Every Type of Italian Coffee, Explained for Canadians

A macchiato in Italy is not what Starbucks sold you. A latte is not a drink order — it's just the word for milk. If you order "a latte" in an Italian bar, you will receive a glass of warm milk and the barista will not understand what went wrong with you.

The actual menu

Caffè / Espresso: The default. Short, dark, drunk standing at the bar in 90 seconds. This is what you order after a meal.

Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and foam. Morning only. Never after 10am.

Macchiato: Espresso with a tiny splash of milk. Either hot (caldo) or cold (freddo).

Caffè americano: Espresso with hot water added. Closer to drip coffee. Acceptable to order.

Ristretto: Even shorter than espresso, more concentrated. For when you really mean it.

Caffè corretto: Espresso "corrected" with a shot of grappa or other spirit. Morning drink in some regions. Yes, really.