Ordering un caffè in Italy

Here’s how to come off like a native in one of Italy’s myriad bar-caffès or pasticcerias. Go first to the register, order and pay for what you want. The cashier till give you a ticket (scontrino) which you present -- together with a small tip -- to the barista behind the counter. Tell him or her what you’ve paid for.

un caffè – will get you an espresso (strong, small and black)

un caffe Americano -- a full-size cup of ordinary coffee

un caffè e latte -- ‘café au lait’ or strong coffee mixed with hot milk

un cappuccino – a small cup of espresso mixed with hot frothy milk

un caffè corretto – coffee laced with a drop of spirits (usually brandy)

un caffè macchiato – coffee with just a splash of milk

un caffè bollente -- a really hot cup of coffee

un cappuccino senza schiuma -- without any froth

un caffè decaffeinato –decaffinated coffee

zucchero – sugar, you usually add your own

con latte scremato, per favore – please use skim milk

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