10 ways to order espresso. Italians demand the best!

September 13, 9:09 AMItalian Living ExaminerSerenella Leoni

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Any Italian will tell you where to find the best espresso in
their town or village. They may even argue over their choices
with families and friends (as each person has their own
criteria and strong opinion)!

This is a passionate subject. Italians firmly believe that, no
matter your status or means, you should always demand the best
for yourself. You simply deserve the best. This attitude is certainly
evident when it comes to their favorite beverage, the thick
and frothy caffé.
But it does not stop here: If you hang around a caffé for a
couple of hours, you will get very confused over the many ways
Italians order their favorite drink. I have thought of 10.

1. “Un caffé: This is the simplest way of ordering an
   espresso. You will get the house classic version of a single
   espresso. If you are not a fanatic about your espresso, this
   will do. In Italy, an espresso comes in a very small amount
   and is smooth, dark, creamy and delicious.
2. Un caffé “macchiato” (spotted): This is a request for
   an espresso with a quick shot of frothy milk (in a much
   smaller amount than that found in a cappuccino).
3. Un caffé “corretto” (corrected): This is more popular
   than you may think, especially among men. It is a request to
   “correct” the coffee with one’s favorite aquavit or liquor of
   choice, such as “corretto al rum, corretto al cognac, corretto
   al …” (you fill in the blanks).
4. Un caffé “basso” (low): You are asking for a version
   of espresso that sits low in the cup (less water) and a
   stronger result.
5. Un caffé” ristretto” (narrow or condensed): This is a
   condensed version of espresso with less water, essentially the
   same as a caffé basso (above).
6. Un caffé alto (high): This version must appear higher
   in the cup than a regular espresso hence entails more water
   than a normal single espresso and is less strong.
7. Un caffé "lungo" (long): This is basically the same as a
   Un caffé alto (above).
8. Un caffé "doppio" (double): This is similar to what you
   can order in the U.S. It is the equivalent of two doses of
   espresso in one cup. A few of these double whammies and you
   will walk and talk a lot faster.
9. Un caffé "al vetro" (in glass): You are ordering your
   espresso in a glass rather than in a ceramic tazzina (espresso
   cup). Some swear their caffe' tastes better this way.
10. Un caffé "in tazza grande" (in a large cup): You prefer
    your tiny shot of coffee in a large cup. This is very trendy
    at the moment.

Whatever your preference, simply remember that you deserve the best.