In the world of Italian coffee, legend has it that Michelangelo once confessed he never could have painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel without drinking many Caffè Corretto throughout the day.

“Ci Credo! I believe it,” says Francis Cinoa, founder and owner of New Jersey based Saravella coffee, “All fun aside, to appreciate the variety and creativity of Italian coffee drinks, whether you’re traveling around Italy or in your local café, it’s best to learn the basic menu”, adds Francis. 

How many of the following have you enjoyed?

Espresso: Originating in Italy, this numero uno of coffee is about 1 oz, typically served black, with a layer of crema on top from the oils.  Espresso is the base for many coffee drinks. In Italy, don’t ask for an espresso at a coffee bar. Simply say "un caffe", and you’ll get an espresso.

Caffè Americano: A single shot of espresso, topped with added hot water.

Caffè Affogato: A scoop, or two of gelato with a shot of espresso on top. A delizioso coffee dessert.

Caffè Anisette: Espresso blended with Italian anise-flavored liqueur. A spectacular nightcap.

Caffè Con Panna: Espresso served with whipped cream on top.

Caffè Corretto: A shot of espresso mixed with a shot of liquor, typically sambuca or grappa liquor.

Caffè Cortado: Traditionally made as an espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk added. The milk cuts the acidity of the espresso. This drink gets its name from the Spanish word cortado “to cut”.

Caffè Doppio: A double shot, about 2 ounces, of espresso.

Caffè Latte: Very popular worldwide, one part espresso, two parts hot milk, finally milk foam on top.  Lattes are the canvas where baristas can show off their milk foam artistry.  In Italy, like a cappuccino, this drink is for the morning, never in afternoon or evening.

Caffè Lungo: Espresso made using a longer extraction time and more water, which produces a flavor that’s not as strong as regular espresso.

Caffè Macchiato: An espresso base, topped with a dollop of steamed frothed milk, forming a layer on top with the crema all around. The name comes from an Italian word meaning “spotted or stained”. In Italia, order your caffè macchiato with hot milk (caffè macchiato caldo) or cold milk (caffè macchiato freddo).

Caffè Marocchino: Espresso mixed with cocoa powder, topped with milk that is whipped into a cream (similar to hot chocolate), and then dusted with extra cocoa powder. 

Caffè Mochaccino: Similar to Caffè Mocha, made with a cappuccino mixed with whipped cream, chocolate, and sprinkled with cocoa powder.

Caffè Ristretto: Espresso made with less water and a finer coffee grind, yielding a stronger cup. Said to be “pulled short” because of the shorter extraction time, ristretto means “restrained” in English.

Caffè Shakerato: Espresso mixed with ice in a cocktail shaker, and poured into a high glass. Shaking results in a thick, frothy smooth drink.  Often requested with whipped cream “panna” on top. A summer time favorite. 

Cappuccino: This worldwide favorite is made with espresso on bottom, then steamed milk, and milk foam on top. In Italy, usually during breakfast, and never in afternoon or evening.

Crema al Caffè: Made with frozen cream and coffee, machine mixed, yielding a slushy creamy delight. With a dusting of cocoa powder, this refreshing summertime drink is the marriage of coffee & dessert.

Study this useful menu of Michelangelo’s Favorite Italian Coffee Drinks, and enjoy your next cup of caffè like a true masterpiece. Ciao!

About Saravella ®

Deliciously Italian. Founded in New Jersey in 2022, Saravella is a small batch premium artisan coffee roasted in Italy.  Visit: www.saravella.com.  Facebook: SaravellaCoffee, Twitter: @SaravellaCoffee,  Instagram: @SaravellaCoffee