A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Italy and France
Navigating the world of international coffees can be exciting and sometimes confusing. Just like wine and beer enthusiasts regard the beverage as a window into a region’s culture, coffee connoisseurs view it through the same lens. They view visiting new places as an opportunity to discover the unique coffee culture of the region, whether it be through coffee tasting experiences, learning about local beans, or exploring charming coffee shops – and those exploring the character of these locations is inevitablel y reveal a lot about that place itself.
Before learning specific vocabulary, remember: coffee in most of Europe is not like coffee in America. "Cold milk, ice cubes, and coffee with (rather than after) your meal seen as American habits," travel writer and expert Rick Steves says. "Insisting on any of these in Europe will get you strange looks, and often prove fruitless." so, be prepared for a tomething new.
Italy: Espresso First, Then Customize
To order a shot of espresso – both countries’ most standard and ubiquitous form of coffee — ask for an "un caffè", in Italy
Most Italian mornings start with a
What are some key differences between American coffee culture and Italian coffee culture?
## A Coffee Lover’s Journey: From American Habits to Italian Espresso
**Host:** Welcome back to our series, “A Coffee Lover’s Guide to…” Today we’re diving into the vibrant world of Italian coffee culture. Joining us is food writer and travel enthusiast, [Guest Name]. Welcome to the show!
**Guest:** Thanks for having me! I’m excited to talk about one of my favorite things: Italian coffee.
**Host:** Italy is known for its strong espresso culture. How would you describe the typical Italian coffee experience for someone used to American coffee shops?
**Guest:** It’s a completely different world! For starters, Italians don’t drink coffee like a leisurely afternoon beverage. It’s more about quick, powerful jolts of espresso throughout the day.
**Host:** That’s interesting. You mentioned quick shots of espresso. What about cappuccinos and lattes, which are so popular here?
**Guest:** Those are definitely enjoyed in Italy, but they have specific times and contexts. A cappuccino is essentially a breakfast drink, never something you’d order after lunch.
**Host:** So, if an American tourist walks into a cafe at noon and orders a large iced latte with extra milk, how do you think they might be received?
**Guest:** Well, they might get some puzzled looks. [Laughs] Remember, in Italy, coffee is a concentrated experience, not a sugary indulgence. They might be gently steered back towards a traditional espresso.
**Host:** That’s certainly something for our viewers to keep in mind! Now, let’s go back to those morning cappuccinos. What makes them so special in Italian culture?
**Guest:** [Guest continues to discuss the cultural significance of cappuccinos and other aspects of Italian coffee culture].
