For Coffee Lovers Only

So here I was thinking that ordering coffee in Europe would be the same as the US, and I was wrong. European coffee names are not the same as what America (and Starbucks, which I still love) has led us to believe. Therefore, in Lugano and other non-touristy cities you must be sure of what you're ordering. This past semester I've come to learn the actual differences in the multitude of espresso based drinks, through some trial and error. People have their one size only coffee in the cafe or bar and therefore to-go cups do not exist. I'm still trying to comprehend the reason behind this, and am currently unsure if I ever will. Therefore, I am ordering a large coffee to go right when I return to the states!

Un Caffe

Also known as espresso in the states, it is the basis of the specialty drinks described below. Espresso is just hot water run through coffee beans in a very concentrated manner. It has a higher caffeine volume than most beverages. In Europe, espresso is the caffeine drink of choice in the afternoons and after meals because you are not supposed to have hot milk after you eat. I don't like espresso and therefore, do not follow that rule.

Latte Macchiato:

Latte Macchiato literally means stained milk. Therefore, there is only about half a shot of espresso- not even a whole shot!! It took me a little while to realize this and have since stopped ordering it- because 1/2 a shot is not enough to get me through the day....The Latte Macchiato consists mostly of foam, rather than milk, and they make it by adding warm milk, espresso and than topping the rest off with milk, creating the layered effect seen below. The latte macchiato tastes more like a latte that you would get in the states. However, if you order a "latte" you will receive just hot milk, I can luckily say that I have not made that mistake!

Latte Macchiato and a berliner from Al Porto

Cappuccino 

The most popularized espresso drink. It's equal parts espresso (1 shot), milk and foam. The espresso is added first, followed by the hot milk and topped with foam. Sprinkled on top is usually cinnamon or chocolate, but here in Switzerland, they naturally choose chocolate. Originally cappuccinos were usually consumed in the morning as part of breakfast, however, now people order them in the afternoon at cafes as well.

Cappuccino and Raspberry Tart from Al Porto

Caffe Latte

This is just espresso added to hot milk. Out in restaurants and cafes they add just a little bit of foam to top the drink off. The Caffe latte is much stronger than the macchiato due to less milk and more espresso, which I personally prefer. It is usually ordered in the morning with breakfast. This has become my caffeine drink of choice, due to the stronger espresso taste.

Caffe Latte from Al Porto