Words and photos by Makenna Kaminski, our Jetsetter Journalist studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy, during Spring semester 2023.

Iced coffee doesn't exist in Italy. Nor do lattes, large macchiatos, and surely not a cold brew. Coffee is the essence of Italy, but they tend to be much more specific as to how they drink it.

Here, they usually alter between cappuccinos and cups of espresso. You can also get an americano, but the locals usually tend to stick with the prior.

In tourist cities, you'll find that there are more offerings- such as a "shakerato"- a coffee-slushy like drink, a "caffe latte"- what is supposed to be similar to an American latte, and some other things that sound more familiar to home. However, ordering the traditional drinks tends to be the usual.

My personal favorite is a "cappuccino con soia"- a soy milk cappuccino. These are just the tiniest bit sweet and they're usually topped with a dusting of cocoa powder which is rich and delicious. They're a treat, and even more so first thing in the morning.

In Italy, they're not only particular about how they take their coffee, but also when they drink it. A cappuccino, for example, is commonly only drunk in the morning.

It's universally understood in Italy that a cappuccino should only be ordered before 11am, and after that time you should ask for an espresso instead. They say they do this since a cappuccino is a heavy drink, consisting of mostly rich, whole milk. The Italians believe this style of coffee to be too filling to drink at any other time of day, so they'll usually get one with their croissant in the morning and then opt for tiny cups of espresso for the afternoon.

This doesn't mean that they'll stop serving cappuccinos, however. A barista will still make you one if you order it any time of the day. Yet, they say that this is how they can immediately spot a tourist from a local. Americans in particular are usually singled out for drinking "heavy" coffees like a cappuccino or a latte at any hour of the day.

Our traditional "lattes" are also not a typical offering in Italy. "Latte" is the word for plain milk in Italy, so if you try ordering this style of coffee at a bar, you'll probably just confuse your barista. They'd likely look at you oddly after you order and then give you a full glass of milk instead of a coffee. This is a difference that's definitely good to know in advance.

An espresso, however, can be ordered practically anywhere, anytime. I've always found it funny how practically every business in Italy has an espresso machine available. Many times, Italians might order an espresso after their meal, even at 9:00 or 10:00 at night. One time, a professor at my school mentioned how they drink eight or nine cups of espresso a day, and I truly don't think they were exaggerating.

When it comes to drinking your coffee, plan to sip it either at the bar itself or at a table if you prefer to sit. Taking your coffee to go is yet another thing associated with (American) tourists. Italy only recently started to adapt to doing takeaway foods during COVID, so they still offer the option, but it's definitely more normal to take your coffees and food right at the cafe.

It also just adds to the experience of drinking it while you’re there! Coffee is part of life in Italy, so it's always fun to join the morning rush and sip one for yourself right along with the bustling crowd.