FOOD NEWS
Rick Steves Tell Us How To Properly Order Coffee In Europe
BY Josie Dlugosz
Travel writer Rick Steves shared tips for ordering coffee in Italy and France for anyone wanting to be a successful, savvy coffee tourist while on a trip to Europe.
Knowing the coffee customs in Italy and France, two of Europe's biggest coffee cultures, allows you to break cultural barriers and enjoy the best coffee experience even on tour.
To order a shot of espresso, ask for "un caffé" in Italy or "un café" in France, which are the equivalent of American drip coffee. These are the basic coffees in either country.
For a more typical drip-style coffee made with a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of espresso and hot water, order a caffè americano in Italy or a café allongé in France.
If you like a milky coffee, order "un cappuccino" in Italy or "un café au lait" in France. These are typically made with around 125 grams of milk and 25 grams of espresso.
These cappuccinos are much smaller than those in America. They only come in one standard size, which forces you to enjoy the drink with a cornetto or a croissant for breakfast.
You can order a cappuccino after breakfast, though you may get some stares. Never order one after dinner, as it's believed milk or cream will upset your digestion.
If you can't resist a splash of milk, try a caffè macchiato in Italy or a café noisette in France, both of which use a small amount of milk to stain the espresso.