Throughout Europe, coffee is not a drink to carry as you rush to your next meeting. Coffee is an event, a representation of values and culture. When someone says “Let’s meet for coffee,” they are not referring to a Zoom call or a discussion about business. They intend to catch up and talk about their lives over a drink. Coffee etiquette includes how, when, and where you drink. There are unwritten rules, yet they might be considered an unofficial minor offense if transgressed.
If you are visiting Europe, it’s great to be prepared. If you are looking to incorporate new traditions into your day-to-day life, changing up your coffee routine might do the trick.
Italy
Different coffees are meant for different times of day. In the morning, start with a cappuccino. If you order a cappuccino past 11 a.m., the barista or waiter will either judge you with shameful eyes or flat-out refuse to serve it. For lunch, opt for a macchiato—espresso topped with foamed milk. After dinner, they often serve a shot of espresso. These rules are not purely for the sake of regiment. Italians believe that milky coffees make it more difficult to digest your food. Not everyone enjoys the bitterness of coffee, so keep in mind you can order a macchiato at any point of the day. The Italian textbook on coffee lacks frivolities and is straight to the point.
France
Like Italy, France reserves milky coffees for the morning, such as a latte or “cafe creme” consumed with a tartine or croissant. Following the rule of digestion, they drink espresso by itself or after a meal, but never during. In Paris, a cafe is on every block. You’ll walk 20 steps and stumble upon another. What you will notice is that people are either by themselves and a book or with a friend, but seldom with their eyes stuck on a screen. In France and many other countries in Europe, most cafes and restaurants will not allow laptops to enter the premises. Cafes are a place for private muses or chats with a friend—a healthy break for the screen addicts.
Ireland
Irish coffee is rooted in espresso, which includes lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos. An Irish person loves a flat white, which consists of espresso and steamed milk. What makes it different from a latte is that there is a higher proportion of espresso to milk, making it a go-to for people who enjoy the taste of coffee but want a less harsh version of espresso to give them a boost. We also cannot discuss Irish coffee without mentioning Irish Coffee: a caffeinated alcoholic drink made of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream. The best part is that there is no rigid rule of when you can enjoy the hot beverage. Irish Coffee walked so Espresso Martinis could run.
Spain
Spain has a unique eating schedule. They often reserve their breakfast for later in the day. Lunch is less strict, but an afternoon snack, or merienda, is necessary since they eat dinner so late. Accordingly, people in Spain begin their coffee with cafe con leche, or coffee with milk, and eat their breakfast later with a second cup. As the day goes on, a cup of coffee or merienda keeps you awake until your late dinner. Some coffees unique to Spain are Café Bombón and Café Carajillo. The first is a sweet pick-me-up 1:1 ratio of a shot of espresso with condensed milk served in a small glass. The second is espresso mixed with brandy or whiskey—a similar concept to Irish coffee but traditionally stronger with only two ingredients.
Whether enjoyed with a friend or with a book, incorporating these coffee traditions offers a regimented point of the day to escape the chaos. It is a moment to refocus and reenergize for what may come next. On your next outing, embrace the European lifestyle and shock the Starbucks barista by ordering a strong and traditional shot of espresso.
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