Why Are All Coffee Names Italian?

Have you ever noticed that at coffeehouses, many of the coffee names are Italian? One thing you may notice is that all Italian coffee names refer to beverages with espresso in them. The main reason why the drinks have these names is that the espresso method of making coffee was invented in Italy.

There are so many specialty coffee beverages to choose from at most coffeehouses. If you’ve noticed that they all seem to have Italian names, you may have wondered why. On this page, we’re going to discuss why so many coffee names are Italian. Keep reading to learn more.

How Come So Many Coffee Names Are Italian?

Coffee grows in many regions across the world, yet most of the names are Italian. The reason many coffee beverages that you see on a coffeehouse menu have Italian names is because they have an espresso base in them.

In the 19th, the espresso coffee-making process was invented in Italy, resulting in a stronger and more caffeinated type of coffee. Espresso is a popular choice of base for many beverages served at a coffeehouse because it can be mixed with milk and other ingredients without watering down the coffee flavor.

Is Coffee Grown in Italy?

Even though there are many Italian coffee names, coffee beans are not actually grown in Italy. Coffee beans need certain growing conditions and the climate in Italy doesn’t provide that.

It’s a common myth that espresso is made from a different coffee bean than regular coffee. What’s really different is how these beverages are prepared.

Is Coffee Italian?

Coffee is widely associated with Italian culture, but the beverage isn’t Italian. Actually, coffee has many growing regions around the world, with most coffee beans growing in Brazil, Vietnam, and Columbia.

According to National Coffee Association USA, coffee’s history can be traced back to Ethiopia. There were ancient forests in Ethiopia where coffee beans were discovered growing.

What is Coffee in Italy?

Italians call coffee “caffe”, a word that originated from Kaffa, where coffee originated from in Ethiopia. This is why you can find so many Italian-style coffee beverages on a coffeehouse menu with the word caffe in them, such as caffe latte or caffe mocha.

However, not all Italian coffee beverages will feature the word cafe, and there are a lot to choose from. Even though coffee didn’t originate in Italy, it is still a very popular beverage on Italian menus, especially after dinner.

Do Italians Enjoy Milk in Coffee?

One thing you may notice about Italian coffee beverages is that many of them feature just as much milk as coffee. These are specialty beverages in Italy and have become very popular items on American menus as well.

Some of the most popular breakfast drinks in Italy are milky coffees, such as cappuccinos, caffe lattes, and latte macchiatos. When you pair one of these beverages with a freshly baked pastry, you will have a real Italian breakfast.

What is the Italian Way of Enjoying Milky Coffee?

While the Italians love a delicious milky coffee beverage, they will only have one with breakfast. It’s frowned upon in Italy to order a milky coffee after 11 am.

Even more so, it’s sociably unacceptable to drink a milky coffee after you have eaten a meal. Keep in mind, these milky coffee drinks are a lot more filling than standard coffee.

How is Coffee in Italy Different From Coffee in America?

One thing that greatly sets Italian and American coffees apart from one another is the size. Italians often drink espresso-style coffee in small cups, and it is a drink made for sitting down and enjoying while you socialize.

In America, coffee is associated with a busy lifestyle and working-class people will buy large cups of takeout coffee to drink on the go. Takeout coffee cups are not a thing in Italian coffee culture.

Are There More Coffees To Order in Italy?

If you visit a coffeehouse in Italy, you may notice a larger selection of beverages on the menu. Eatly recommends that coffee lovers traveling to Italy make a point of trying a variety of different Italian coffees in the various regions they visit.

Over centuries, there have been many different Italian coffee beverages crafted. Each one is delicious and unique in its own way, and trying them in Italy is an experience on its own.

What is the Most Famous Italian Coffee?

Almost everyone is familiar with a cappuccino beverage, making this the most popular Italian coffee made around the world. A cappuccino is made with 1/3 espresso base, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam.

If you’re familiar with drinking sweetened instant cappuccinos or cappuccinos from North American chains (like Dunkin’ Donuts or Tim Hortons) you may find that a real Italian cappuccino tastes a lot different. These cappuccinos are usually made from an instant mix that contains a lot of sugar, so it tastes lighter than a real cappuccino.

What is Meant By the Term “Real Italian Coffee”?

If you ever see the phrase “real Italian coffee” on a menu, you may be wondering what that means since coffee doesn’t grow in Italy. Real Italian coffee is just a bold way of saying espresso.

This will always refer to the way the coffee has been made and not the coffee bean that was used. In most cases, a real Italian coffee drink will be made with Arabica coffee beans.

What Makes the Coffee at Italian Coffee Bars Better Than the Coffee at American Coffee Shops?

You can order the same drink at an Italian cafe as an American cafe, but it will always taste better in Italy. This is because Italian coffee bars invest in coffee machines that will last a long time.

Since these machines make thousands of cups of coffee, the flavors continue to infuse each new coffee brewed. This actually gives off a better flavor than American coffee shops because they are always using new machines that get sanitized several times a day.