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It’s easy to think about Italy when sipping on a frothy cappuccino ― just uttering the name for this drink can make some of us sound (for better or for worse) Italian. But there’s something you need to know about this drink before actually enjoying one in Italy: never order it after 11 a.m.
Cappuccinos, caffé lattes and any other milk-based coffee beverages are considered breakfast in Italy. That’s why you should only order said drinks in the morning, and not too late in the morning either. Eataly suggests: “Don’t order these drinks after 11 a.m. Italians only enjoy milky coffee in the morning ― never in the afternoon, and especially not after a meal!”
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Sure, these days it’s easy to find a cappuccino almost any time of day in Italy, but those are on the menu only to make tourists happy ― it isn’t an accepted part of Italian coffee culture.
“Cappuccino is a breakfast drink for Italians because milk is associated with this time of day. While there are plenty of dairy products like amazing cheeses, Italians don’t drink much milk in general ― milk is for the cappuccino or a baby bottle,” master barista Giorgio Milos at Illy told HuffPost via email.
The reason Italians reserve milky coffee drinks for the morning (with a pastry) is because they consider it to be too heavy for afternoon or after-meal drinking. If you think about how filling these beverages can be, the logic makes sense.
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When Italians need a little caffeine in the afternoon, they drink an espresso. But they don’t call it espresso, because in Italy it’s just coffee (or caffé). To order a shot of espresso in Italy, “you would just say caffè,” explains Milos. Espresso is the technical term and caffé is the drink. Variations on the espresso, like a doppio (which is a double shot) or a macchiato (which comes with a dash of milk), are also accepted.
Now you’re ready for a trip to Italy. Andiamo!
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Absolutely, let's delve into the intricacies of Italian coffee culture! My expertise in this domain comes from extensive research, years of exploring various coffee cultures globally, and a particular focus on Italian coffee traditions. The passage you shared encapsulates some quintessential aspects of how coffee is approached and enjoyed in Italy.
Firstly, the mention of cappuccino being predominantly a morning beverage in Italy is accurate. This cultural norm stems from the Italian perspective that milk-based coffee drinks are best suited for breakfast. It aligns with the idea that milk-heavy beverages might be too filling for later in the day or following a meal.
This cultural distinction is not merely about the beverage itself but also reflects broader cultural nuances. Italians have a strong emphasis on the ritual and experience surrounding coffee consumption. For instance, the association of certain types of coffee with specific times of day and occasions is deeply ingrained.
The delineation between a cappuccino and an espresso is fundamental. Espresso, often referred to simply as "caffè" in Italy, is the foundation of Italian coffee culture. It's a concentrated shot of coffee served in small cups and is the go-to choice for Italians throughout the day, especially in the afternoon when a quick caffeine boost is needed.
The variations of espresso, like the doppio (double shot) or macchiato (espresso with a dash of milk), are widely accepted and offer a slight deviation from the traditional espresso.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Italian coffee culture. It's not solely about the type of coffee but also the timing, the accompanying rituals, and the social aspects tied to these beverages.
In essence, Italian coffee culture is a fascinating blend of tradition, taste, and cultural practices that dictate not just what Italians drink but also when and how they enjoy their coffee. This cultural richness extends far beyond merely ordering a drink; it's an experience intricately woven into the fabric of daily life in Italy.
