A complete guide to the rules of drinking Italian coffee and cultural traditions
Italian coffee is a symbol of the country's rich culinary heritage. Each region in Italy boasts its own unique Italian coffee traditions and flavours.
Here, we take you through the distinct characteristics and techniques that define Italian espresso, and the cultural rules surrounding Italian coffee.
- How do Italians drink coffee?
- What is the Italian Moka pot?
- Differences in roasting styles of Italian coffee
- What is the significance of crema in Italian espresso?
- What are Italian coffee bars and why are they important?
- Carluccio’s coffee range
- Frequently asked questions
Read the popular traditions of drinking Italian coffee.
Find out more about the Moka pot and its benefits for Italian coffee.
Find out how different roasting styles impact the flavour of Italian coffee.
Read why crema is an important aspect of Italian espresso and its significance.
Find out more about the history of Italian coffee bars.
Read about the different Carluccio’s coffee ranges.
We answer common queries on Italian coffee.
How do Italians drink coffee?
There are many rules when it comes to enjoying coffee the Italian way. Unlike in many other cultures, Italians rarely drink espresso with meals but often prefer it as a standalone treat, especially after lunch or dinner, to aid digestion and linger over the flavours. Many Italians savour an espresso while standing at the bar.
Milk-based coffees such as cappuccinos, however, are only drank in the morning. In Italy, the belief is that drinking milk-based coffees after a meal, especially in the afternoon or evening, can disrupt digestion. Italians, therefore, prefer to drink milk with coffee only in the morning, switching to espresso or other non-milk-based coffees later in the day. This convention reflects a broader Italian principle of dietary balance and the role of coffee as a social break rather than a meal accompaniment.
What is the Italian Moka pot?
The Moka pot, or "caffettiera," as it's known in Italy, is a symbol of everyday coffee rituals. It embodies the simplicity and tradition of Italian coffee making, allowing anyone to brew a perfect espresso without needing a bulky espresso machine. The Moka pot's design and functionality have made it a favourite among coffee enthusiasts.
A Moka pot consists of three main parts: the bottom chamber, the filter basket, and the upper chamber. The bottom chamber holds water, the filter basket contains coffee grounds, and the upper chamber collects the brewed coffee. The coffee maker's metal filter ensures a smooth extraction process.
Read our complete guide to the Italian Moka pot here.
Differences in roasting styles and their impact on flavour
You can choose coffee beans according to their roasting technique to enjoy your preferred flavours. For example, our Napoli coffee beans provide smokier, bolder flavours when ground finely, and are roasted in the traditional roasting style of Naples. Our Milano beans, however, will result in sweeter flavours, such as chocolate and hazelnut. Consider whether you prefer bolder and smokier flavours, or sweeter blends before purchasing your coffee beans.
Choosing an authentic Italian espresso coffee brand allows you to enjoy a true Italian coffee experience from your own home. The flavour complexity of espresso is greatly influenced by how and where the beans are roasted. Traditional Italian methods, such as slow roasting in drum roasters, develop a depth of flavour that is distinctly Italian. At Carluccio’s, we use these time-honoured techniques, roasting each variety of bean separately to achieve their signature blend profiles, all roasted within Italy to preserve authentic flavours.
Enjoy a creamy, full-bodied coffee with our Roma blend
Roman coffee is known for its heavy lingering taste with a toasty, chocolatey, dark caramel and nutty profile, with a nod to the Ottoman Empire through its spiciness. Traditionally served very ristretto, with a lower dose of coffee and extracted hot.
Our Roma beans change in flavour profile depending on the grind. Grind “fino”, fine, for espresso for flavours of walnut, dark caramel and spice. Grind “grosso”, coarse, for a cafetiere and you will enjoy longer, softer flavours of almond, vanilla and milk chocolate.
What is the significance of crema in Italian coffee?
Italian crema is the distinctive golden-brown foam that forms on top of a freshly pulled espresso shot. It is created through a combination of air bubbles and the soluble oils extracted from the coffee grounds under high pressure.
Crema serves several functions when making the perfect cup of Italian espresso. Visually, a fresh, well-made espresso is signified by the golden crema that sits on top of the beverage. The crema’s colour and texture can offer insights into the quality and freshness of the coffee beans, the grind size, and the brewing technique.
Read our full guide to Italian coffee crema here.
What are Italian coffee bars and why are they important?
Skilled baristas see creating Italian espresso as an art form, rather than a chore. Every espresso is made perfectly with velvety crema sitting at the top of the beverage. The ambience of Italian coffee bars is characterised by a bustling atmosphere, with a mix of regulars and newcomers.
At the heart of the bar is a high-quality espresso machine, with brands like La Marzocco and Faema being staples, essential for crafting the high-quality beverage. You will likely find a selection of traditional Italian pastries, such as cornetti, biscotti, and crostatine, to perfectly complement your coffee.
Carluccio’s authentic Italian coffee range
At Carluccio's, regional espresso traditions are honoured through meticulous preparation methods and a deep respect for Italian coffee culture. From selecting the finest beans to perfecting the roasting process, Carluccio's ensures that each espresso is a true representation of Italy's diverse coffee heritage.
Choose between our sweet and refined Milano blend, our rich and lively Napoli blend, or our intense, creamy and full-bodied Roma blend for notes of walnut, dark caramel and spice. For a gentle yet rich flavour, our Siena espresso provides aromatic hints of citrus and almond. Shop our full range of Italian coffee and hot drinks here.
Enjoy a sweeter, refined blend with Carluccio’s espresso di Milano
Enjoy Milanese-style ground coffee from pure Arabica beans. We use 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, Africa and Indonesia.
Our Milano espresso blend provides chocolatey, caramel and hazelnut flavours. To grind your own beans finely for use in an espresso machine, you can shop our Milano coffee beans here. You can also grind our Milano coffee beans coarse for use in a cafetiere, providing honey, toffee and nutty flavours.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Italian espresso different from other coffees?
Italian espresso is distinct due to its strong, concentrated flavour, rich aroma, and the traditional brewing methods used. The emphasis on quality beans, precise roasting, and high-pressure extraction sets it apart from other coffee types. Read our guide What is Italian espresso? for more information.
Can I recreate authentic regional Italian espresso at home?
You can recreate authentic regional Italian espresso at home by using high-quality beans, a proper espresso machine or moka pot, and following traditional Italian brewing techniques. Read our guide to making an Italian espresso here.
What is the Italian rule for espresso?
One of the key rules for drinking espresso in Italy is to enjoy it quickly, often standing at the bar. In Italy, there is also an unwritten rule to avoid ordering milk-based coffee drinks after 11 a.m. Read how to drink espresso the Italian way here.
What is the difference between Northern and Southern Italian espresso?
Northern Italian espresso tends to have a lighter, more nuanced flavour, often using a blend of arabica beans, while Southern Italian espresso is typically stronger and more intense, with a higher proportion of robusta beans.
What is a Northern Italian espresso blend?
A Northern Italian espresso blend typically features a mix of arabica beans, resulting in a smoother, more balanced flavour with hints of cocoa and a sweet aftertaste.
