Coffee is an integral part of Italian culture and lifestyle. Italians are known for drinking coffee throughout the day, but what types of coffee do they prefer in the evening and at night? Here we will explore the coffee drinking habits of Italians after dark and the reasons behind their preferred coffee choices.
Espresso
One of the most popular types of coffee for Italians to drink in the evening is espresso. Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. This results in a thick, syrupy coffee with a rich aroma and full bodied flavor.
Italians often drink espresso after dinner, as the short, powerful hit of caffeine provides an energy boost to finish off the evening without disrupting sleep. A single or double shot of espresso contains around 75-150mg of caffeine, compared to a regular sized brewed coffee which has closer to 200mg. This smaller dose of caffeine is less likely to cause sleeplessness but still gives a nice pick-me-up.
In addition, espresso is part of Italian cafe culture, where locals will go to a neighborhood cafe bar in the evening to chat with friends over an espresso. The ritual provides a sense of community and is an opportunity to unwind and relax after the stresses of the day.
Espresso Macchiato
Espresso macchiato, sometimes simply called macchiato, is another favorite evening coffee choice for Italians. To make a traditional Italian macchiato, a small amount of foamed milk is gently poured over a standard single espresso shot.
The touch of milk softens the intense espresso flavors and adds a luxurious texture, while still allowing the coffee’s bold characteristics to shine through. Just a splash of milk provides warming, comforting qualities without diminishing the energizing effects of the coffee.
An espresso macchiato generally contains around 25-35ml of milk over a 30ml shot of espresso. This keeps the beverage light and prevents an excessive caffeine or calorie load before bedtime.
Caffè Corretto
Caffè corretto, or “corrected coffee”, is an Italian after dinner tradition that dates back centuries. To make caffè corretto, a shot of espresso is combined with a splash of liquor, such as grappa, sambuca, or brandy.
The addition of alcohol provides a warming sensation and aids digestion after a heavy meal. It adds a touch of sweetness and flavor complexity to the bold espresso. The coffee also helps counteract the sleep inducing effects of the alcohol, allowing the drinker to stay awake and alert for evening activities.
In Italian culture, caffè corretto is considered a social drink and offered to guests after dinner as a gesture of hospitality. It is usually consumed in small quantities as a digestif.
Caffè Latte
Caffè latte, or milk coffee, is comprised of espresso mixed with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. It contains more milk than macchiato – generally around 120-180ml.
Caffè latte is favored by Italians who want a comforting hot drink in the evening that won’t overload the senses or disrupt sleep patterns. The milk smooths out the acidity of the coffee and introduces natural sweetness.
The milk also contains tryptophan and other amino acids that promote relaxation. While caffè latte has more caffeine than other sleepy-time drinks like herbal tea or hot chocolate, Italians don’t consider it overly stimulating for night time.
Decaffeinated Coffee
With the wide availability of high quality decaf coffee beans and brews, Italians who are sensitive to caffeine or want to avoid it at night may choose decaffeinated versions of espresso, cappuccino, or other coffee drinks in the evening.
Decaf espresso contains around 3-15mg of caffeine per shot, compared to around 75mg in regular espresso. This negligible amount allows coffee lovers to enjoy their favorite drink without worrying about losing sleep.
Some of the methods for decaffeinating coffee can alter the flavor profile slightly, but technology has vastly improved to remove caffeine while maintaining the rich aromas and tastes that make Italian coffee special.
Creamy Iced Coffee
While hot espresso reigns supreme in Italian coffee culture, some Italians enjoy chilled and creamy coffee drinks on warm summer nights. Popular recipes include:
- Iced caffè latte: Espresso poured over ice and mixed with cold foamed milk
- Iced coffee granita: Strong espresso mixed with sugar and frozen into granita ice crystals
- Iced caffè shakerato: Espresso shaken vigorously with ice to create a frothy, chilled drink
These provide all the rich bitter-sweet coffee flavors in a cooling format that is refreshing after a hot day. The creamy textures are soothing before bed. Since iced coffee tends to be consumed in larger portions, Italians are mindful about choosing decaf or lower caffeine options if having it late at night.
Alternatives to Coffee at Night
While coffee is integral to Italian culture at all times of day, some Italians choose other hot drinks in the evening for a comforting, non-caffeinated option. Some popular alternatives include:
- Camomile tea: Contains soothing, relaxing properties
- Hot chocolate: Rich and indulgent before bed
- Decaf herbal teas: Wide variety of flavors without caffeine
- Fresh mint tea: Refreshing and helps digestion
- Warm almond milk: With cinnamon or honey for added coziness
Italians may finish an evening meal with one of these drinks rather than having an espresso. The choices provide warm, soothing, and pleasant flavors to relax and unwind before sleep.
The Italian Ritual of Evening Coffee
Drinking coffee is an evening social ritual in Italy that connects people and creates a sense of belonging. The café bar culture of sipping an espresso provides a place to meet and be part of a community. Coffee’s role in the digestion process after dinner also adds cultural significance.
When having coffee at night, Italians tend to consume it in moderate amounts and opt for smaller, milder formats that provide comfort without overstimulation. The taste, aromas, warmth, and social bonds will continue making coffee a beloved part of Italian evenings for generations to come.
Conclusion
Italian coffee culture is very much alive at night with many types of coffee drinks consumed in the evening hours. Favorites include espresso, espresso macchiato, caffè corretto, caffè latte, and in the summer, chilled and creamy iced coffees. Some Italians also enjoy herbal teas and other caffeine-free beverages before bed. When drinking coffee at night, smaller servings and lower caffeine options are preferred so as not to disrupt sleep. Coffee remains a treasured social connector and post-dinner tradition for Italians even after the sun goes down.