20 Italian coffee drinks I think every coffee lover should try

20 Amazing Italian coffee drinks (Complete guide to traditional orders)

Italians helped shape many of the coffee drinks we still order today.

A lot of them have been adapted for modern tastes, but the Italian roots are still easy to spot once you look at the ingredients.

Here’s the list of traditional coffee drinks that are still popular in Italy today:

1. Caffè Espresso 

I like starting with espresso because it explains so much of the rest of the menu. The first time I paid close attention to it, I realised how much of Italian coffee culture hangs on one small cup.

To order it in Italy you’ll need to ask for un caffè. It will typically be served black and have a light layer of crema on the top from the oils.

That crema gives the first sip a sharper, more bitter edge than the aroma suggests.

Espressos are usually served in a small cup, whether they’re pulled in an espresso machine or made in a moka pot.

They are often drunk at home or in coffee bars in the early afternoon as a pick-me-up when energy levels start to drop.

A single espresso will have 70-90mg of caffeine and 0 calories.

A plain espresso really suits people who want the coffee itself without sugar, milk, cream, or anything else getting in the way.

If you're in Italy, try an un caffè and sip it slowly instead of treating it like a takeaway drink.

2. Caffè Doppio 

A caffe doppio is just a double shot of espresso, so around 2 ounces of black coffee, and they’re really popular with Italians.

A caffè doppio offers more of an energy boost, with around 150mg of caffeine in a single cup, and it has an even more intense coffee flavour than a regular espresso.

I usually think of a double espresso as a practical afternoon order, especially if I want the coffee flavour to keep up with something sweet like panettone.

If you’re visiting Italy and you feel like a single espresso would disappear too quickly, a caffè doppio is the obvious next step.

3. Caffè Ristretto  

Ristretto translates into the English word “restrained.”

It’s very similar to an espresso and is brewed with the same amount of coffee but half the water. This makes it incredibly strong, very rich, and gives a powerful caffèine kick.

The first ristretto I tasted reminded me of very dark chocolate, with a shorter, more concentrated bitterness than a standard espresso.

A caffè ristretto has about 100mg of caffeine in a single serving and 0 calories.

It is a favourite in Italy, but it is not common in many other places, so you may only run into it while you're there.

4. Caffè Lungo 

The caffè lungo is the Italian espresso alternative that’s basically the opposite of a ristretto because it uses more water.

Lungo comes from the English word long, and this long espresso uses more water than a regular espresso to give you a slightly less intense cup.

It’s closer to an Americano, but with a bit less water, so it still has a rich but bitter flavour.

A caffè lungo, like other Italian espresso variations, is usually served black in Italy. It’s enjoyed without sugar, milk, or cream, and sipped gently.

There are still 0 calories and about 90mg of caffeine in a single serving.

5. Caffè Con Panna 

Panna is the Italian word for whipped cream, and this traditional Italian coffee is simply an espresso served with whipped cream on top.

The cream cuts through some of the bitterness and gives the drink a heavier mouthfeel that hangs around on the palate.

Many Italian bars also offer cakes and pastries, so they make their own cream on site.

Fresh whipped cream makes this drink feel much more indulgent than the canned stuff, so I would ask whether they’re using fresh cream before ordering.

6. Caffè Shakerato 

A caffè shakerato looks elegant enough that, the first time I saw one, I assumed it was a cocktail rather than a cold coffee.

It’s made by mixing together an espresso (made from coffee grounds) with ice in a cocktail shaker, and the resulting drink is poured into a high glass.

The shaking gives it a thick froth and a smoother texture than plain iced coffee.

When you order a caffè shakerato in a coffee shop, you’ll usually be asked if you want it sweet or bitter.

It is one of the few Italian coffees where sugar feels built into the order, so sweet-leaning iced coffee drinkers tend to get on with it quickly.

You can also request panna (whipped cream) if you want to make it a bit richer.

A caffè shakerato has about 95mg of caffeine in a serving, and it is a favourite in summer.

7. Crema Al Caffè  

It makes sense as a warm-weather order because you get caffeine and a cold, refreshing finish in the same glass.

It’s made with frozen cream and coffee, which are crushed together through a machine.

The resulting slushy mixture is served in a tall glass and comes with a spoon so you can scoop it out.

In practice, this feels closer to a coffee dessert than a normal drink, but that is part of the appeal. If you want something playful rather than plain espresso, crema al caffè is the one to ask for.

8. Cappuccino 

Cappuccinos are one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide and are still very popular in Italy.

They’re made with an espresso shot at the base, topped with steamed milk, and then finished with milk foam.

In Italy, the smaller cup changes the first impression immediately. The coffee tastes more concentrated, and the milk never quite takes over.

That is how many Italians like it, and the smaller cup also leaves less room for extra sweeteners to hide behind.

You can order your cappuccino as a chiaro or a scuro. A cappuccino chiaro is made with less coffee and is lighter, whereas the cappuccino scuro is made with more coffee and looks darker.

That difference matters more than it sounds, because it changes whether the espresso still pushes through the milk or stays mostly in the background.

An authentic Italian cappuccino tends to have about 80 calories and 125mg of caffeine.

It is usually treated as a morning drink in Italian coffee culture, so I would not expect to see it ordered as often later in the day.

9. Macchiato 

Caffè macchiato means spotted or stained in English, which fits the way the espresso is marked with just a little steamed milk.

Macchiatos are made with an espresso base, topped with a dollop of steamed, frothed milk, which forms a layer on top with the crema all around.

That small amount of milk smooths the edges without taking away the espresso character.

In a typical Italian caffe macchiato, there’s about 100mg of caffeine and 50 calories.

In Italy, you can order your caffè macchiato with hot milk (caffè macchiato caldo) or cold milk (caffè macchiato freddo).

If you do not specify, you will probably get the hot version. I have found the cold one can be a pleasant surprise if you are expecting something lighter. You can also order a latte macchiato, which has extra milk.

Macchiatos are usually acceptable any time of day, and they work well when you want something lighter than a cappuccino but still espresso-led.

10. Caffè Marocchino 

The caffè marocchino has its name because it has the same colouring as the old brown Moroccan leather they used to trade.

It’s made with espresso mixed with cocoa powder, topped with milk whipped into a cream, so it feels a lot like a hot chocolate with a coffee edge and a cocoa aroma that comes through first. It tends to be served in a small glass and dusted with extra cocoa powder.

This sweet Italian coffee combines hot chocolate and coffee in a similar way to a mocha but keeps a very intense flavor.

It is available in coffee bars but is often made at home too, where it works as a richer, more drinkable version of an espresso.

There are about 75 calories and 95mg of caffeine in a serving, and it’s one that Italians only tend to drink in the early afternoon.

11. Caffè Al Ginseng 

Caffè ginseng doesn’t sound like a classic Italian order, but it is popular with locals.

It’s made with ginseng root extract , which is mixed with an espresso to give it a lighter and nuttier taste.

Ginseng has been known to provide health benefits, increase energy levels, and even improve brain function, so you can see why it’s been incorporated into one of the most popular Italian beverages.

You can order it as an alternative to a regular espresso or have it as a cappuccino or macchiato if you prefer.

In Italy, you can order caffè ginseng in many coffee bars, and supermarkets will also stock it so you can make your own at home.

A typical serving has 0 calories and 100mg of caffèine from the espresso.

12. Orzo 

Caffè orzo is one of the more unusual Italian coffee drinks, and you will not find many examples of it outside Italy.

Caffe orzo in English means barley coffee, and caffè orzo dates back to the days when coffee beans were too expensive for locals to drink coffee.

Instead, they roasted barley, which gives a fairly similar roasted taste but has no caffeine. That makes it a useful coffee-like substitute for kids or for anyone avoiding caffeine.

You can order orzo as an espresso, cappuccino, or macchiato in an Italian bar. It has a distinctive malty taste, and it is one of those drinks that makes sense after the first sip.

13. Caffè Corretto 

The caffè corretto is the adult drink that introduces alcohol into the mix.

Caffe Corretto means corrected coffee in English, and this alcoholic coffee will definitely straighten you out. It’s made with a shot of espresso mixed with a shot of liquor.

Typically, this is sambuca or grappa, though it varies by region. It is often a local drink ordered after a hard day’s labour, and most baristas will not expect tourists to ask for it.

There’s typically 95mg of caffeine in a serving and 25-75 calories depending on the liquor.

14. Caffè Latte 

Latte is the Italian word for milk, so it makes sense that this is a milky coffee.

Lattes are popular throughout the world and follow the original caffè latte recipe: one part espresso made from ground coffee, two parts hot milk, and some milk foam on top.

True Italian caffè lattes usually do not come with sugar syrup or whipped cream toppings because the focus stays on the coffee and milk rather than dessert-style extras.

In an Italian caffe latte, there’s typically 100mg of caffeine and 60 calories.

They are usually treated as a morning drink, and I would not expect many people to order one after a heavy meal or late in the day.

15. Barbajada 

Barbajada is a Milanese specialty coffee drink that is mostly tied to that region.

It’s made from espresso, milk, and cocoa, which are combined to give a rich and creamy flavor. It’s then topped with whipped cream for some extra indulgence.

The name comes from the specific coffee blends they use in Milan called Barbajada, and this Italian coffee is typically ordered as a dessert drink.

There’s roughly 75mg of caffeine and 170 calories in a serving, and you’ll find it on the dessert menu in much of Northern Italy.

16. Caffè Decaffèinato 

If you want to avoid caffeine when in Italy but still want to drink coffee, you’ll need to ask for a caffè decaffeinato.

Despite what you might think, this is a fairly standard order in Italy, and most baristas will not look at you strangely for ordering it.

It’s very simply a decaf espresso that is made with special decaffeinated coffee beans.

This coffee drink still keeps the rich espresso flavour, just without the caffeine kick.

You can ask for un caffè deca, or decaffeinated versions of all the espresso drinks, including the ristretto, lungo, and doppio.

17. Mochaccino 

The Italian mochaccino is an indulgent dessert coffee drink similar to a caffè mocha.

It’s made with a cappuccino, mixed with whipped cream, chocolate, and sprinkled with cocoa powder.

It is much sweeter than most Italian coffees, though you still get a hint of bitterness from the espresso base.

Italians usually serve a mochaccino in a small glass so you can see the layers as you drink it.

They often add a shot of chocolate liquor to the drink to increase the richness, but they will typically check with you first.

There are usually 150 calories and 95mg of caffeine if you order this in an Italian coffee bar, but you can also get sachets to make it at home, which tend to have fewer calories and less caffeine.

18. Americano 

The caffè Americano is the Italian coffee drink that has taken over the whole world.

Every coffee shop offers it, and it’s made with a single shot of espresso topped up with more water.

In Italy, though, it is usually served a little differently, with a larger cup for the espresso and a jug of hot water on the side.

That lets you dilute the shot as much or as little as you want, which changes the strength more than most people expect.

Italians do not usually add milk, though if you request some latte (milk), most places will probably not mind.

There’s usually 95mg of caffeine and no calories, though you will add calories if you introduce milk into the drink.

19. Caffè Affogato 

The caffè affogato is part coffee, part dessert, and it is usually an after-dinner drink.

It’s made with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a shot of espresso poured on top and some chocolate sauce around the edges.

You can either mix the hot coffee and ice cream together to create a drink or eat it bit by bit using a spoon.

It is one of the richest Italian coffee options, which is exactly why it works as an occasional treat.

The sweet ice cream balances the bitter coffee and turns it into something that feels closer to dessert than a drink.

You’ll get about 100mg of caffeine and 200-300 calories in a serving, and you can usually find it in Italian coffee shops during the summer.

20. Caffè Anisette 

A caffè anisette is an Italian coffee that’s definitely not for kids.

This coffee blends French anise flavored liqueur and espresso, which gives a slightly sweet and alcoholic taste.

The anisette is fairly low in alcohol, so it is not a heavy coffee drink, but it is usually enjoyed in the evenings or on weekends.

It can be enjoyed chilled or with ice, and given that it is not widely available outside Italy, it is worth trying while you are there.

Coffee culture in Italy (How to drink like a local) 

Italy has a long coffee history. Venice was one of the first European ports to import coffee beans in the 1500s, and even though coffee wasn’t invented in Italy, it’s a massive part of the culture.

For Italians, the bar is where coffee happens, while beer is more likely to be the drink you think of elsewhere.

In many parts of Italy, people would rather stop at a local bar than have coffee in a restaurant, and in traditional areas there can be several coffee bars on one street.

Coffee bars are where people grab food and usually a coffee drink. In many places, milky coffees are more of a morning order, and the milk-after-meals rule is one of the habits that stands out quickly.

That can make a latte or cappuccino feel out of place later in the day.

The most traditional of Italian coffee types is the caffè espresso, and it is often ordered just after lunch when you want a caffeine boost.

Most Italian coffee bars do not have menus, so the first visit can feel a little intimidating.

That does not mean the barista cannot make a wide variety of Italian coffees; it just means you need to remember the name you want before you order.

You will often find coffee in Italy served standing up, with locals gathered around tables rather than settling in for a long sit-down.

In many coffee bars, you pay first and then use your receipt to order the coffee, so keep hold of it.

Unlike in some other parts of Europe, tipping is not expected in Italian coffee bars, but leaving some change for your server is common.

Contrary to popular belief, coffee in Italy is not made really strong.

In fact, Italians usually do not drink anything stronger than an espresso, and you will not often find anything like a cold brew on a regular Italian menu.

What you do get is a rich, bold, slightly bitter flavour that is less hidden by sugar or milk than an American coffee might be.

If you’re in Italy, order a caffè, sometimes known as an espresso, and sip it gently so you can actually taste it.

FAQs

What makes Italian coffee so good?

Coffee in Italy tends to have a higher acidity, which gives it a more distinctive flavour. It can also feel a little thicker in the cup, so the coffee notes come through more clearly.

What type of coffee is used in Italy?

Coffee in Italy is generally made using Arabica beans. This type of coffee bean is smoother and slightly more acidic than Robusta beans.

Is Italian or French coffee stronger?

French coffee tends to be stronger than coffee in Italy. An Italian coffee drink will generally have a bold flavour, but it usually feels more delicate and does not taste as strong in comparison.

Order like a local in Italy!

Italians did not invent coffee, but they did influence coffee culture around the world.

In many places, Italians enjoy coffee differently from most other people and will usually order a caffè, which is a strong black coffee, rather than a milky or sugary drink.

Hopefully, this guide makes the names feel a little less intimidating the next time you're in Italy.