1570.
The traders brought some sacks of coffee beans from their travels in the Orient; Alpinis De Medicina Egyptiorium of 1591 is the first European publication mentioning the coffee plant and its use. The Christian clerics, however, were convinced that the “Turkish drink” was a “bevanda del diavolo” – a devil’s drink that would ruin Christians if they drunk it. Fortunately, according to the legend, Pope Clement VIII himself , cleared up this accusation: he tasted the coffee and found it delicious.
Over the next few centuries, Venice became a pioneer in the field of coffee shops, and although people first had to be convinced of the beneficial effects of the brown drink, in 1763 there were already 218 cafés in Venice. It was literally taken to heart and in the mid-18th century it was customary to give coffee and chocolate as an expression of love.
Coffee is called caffè in Italy … short and simple.
The Italians usually have a coffee at the counter and standing. Except on sunny days or Sundays , when they are not in a hurry … then they enjoy a coffee at the table!!Please note that there are two price lists for the drinks “al bar”: a higher price if served “al tavolo” at the table and a cheaper price “al banco” at the counter !
There is a great variety of coffees in Italy! How do I order the coffee I want? In detail:
Caffè
or espresso: if you say “espresso” you will of course also get one, but the Italians just say “un caffè”.
Cappuccino
an espresso with some warm, frothed milk (served in a large cup).
Caffè Macchiato
espresso with warm frothy milk (in a small cup).
Decaffeinato
Decaffeinated coffee (espresso).
Caffè corretto
Espresso with a dash of liqueur like Grappa or Sambuca.
Caffè freddo
Ice cold coffee, a summer treat: an espresso with ice cubes and sugar. Or a “caffè shakerato” : the ingredients are mixed in a cocktail shaker until the drink is nice and frothy. Served in a flute or wine glass!
Filter coffee doesn’t exist in Italy. But if you feel the “espresso” is too small, you may order a caffè americano (espresso with hot water) or a caffè lungo (espresso prepared with twice the volume of water).
During your Tuscan holiday, take your time , go to a typical bar and order “un Caffè per favore” with some cake … and enjoy “La Dolce Vita”! … and as the Italians say … after a good coffee, the day can only start from its best!
Most holiday homes and apartments have a traditional espresso maker as well as a filter coffee machine. In this way, our guests can also enjoy a good filter coffee at home , not only in the “bar”!
In Tuscany you will find a nice bar even in the smallest village, that’s a must! Whether on the coast, e.g. at the Etruscan Coast: in Bolgheri, Donoratico, Castagneto Carducci, or San Vincenzo, there is always a good bar on the beach at the “bagno”. https://www.carolines-toscana.com/toskana/exklusiv/villa-etrusca/description
In the cultural cities such as Pisa, Florence, Vinci, San Miniato, Siena, Volterra or San Gimignano, or our “pearls” of the Valdera in Peccioli, Lajatico, Chianni, Palaia, Lari or Terricciola ………… You can get a good “café” everywhere!
