Coffee Lexicon

The word espresso is rarely used in Italian. Instead, the word caffè denotes what English speakers call espresso. If someone orders a caffè or an espresso, it’s safe to assume they would like a single shot. A double will be ordered as a doppio. 

In Italian, latte is the word for milk and does not involve coffee. Instead, use the terms caffè latte or latte macchiato (macchiato means "stained” in English — milk stained with coffee).

Lungo is a long espresso, with a bit more water poured through the grounds. Ristretto (restricted) is a short espresso with less water, resulting in an even stronger flavor.

Zucchero is the Italian word for sugar.

Caffè con la schiuma is the traditional way of sweetening coffee by whipping espresso with sugar to create a sweet foam. If a guest would like their espresso sweetened, offer caffè con la schiuma, a rich and enhanced sweetened espresso.

Occasionally someone might order caffè al vetro, or coffee in a glass.