COFFEE

This week, I’ll talk about something that many people around the world consider a morning must-have: coffee.

There’s a big difference not only in the coffee itself between the U.S. and Italy, but also in the habits built around it. 

When it comes to Italian coffee, people enjoy having it at a bar, where they can socialize and relax. In the United States, on the other hand, people usually stop by a coffee shop or take advantage of the drive-thru to save time, as I mentioned in the previous blog. 

In the U.S., the coffee is served in large cups, and the quantity is quite big. It often takes people a good amount of time to finish it. There are also so many different flavor combinations that I had never seen or even heard of before coming to the U.S. Moreover, Americans usually drink it in the morning because it gives them that energy boost they need to stay awake and productive throughout the day; while in Italy people have it in the morning, but also after meals (lunch and dinner), with usually one person that makes it for everyone else. 

When it comes to Italy and the way Italians consume coffee, it’s very different. Coffee is served in a very small cup, and it's usually filled only halfway. That’s how little the quantity is. The reason is that it’s “pure” coffee, strong and concentrated, while American coffee is much more diluted, which is why people can drink a large cup without much of an effect. 

In Italy, people don’t typically add all the flavored syrups you find in the U.S. Instead, some older generations in my region like to add a little bit of Varnelli, a flavored liqueur traditionally mixed with coffee. Otherwise, the most common addition is simply sugar. 

Thank you again for reading. I’ll see you next week!