Ordering coffee in Italy is different than in Seattle, even the time of day impacts the proper choice.
Here are a few tips:
Unless you want a glass of milk, never ask for latte.
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink to be taken only before noon.
Caffè Macchiato is an espresso with a teaspoon of foamed milk that can be ordered any time.
Espresso is the national pastime. It's the glue that holds Italy together and is perfect any time.
Caffè Ristretto is akin to rocket fuel. Best ordered after a very long flight. Luckily, there’s never more than a thimbleful in the cup.
Caffè Corretto, another eye-popper, with a shot of bitters, anise, or grappa thrown in, is ordered by dawn, or by masochists or both.
Caffè Lungo is espresso watered down to almost fill the tiny cup.
Caffè Americano is thoroughly watered down espresso and comes closest to what we are used to. Decaffeinato like any decaf still retains some caffeine.
Caffè Haag is totally decaffeinated and pronounced: hag. Replace the H with a G to describe it even better.
Orzo is a coffee substitute made from barley. It's a nerdy/trendy and retro alternative to the real thing.
Tè in Italy is the opposite of coffee. Steeping the tea bag until the cows come home makes it even weaker.
Camomilla: Ordering chamomile tea at a bar requires loudly announcing an upset stomach in order to garner sympathy rather than revulsion from onlookers.
Coca is how Coke is pronounced. Soft drinks, alone or with snacks, are fine anytime. With meals, anything but wine, mineral water or beer is in bad taste or for children.
Asking for ice in your drink gets one or two tiny cubes of ghiaccio plopped in with a set of tiny tongs.
