Espresso is the basic coffee drink which is simply referred to as coffee in Italy and it is the base of all other coffee drinks.

This classic shot of caffeine is usually served in a tiny cup although it can also be served in a small glass.

You would most certainly make Italians surprise if you order a cappuccino after 11 am as anything with that much milk is considered a meal in itself and is the classic Italian breakfast (equivalent to cornflakes).

You can drink an espresso at any time of the day without causing any offence.

Most Italians are used to drink an espresso and it is the ideal after-dinner drink in Italy.

Variations on the classic espresso include ristretta (extra strong espresso) and corretto (espresso with a shot of grappa).

A cafè macchiato is a bit like a cross between an espresso and a cappuccino and is basically a short espresso with a tiny dash of frothy milk, don't confuse this with a latte macchiato (hot milk with a dash of espresso).

An americano or doppio is an espresso topped up with hot water.

What is cappuccino coffee?

Text supplied by La Genovese S.a.s., Albenga.