PlanetEye

Before moving to Italy, I knew that Espresso and Cappuccino were both types of Italian coffee. In fact, that coupled with my watered down American coffee that I drank every morning, just about covered my knowledge of the beverage and allowed me to order something with confidence when I was in an airport or train station traveling somewhere. This, as they say, is only the tip of the iceberg.

Since moving here, I have discovered that there are just as many types of coffee and ways of serving it as there are types of pasta and the different sauces that can go with it. The little peninsula of Italy has made the cup of coffee (or caffè) a work of art. This can sometimes be a little overwhelming for a visitor who wants to experience true Italian coffee without looking like a tourist....so, here is some handy information for you to consider.

1. Never order a cappuccino after 10am...no matter where you are or what you're doing. You will instantly be pegged as a tourist and you'll probably pay more because of it.

2. If you plan on ordering a caffè, please remember that you are not expected to linger. The Italians drink their coffee extremely fast and it is not a leisure drink like we Americans tend to think of it as.

3. A caffè "to go" is extremely hard to find. Most places don't even provide the option. I've found it in Florence at one cafe, but never in Venice.

4. If you order at the bar and stand, you'll pay less than if you sit down. This is also true for sandwich places and small establishments that serve "fast food". You will be charged for the "privilege" of sitting at the table and service is added to the final bill.

Here is a list of the most common types of coffee:

• 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—an espresso "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
• caffè marocchino—espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
• caffè ristretto—espresso with less water; you might need a knife and fork to cut it, it's so thick and REMEMBER TO BLINK!
• 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

Here is a list of the top 4 and when they are acceptable.

Caffe Correcto: Usually only in the morning, before 10am but can also be as a "digestivo" after dinner in place of a limoncello, whisky, or grappa etc...

Cappuccino: Only in the morning, before 10am. 

Caffe Macchiato: Usually ok up to the middle of the afternoon, order this if it is too late for a Cappuccino.

If you're an avid coffee drinker, try them in this order to fit in with the locals and have unending energy throughout the day.