You're familiar with espresso, café latte, and cappuccino. But what is a ristretto? And what exactly do you order if you want to try an espresso with a shot or over ice? Mamis Caffè introduces you to ten delicious espresso variations. With this knowledge, you'll master the drinks menu on your next Italian vacation like an expert.
Italians don't drink espresso, but rather caffè – at any time of day or night. Whether at the bar, after a meal in a restaurant, or at home fresh from the stove, this quick pick-me-up is omnipresent. To ensure there's something for every taste and every occasion, Various variations of the classic espresso have been developed . So many that even connoisseurs sometimes lose track.
1. Ristretto
Strong, stronger Ristretto. Even smaller and even stronger Ristretto is a more intense drink than the classic espresso. The same amount of ground coffee is prepared with less water, creating a shortened or "narrowed," almost thick version of caffè.
2. Double
After a long night in Rome, you order a Caffé doppio the next morning, the double espresso . It's simply double the amount.
3. Lungo
The Lungo is basically the counterpart to the Ristretto, a Extended espresso . The same amount of ground coffee is prepared with more water and served in a correspondingly larger cup.
4. Americano
The Caffé americano is a A double espresso diluted with water . Unlike the lungo, the extra water isn't added to the machine, but rather added afterward. Professionals fill a cappuccino cup two-thirds full with hot water and pour the double espresso directly from the machine onto the top.
5. Caffè macchiato
Caution: Danger of confusion: Caffe macchiato it is a Espresso with a layer of milk foam , this is served from a small espresso cup. The latte macchiato is much more popular in Germany. In this version, an espresso is poured into a large glass of frothed milk, creating the familiar three layers of coffee, milk, and milk foam.
6. Corretto
If Italians want to fix or correct their coffee, they take a strong sip of spirits. For the Corretto, a Espresso with Grappa, Cognac, Amaretto or Sambuca refined. Do you have a particular preference? Then order the matching spirit at the same time: "Caffè corretto con Amaretto, prego."