The Italian Coffee Experience
Drinking coffee in Italy is a daily ritual. Coffee is the fuel that keeps Italy buzzing, so knowing how to drink it like a local is a must when traveling here. Italians stop by their favorite spots multiple times a day for a sharp shot of espresso to keep the caffeine flowing. While any bar or café in Italy can whip up an espresso in seconds, a new wave of specialty coffee spots is transforming this daily ritual into a memorable experience.
Watch Foodie Sisters Benedetta and Valeria show you how to order and enjoy a caffè espresso.
What is Espresso?
First, let’s get the pronunciation right—it’s “espresso,” not “expresso“! The name refers to the preparation method where hot water is pushed through finely ground coffee beans to pull a shot of concentrated coffee. A perfect espresso has a layer of crema on top and no hint of burnt bitterness. In Italy, it’s commonly called un caffè and may be served macchiato (with a drop of foamed milk). Espresso also serves as the base for drinks like cappuccino and caffè latte.
The rich flavor of espresso allows you to savor the distinct characteristics of the coffee bean. In Italy, a dark roast is common, resulting in a rich, complex, and intense flavor.
The Basics of a Good Espresso at a Bar
When you are craving to drink a coffee in Italy you head to a bar. However, when you order an espresso at a bar in Italy, you’re often drinking one with traces of coffee made hours ago, leading to a burnt flavor. To avoid this, a barista should follow two crucial steps before making each espresso:
1. Clean the Filter: The handheld filter containing the ground coffee should be thoroughly cleaned with a brush to remove all residues from previous coffee. Simply banging the filter isn’t enough—it must be wiped clean by hand.
2. Purge the Machine: Hot water should run through the espresso machine to clear any remnants of previous coffee. The water should run clear before preparing your coffee.
These two simple steps make a world of difference, so keep an eye on how your espresso is prepared.
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