Italy is world famous for its coffee culture, which spans its long and rich history. Coffee is an integral part of the daily rituals of Italians, and there are many special practices that make this tradition unique.
Drinking Water to Remove Taste from Your Mouth
Have you ever wondered why in Italy they drink a glass of water before drinking coffee? This is a preparation made to perceive the taste of the coffee better. Water cleanses the mouth of previous tastes, so you can feel the rich aroma of the coffee more clearly. This simple but effective method can take your coffee experience to a whole new level.
Coffee Service in Hot Cups
In Italy, coffee is always served in hot glasses. Hot glasses keep the coffee hot for a long time, so you can sip the entire cup before it gets cold. This small but important detail ensures that you take every sip of coffee at the ideal temperature.
Suspended Coffee Culture
The suspended coffee is one of the most beautiful traditions of Italian coffee culture. Someone can pay for a coffee in advance for a future customer. In this way, someone who does not have money can "suspend" a coffee that has already been paid for. It is a beautiful expression of social solidarity and generosity.
Fast Coffee Consumption
In Italy, coffee is usually drunk standing up and quickly. Italians do not sit and chat for long hours with coffee as in Turkey; for them, coffee consumption is more of a dynamic and fast ritual. This is a practical approach that adapts to the pace of daily life.
Cappuccino and Morning Relationship
In Italy, cappuccino is served only in the morning. This is because Italians believe that milk takes a long time to digest. A cappuccino drunk in the morning will be digested throughout the day without any discomfort.
Difference Between Latte and Cafe Latte
In Italy, the word 'latte' means milk. If you want to order a café latte, you should definitely say "cafe latte." This small language difference prevents any confusion when ordering.
Coffee Sizes and Standard Serving
In Italy there is a standard for coffee sizes and they usually don't ask you to choose a size. Whatever coffee is served to you is accepted as that size. This keeps the coffee culture simple and practical.
No Take-Away Culture
There is no such thing as a take-away coffee culture in Italy. Italians generally prefer to sit down and drink their coffee quickly. This is a characteristic that reflects their social interaction and fast consumption habits.
Payment Habits
In Italy, it is common to pay for your coffee before you drink it. This is a security measure and part of the process for businesses. This may vary depending on the venue you go to.
Italian coffee rituals are rich and diverse, both culturally and socially. These traditions make the coffee experience more than just a drink, but an interaction and a way of life. These rituals specific to Italy offer a unique world for coffee lovers to discover.
