Why Tourists In Italy Might Not Recognize The Coffee Machine In Their Vacation Rental

With its deep culture, warm locals, incredible landscapes, and long history, Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. But before booking a trip, there are a few things every tourist needs to know about how seriously Italians take one thing: coffee. 

For starters, many vacation rentals will not have your average Mr. Coffee machine, but an Italian alternative: a Moka pot. These aren't just a way to make coffee; they are an iconic Italian trademark that is a huge part of Italian coffee culture. Unlike the drip coffee machine, it is a stove-top device considered more of a morning ritual than just way to inject caffeine into your system. The Moka pot is a staple found in practically every Italian household, and knowing how to use it is part and parcel for enjoying an Italian vacation. 

That doesn't mean you can't enjoy coffee at a local bar! When ordering a coffee like a local in Italy, these terms will come in handy: "Un caffe," is the standard Italian espresso order. If you'd like a splash of milk, then be sure to order a "macchiato." A highly concentrated espresso is known as 'ristretto', and last but not least, an espresso with a shot of liquor is known as "coretto." But if you're staying in a rental, you'll likely want to make use of the Moka pot.

The Moka pot was invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. Needless to say, his designs are still the most famous  on the Italian market today. These quickly became part of Italian homes as well as a symbol of Italian coffee culture around the globe. Making Italian coffee in this brew pot is a perfect mix between drip coffee and espresso that offers intense, rich flavor. Experiencing this Italian tradition can be done easily by following these instructions.

The first step is filling the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with water and adding finely ground coffee to the filtered basket piece. After that, all you need to do is assemble the pot, place it on the stove, and heat it. For best results, use low heat and remove from the burner as soon as the coffee is brewed. This tip will help avoid a burnt aftertaste leading to a smooth, velvety texture. Once you hear a bubbling sound, that indicates that the water has boiled, the coffee will start to drip. As soon as it stops dripping, your coffee is ready to be devoured. Some other tips include pre-heating the water in a kettle first or using the smallest flame on the stove for better results.

Coffee is a huge part of Italian culture, so before you visit, there are a few things to familiarize yourself with. For starters, coffee is a social ritual and part of pretty much every social gathering in Italy. During coffee breaks, Italians often head to a local bar for a cup and a chat, but there are certain unwritten rules when it comes to coffee in Italy. 

One unspoken rule is that espresso should be consumed quickly. More often than not, Italians will devour an espresso in just a few sips at the bar while standing up. One of the biggest mistakes tourists make when it comes to coffee is ordering cappuccinos throughout the day. Per Italian culture, cappuccinos are considered a morning beverage, which is replaced by espresso later on in the day. Perhaps the best thing to know is that coffee is actually quite cheap in Italy as it is usually capped and regulated. With it being a huge part of Italian culture and consumed several times a day, it is made affordable usually as cheap as €1 for an espresso.