Italy, the birthplace of espresso, is renowned for its rich coffee culture. From the iconic cappuccino to the intense ristretto, Italian coffee offers a diverse and delightful array of flavors and aromas. Join me as we embark on a journey to discover the top 34 Italian coffee drinks, each with its own unique characteristics and traditions.
Top 34 Italian Coffee Drinks
Here are the top coffee drinks in Italy. You can also explore the Italian Soda drinks.
1. Espresso
Espresso, the foundation of Italian coffee culture, is a concentrated shot of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. This strong and flavorful brew is served in small demitasse cups and is the base for many other coffee drinks.
2. Cappuccino
A classic favorite, cappuccino is a luxurious combination of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This velvety drink is often adorned with a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon and is typically enjoyed in the morning.
3. Ristretto
For those who crave an even more intense coffee experience, ristretto is the perfect choice. This “short shot” of espresso is extracted with half the amount of water, resulting in a bolder and more concentrated flavor profile.
4. Macchiato
Macchiato, meaning “stained” or “spotted” in Italian, is a delightful espresso “stained” with a small amount of foamed milk. This creates a beautifully layered drink with the rich intensity of espresso complemented by a touch of creamy sweetness.
5. Latte
With its smooth and creamy texture, a latte is a harmonious blend of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of milk foam. This popular coffee drink is often enjoyed throughout the day and can be customized with flavored syrups.
6. Americano
Derived from the Italian word for “American,” an Americano is created by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. This results in a milder flavor profile while maintaining the distinctive characteristics of espresso, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a less intense coffee.
7. Mocha
Indulge in the decadent combination of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The rich and luscious mocha is a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth, offering a perfect balance of coffee and chocolate flavors.
8. Affogato
Experience the marriage of hot and cold with an affogato, which consists of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. This delightful dessert-like coffee is a delightful way to enjoy the contrast between the hot espresso and the cold, creamy gelato.
9. Flat White
Originating from Australia and New Zealand but embraced in Italian coffee culture, the flat white is a velvety-smooth drink made with a double shot of espresso and velvety steamed milk. It is known for its minimal foam and a strong, yet balanced flavor.
10. Caffè Lungo
A caffè lungo, or “long coffee,” is created by extracting more water through the espresso machine, resulting in a longer and milder coffee than an espresso. This drink offers a different flavor profile compared to an Americano due to the unique extraction process.
11. Caffè Corretto
For those seeking a spirited twist, the caffè corretto combines espresso with a splash of liquor, such as grappa or Sambuca. This bold and aromatic coffee is often enjoyed as a digestif, offering a delightful way to conclude a meal.
12. Shakerato
Embrace the refreshingly cool side of Italian coffee with a shakerato, a chilled espresso beverage that is sweetened and vigorously shaken with ice until frothy. This invigorating drink is perfect for warm summer days or as a mid-day pick-me-up.
13. Marocchino
The marocchino is a delightful blend of espresso, cocoa powder, and frothy milk, typically served in a small glass. This visually appealing and flavorful coffee is a popular choice for those looking for a balance of rich coffee and chocolate notes.
14. Caffè Freddo
When the temperatures rise, the caffè freddo offers a refreshing escape. This chilled espresso is served over ice, often with a touch of sugar and a slice of lemon, creating a revitalizing and thirst-quenching coffee experience.
15. Bicerin
Hailing from the city of Turin, the bicerin is a luxurious layered drink consisting of espresso, drinking chocolate, and frothed milk. Served in a small glass, each sip offers a harmonious blend of rich coffee and indulgent chocolate flavors.
16. Caffè Doppio
Double the pleasure with a caffè doppio, which simply translates to a double shot of espresso. This robust and potent coffee is perfect for those who desire a stronger caffeine kick and a more pronounced coffee flavor.
17. Caffè Corretto
For those seeking a spirited twist, the caffè corretto combines espresso with a splash of liquor, such as grappa or Sambuca. This bold and aromatic coffee is often enjoyed as a digestif, offering a delightful way to conclude a meal.
18. Granita di Caffè
Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily with a granita di caffè, a slushy and invigorating coffee beverage. This cooling delight is made by blending sweetened espresso with ice, creating a delightful treat that is perfect for warm weather.
19. Caffè alla Salentina
From the southern region of Salento, the caffè alla Salentina is a unique concoction of espresso, sugar, and almond milk, creating a delightful marriage of bold coffee and nutty sweetness. This regional specialty offers a distinctive and memorable coffee experience.
20. Caffè al Ginseng
Embrace the exotic with a caffè al ginseng, a contemporary Italian coffee drink infused with the aromatic and invigorating essence of ginseng. This modern twist on traditional Italian coffee offers a unique and revitalizing flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking something different.
Also explore the Non-alcoholic Italian drinks
21. Caffè Borgia
This unique beverage is a variation of the classic Caffè Mocha, and it’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy a hint of citrus in their coffee. Caffè Borgia is made by adding orange peel and a touch of orange liqueur to a shot of espresso, creating a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and tangy notes.
With its invigorating aroma and bold taste, Caffè Borgia is sure to awaken your senses and elevate your coffee experience.
22. Caffè con Panna
Caffè con Panna, or “coffee with cream” in Italian, is a luxurious coffee indulgence that promises a velvety smooth texture and a rich, creamy flavor. This indulgent drink starts with a shot of espresso, which is then crowned with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.Â
The contrast between the intense espresso and the luscious cream creates a delightful sensory experience, making Caffè con Panna a popular choice for those seeking a decadent coffee treat. Whether enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up or as a satisfying conclusion to a meal, this exquisite coffee creation is sure to delight your palate.
23. Caffè Shakerato Nutella
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Caffè Shakerato Nutella, a delectable coffee concoction that combines the bold flavors of espresso with the creamy, nutty goodness of Nutella. This delightful beverage is prepared by shaking together a shot of espresso, ice, and a generous spoonful of Nutella, resulting in a frothy, chilled coffee delight.Â
The marriage of rich espresso and luscious Nutella creates a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet, making Caffè Shakerato Nutella a delightful treat for coffee enthusiasts with a penchant for indulgent flavors. Whether sipped leisurely on a warm afternoon or savored as a dessert companion, this delightful coffee creation is a true delight for the senses.
24. Coffee with Alcohol
Coffee with alcohol, also known as spiked coffee, offers a delightful fusion of rich, aromatic coffee and the nuanced flavors of various spirits. This versatile beverage allows for endless creative combinations, with popular choices including Irish coffee (whiskey and cream), Spanish carajillo (liqueur or brandy), and Italian caffe corretto (grappa).Â
The addition of alcohol not only infuses the coffee with intriguing depth and complexity but also provides a warming, indulgent experience. Whether enjoyed as a festive after-dinner treat or as a spirited twist on your morning brew, coffee with alcohol offers a delightful way to elevate your coffee experience.
25. Caffè Bombardino
Embrace the cozy warmth of Caffè Bombardino, a traditional Italian alpine drink that embodies comfort and indulgence. This beloved beverage is crafted by combining equal parts of espresso and Vov, a creamy, egg-based liqueur, resulting in a decadent, velvety concoction that is often topped with a dollop of whipped cream.Â
Whether enjoyed as a soothing apres-ski indulgence or as a delightful winter warmer, Caffè Bombardino promises to envelop you in a blanket of rich, creamy goodness, making it a beloved staple in Italian alpine culture. With its comforting flavors and indulgent texture, Caffè Bombardino is a delightful treat for those seeking a taste of alpine-inspired luxury.
26. Caffè Averna
This captivating beverage is prepared by combining a shot of espresso with a measure of Averna, resulting in a harmonious blend of bold, aromatic coffee and the nuanced herbal notes of the amaro.
 Whether enjoyed as a refined after-dinner digestif or as a luxurious evening indulgence, Caffè Averna offers a delightful fusion of coffee and liqueur, promising a sensory experience that is both invigorating and indulgent.
27. Caffè Sambuca
This enchanting beverage is prepared by adding a measure of Sambuca to a shot of espresso, resulting in a harmonious blend of bold coffee and the distinctive, aromatic notes of the liqueur.
 Whether enjoyed as a sophisticated after-dinner libation or as a delightful evening indulgence, Caffè Sambuca promises to captivate your senses with its alluring blend of bitter, sweet, and aromatic flavors, making it a beloved choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a touch of Italian elegance.
28. Caffè Freddo Schiumato
This invigorating beverage is crafted by shaking together a shot of espresso, ice, and a touch of sugar, resulting in a chilled, frothy delight that is as visually appealing as it is satisfying to sip.Â
Whether enjoyed as a revitalizing pick-me-up on a warm day or as a delightful afternoon indulgence, Caffè Freddo Schiumato promises to awaken your senses with its invigorating blend of bold coffee and frothy sweetness, making it a beloved staple in Italian coffee culture.
29. Salento Coffee
Transport yourself to the sun-kissed region of Salento with Salento Coffee, a delightful coffee creation that captures the vibrant flavors and laid-back charm of southern Italy.
This beloved beverage is crafted using a traditional moka pot to brew a strong, aromatic coffee, which is then sweetened with a touch of sugar and served over ice.
 The result is a refreshing, invigorating coffee experience that embodies the spirit of la dolce vita, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a taste of Italian sunshine in a cup.
Whether enjoyed as a midday refreshment or as a delightful accompaniment to a leisurely stroll, Salento Coffee promises to transport you to the captivating landscapes of southern Italy with every sip.
30. Caffè Shakerato al Caramello
This delectable beverage is prepared by shaking together a shot of espresso, ice, and a generous drizzle of caramel syrup, resulting in a chilled, frothy delight that promises to delight your senses.Â
Whether enjoyed as a sumptuous dessert companion or as a satisfying afternoon treat, Caffè Shakerato al Caramello offers a delightful fusion of rich, aromatic coffee and luscious caramel, making it a beloved choice for those with a penchant for indulgent flavors.
Also explore the Alcoholic drinks in ItalianÂ
31. Caffè Nocciola
This delightful beverage is crafted by infusing a shot of espresso with the luscious sweetness of hazelnut syrup, resulting in a harmonious marriage of bold coffee and the irresistible nuttiness of hazelnut.Â
Whether enjoyed as a comforting morning indulgence or as a satisfying after-dinner treat, Caffè Nocciola offers a delightful fusion of aromatic coffee and luscious hazelnut, promising a sensory experience that is as comforting as it is indulgent.
32. Caffè Vaniglia
 This enchanting beverage is prepared by adding a touch of velvety vanilla syrup to a shot of espresso, resulting in a harmonious blend of rich coffee and the luscious sweetness of vanilla.Â
Whether enjoyed as a delightful morning pick-me-up or as a satisfying dessert companion, Caffè Vaniglia promises to enchant your senses with its aromatic, comforting flavors, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a touch of sweetness in their coffee.
33. Caffè Menta
This captivating beverage is crafted by infusing a shot of espresso with the refreshing essence of mint syrup, resulting in a delightful fusion of aromatic coffee and invigorating mint.
 Whether enjoyed as a revitalizing afternoon indulgence or as a satisfying after-dinner treat, Caffè Menta offers a delightful blend of bold, aromatic coffee and refreshing mint, promising to awaken your senses and invigorate your palate with every sip.
34. Caffè al Ginseng
This captivating beverage is crafted by combining a shot of espresso with a measure of ginseng syrup, resulting in a harmonious blend of bold coffee and the subtle, honeyed notes of ginseng.
Whether enjoyed as a soothing morning indulgence or as a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, Caffè al Ginseng promises to enchant your senses with its aromatic, comforting flavors, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a unique and invigorating coffee experience.
Conclusion:
I hope this exploration of Italian coffee drinks has piqued your curiosity and inspired you to savor the rich and diverse world of Italian coffee culture. Whether you prefer the intense kick of espresso or the creamy indulgence of a cappuccino, there’s a perfect Italian coffee drink waiting to delight your senses.
FAQs
What Coffee Do Italians Drink?
Italians primarily enjoy espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato. Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee, while cappuccino combines espresso with steamed milk and foam. Macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk.
Why Do Italians Drink Coffee After Dinner?
Italians drink coffee after dinner to aid digestion. Espresso is preferred for its strong, short burst of flavor without being too filling.
Are Kids Allowed to Drink Coffee in Italy?
Kids in Italy can drink coffee, but it’s usually in the form of a very diluted version, like a caffè latte. This way, the caffeine content is minimal, making it more suitable for children.
What Time to Drink Coffee in Italy?
Italians typically drink cappuccino only in the morning. After 11 AM, they switch to espresso and other coffee types to avoid milk-heavy drinks later in the day.
