What is Italian “morning coffee”? | Exploring traditions and rules

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In Italy, coffee is often enjoyed throughout the day, and can even be seen as a chance to socialise and take a break during a working day. During a long afternoon, it isn’t uncommon to see Italians taking a break from the office to enjoy a strong, high-quality espresso. But what are the traditions surrounding morning coffee in Italy, and what exactly is meant by “Italian morning coffee”?

Here, we provide a full guide to Italian morning coffee and how to drink your morning coffee the Italian way.

What is Italian “morning coffee”?

Italians usually start their day with a visit to a coffee bar to enjoy a quick espresso, or a milkier drink such as a cappuccino or latte. A harmonious blend of espresso and frothy milk, beverages such as cappuccinos are traditionally enjoyed only in the morning, before 11 AM, often accompanied by a sweet pastry. After this time, Italians switch to caffè or even a macchiato – an espresso with a dash of milk. View our range of cakes and biscuits to find the perfect Italian coffee accompaniment.

Are you interested in finding out more about Italian espresso? Read our guide to the history of Italian espresso here.

The traditional morning coffee ritual is an important part of daily life for many Italians. In fact, in Italy, 30% of consumption still takes place outside the home, mostly in the bar on the way to work in the morning. While many coffee bars offer seating, Italians often opt to stand at the bar while drinking their coffee.

Ordering Italian coffee in the morning

If you are ordering a morning coffee, such as a cappuccino or caffè latte, state the name of the drink followed by “per favore.” For example, “un cappuccino, per favore”. To enjoy the full, authentic Italian coffee experience, try and engage in conversations with fellow customers or the barista. The routine of visiting a coffee bar in the morning is cherished by many Italians, from the bustling streets of Rome to the serene landscapes of Tuscany.

Read our guide to drinking espresso the Italian way here.

If you are looking to enjoy your morning coffee from home, choosing beans that have been roasted in Italy allows you to enjoy the authentic Italian experience. At Carluccio’s, all our coffee beans are roasted in Italy, allowing you to enjoy your coffee the Italian way from your own home.

Read our guide to choosing Italian coffee beans.

Why are milkier beverages, such as lattes, enjoyed in the morning in Italy?

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. This convention reflects a broader Italian principle of dietary balance and the role of coffee as a social break rather than a meal accompaniment.

Espresso, on the other hand, is a staple at the end of a meal, regardless of the time, and it is common to see Italians rounding off their dinner with a steaming shot of espresso. This practice is rooted in the belief that espresso, a strong and rich coffee, aids in digestion. The high acidity and caffeine content of espresso is thought to help the stomach process a heavy meal, making it a perfect epilogue to dinner.

Are you looking for authentic Italian coffee to enjoy the Italian way? Shop our range of coffee and hot drinks here.

Find out more about the history of Italian espresso here.

The history of Italian morning coffee

Italian coffee culture began with the introduction of the espresso machine, allowing for the creation of the well-loved crema – the creamy, golden layer that high-quality Italian espresso is known for. Crema is formed by the emulsification of oils in the coffee beans and is a sign of a properly extracted espresso.

Throughout the 20th century, Italian coffee culture continued to evolve. The post-World War II era saw the proliferation of espresso bars across Italy, each serving as a local gathering place where people could enjoy their daily caffè. The efficiency of espresso machines facilitated the blending of steamed milk with espresso, resulting in creamier drinks. This innovation enabled the creation of beloved milkier beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Today, Italian morning coffee remains a huge part of Italian society, seeing Italians start their morning slowly with a strong espresso or a milkier beverage.

Read our guide to the history of Italian espresso here.

Experience coffee the Italian way with Carluccio’s

Our espresso coffee range has been specially blended and roasted for us in Italy and we believe it captures the aroma and flavour of this unique coffee drinking experience. The roasters of Carluccio’s blends roast each type of bean separately in the traditional “drum” roasters, which spin the beans constantly while surrounding them with hot air. A longer roasting time at lower temperatures avoids any burnt taste and recreates the results of the constant, careful stirring given to the pan roasted coffee beans.

Carluccio's commitment to authenticity and quality ensures that each cup of coffee offers a genuine taste of Italy. Carluccio's cafes stand as modern ambassadors of Italian espresso, offering blends that are deeply rooted in regional traditions while embracing the nuances of contemporary tastes. Each blend, from the bold Napoli to the sweet Milano, tells a story of its origin.

Shop our full coffees and hot drinks range to find out more about what we offer. For the perfect pairing with your coffee – explore our authentic Italian cakes and biscuits.

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