How to Make the Best Italian Coffee Again And Again

If you love Italian coffee, but something doesn’t taste right when you make it at home, this is you guide to how to make the best Italian coffee.

If you are like me, when you think of Italy, the rolling hills of Tuscany and the cobblestone streets of Rome aren’t the first things I think of. For me, it is the food and drink, with an espresso being near the top of the list.

Italian coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a culture and a way of life. It’s about taking a moment to pause, savor, and connect, not just once, but multiple times per day!

So, how can you recreate that magic when you aren’t in Italy? Let’s dive into the art of making the best Italian coffee, step by step.

Why Italian Coffee Stands Above The Rest

Italian coffee is more than a beverage, it can be an experience. From the rich foam (crema) on top of a perfectly pulled espresso shot to the balance of bitter and sweet flavors with your breakfast, Italian coffee is designed to be enjoyed slowly and not rushed. The word espresso isn‘t an Italian spelling of express, it is derived from the act of pressing the coffee, so don’t rush!

Italians treat coffee as a way to start the day, catch up with friends in the morning, enjoy after a big lunch or dinner or just for an energy boost in the afternoon.

In Italy, you can always visit a café for your caffeine fix, there’s also something uniquely rewarding about crafting an authentic Italian coffee in your own kitchen. To do this, though, you’ll need the right knowledge, tools, and a little practice.

Understand The Essentials Of How To Make The Best Italian Coffee

At the heart of Italian coffee culture is espresso, the foundation for many beloved drinks like cappuccino, macchiato, and ristretto. Each drink has its own variation:

• Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee with a velvety crema (foam) on top.
• Cappuccino is a breakfast favorite that shouldn’t be drunk after 11:00AM, which combines espresso, steamed milk and foam.
• Macchiato offers a shot of espresso “marked” or “stained” with a dollop of milk foam.

There are many more espresso drinks that you can order and of which we have written about on this blog. These are more than just drinks, they are important rituals that are part of the Italian coffee culture.

Gather Your Coffee Making Tools

To make a proper Italian coffee at home, the equipment you choose is key. Here are the essentials you should be considering:

An Espresso Machine

Investing in a good espresso machine is worth it if you can afford it and if you are serious about your coffee. High quality consumer models can cost in the hundreds to the thousands of dollars. Brands like De’Longhi or Gaggia offer excellent options for home use.

Moka Pot

If you are looking for a more traditional, but very affordable place to start, try a Moka pot. This stove-top espresso maker is an Italian household staple and produces a rich, robust coffee. Combine with a frother (mentioned below) and you can make some amazing cappuccino or macchiato drinks at home.

Grinder

A coffee grinder matters quite a bit. Freshly ground coffee can make all the difference, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t yet have one. A burr grinder is ideal for achieving the fine consistency needed for espresso, but it is adjustable so you can also use it with an American-Style coffee grind, which is bigger.

Milk Frother

If you love cappuccinos or lattes, a milk frother (or a steam wand on a high-end espresso machine) is essential. I didn’t think so until I made a proper cappuccino at home with the milk frother and now I won’t be without it.

Choosing The Right Coffee Beans

Not all Italian coffee beans that you can buy in the US are created equal and the type you use can make or break your cup. Italian coffee typically blends Arabica and Robusta beans for a balance of smoothness and intensity. However, some beans you will find will be 100% Arabica beans. In my opinion, this is not about quality, but more about taste profile.

What You Should Look For in Coffee Beans:

• Blend: After you try a few different coffee roasters, you will begin to choose a favorite blend of beans. You might prefer 100% Arabica, like illy offers, or you might prefer a stronger flavor that is a proprietary blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, like my favorite coffee: Kimbo.
• Roast: This is the element that differentiates Italian coffees and puts Italian coffee above the rest of the world. Medium roasts are smoother and darker roasts are more intense, so try them all to figure out your favorite. 
• Freshness: Don’t go crazy with this, but try to do the best you can. Buy whole beans, if they are available, and grind them just before brewing for the freshest flavor. Keep them sealed and don’t put them in the freezer.

How Do You Brew Italian Coffee

After all that setup, now comes the fun part: brewing your coffee. Whether you’re using a high-end espresso machine or a Moka pot, the key is attention to detail.

Be aware that some stove-top espresso makers, like Brikka or Mukka models of Bialetti, have different directions for filling and brewing, so be sure to read the directions carefully.

Master Milk Frothing Without Burning

For cappuccinos and lattes, frothing milk is a necessity and for some it is an art form.

• Use cold milk and a stainless-steel pitcher.
• Frothing milk expands, so don’t add more than ⅓ of the available space with milk.
• Pay attention to the bottom of the frother to make sure it doesn’t burn.
• Keep the plunger moving
• Aim for thick foam on top so you can add the appropriate ratio of milk and foam to your drinks.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Brewing

Conclusion