Know all those terms that American coffee chains refer to coffee as? Well, many of them are total BS, adapted and Americanized. I’ve been told that these are more correct Italian definitions of each of these terms.:
- caffè (espresso)—a small cup of very strong coffee, i.e., espresso
- caffè Americano—American-style coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large cup
- caffè corretto—coffee “corrected” with a shot of grappa, cognac, or other spirit
- caffè doppio—double espresso
- caffè freddo—iced coffee
- caffè Hag—decaffeinated coffee
- caffè latte—hot milk mixed with coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
- caffè macchiato—espresso “stained” with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino. Translated “stained” because of the coffee residue on the cup.
- caffè marocchino—espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
- caffè stretto—espresso with less water; rocket fuel!
- cappuccino—espresso infused with steamed milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
- granita di caffè con panna—frozen, iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it authentic) and topped with whipped cream
Try these at Starbucks! Tell ’em “Giuseppe” sent you. Ciao!
