Eight Typical Types of Italian Coffees (part 2)

4. Marocchino

Grazie mille to the genius in Alessandria that combined cocoa and espresso together to create the marocchino! It’s a shot of espresso, a layer of foam, and a sprinkle of cacao powder in a glass mug that has been dusted with cocoa powder. It’s slightly milkier than a macchiato. In the north of Italy, thick hot chocolate is mixed with the espresso and then the foam is poured on top.

5. Caffè Latte

If you order just a latte in Italy, you may be surprised to be served a high glass of milk. What we call a latte in the US is a caffè latte in Italy. It is ⅓ espresso, 2/3 heated milk, and a little foam. Due to how milky this type of coffee is, Italians would also only have this before 11 a.m like a cappuccino.

6. Shakerato

Shakerato is Italy’s answer to the Starbucks iced coffee and on a hot day, there is nothing as tasty as a shakerato. Technically, the most refreshing Italian beverage on a hot day is a spritz Aperol, however, the shakerato is perfectly acceptable to drink before 11 a.m. It’s chilled espresso poured over ice and shaken to a froth.

7. Caffè al Ginseng

One of the favorite hot beverage in the US is a tea latte, which is impossible to find in Italy. But a caffè al ginseng comes close with its nutty flavor and is a wonderful alternative if you crave chai tea lattes like I do. It’s espresso prepared with ginseng extract and needs no other sweetener. Ginseng naturally increases energy and is said to make you alert. It also helps with digestion, making caffè al ginseng another perfectly acceptable after lunch or dinner coffee drink.

8. Caffè d’Orzo

Caffè d’orzo, a barley coffee, is 100% naturally caffeine-free. This is a great alternative late at night or if you have issues with caffeine. It’s also great if you have kids that like to be part of the grown-up group. I like to order mine con scorza di d’arancia, which is with a slice of orange. The citrus adds a nice flavor to it.