Like wine, Italian food, fashion, and landmarks, Italy is known for inventing some of the world’s leading non-alcoholic drinks and beverages.
This article will discuss some of these non-alcoholic Italian drinks and beverages.
1. Espresso
Espresso is one of the most famous non-alcoholic Italian drinks in the world. It is both the name of a coffee drink and the method of brewing coffee.
In 1884, Angelo Moriondo created espresso (a coffee brewing method) by forcing a small amount of hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. This resulted in a concentrated flavor and a thicker, almost syrupy texture.
Also, espresso uses various coffee beans and has more caffeine than other coffee beverages and drinks.
2. Caffe d’Orzo
Caffe d’Orzo, also known as Orzo, is a caffeine-free drink that originated in Italy as an alternative to coffee.
During that time, coffee was expensive and difficult to find in Italy, so Italians refined roasting barley, which is not too different from coffee in appearance and flavor.
Additionally, it has a lighter taste with notes of dark chocolate because of the roasted barley. Furthermore, it needs an espresso machine or a specialized pot called orziera.
3. Shakerato
Shakerato is an Italian variation of iced coffee. It consists of sweetened espresso and ice cubes shaken in a shaker.
It is served in a stemmed glass with creamy vanilla. When poured, it has a frothy layer on top, and it is best during summer.
4. Bicerin
Bicerin was created in Turin during the 18th century. The name bicerin comes from the Italian word for glass, bicchiere.
Although Caffe Al Bicerin and Caffe Florio claim the origin of Bicerin, it is a classic drink in Turin and is famous in the world today.
Additionally, bicerin is made with espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream. The drink is served in a tall, clear, stemmed glass displaying all three layers.
Furthermore, bicerin is not just a drink in Turin. It is more of a ritual; Alexandre Dumas and Umberto Eco celebrated this drink.
5. Caffe Moka
Caffe Moka is an Italian-style coffee made with a Moka pot, which is similar to an espresso machine.
However, a Caffe mocha is full-bodied, robust, and has a more intense flavor profile than regular coffee.
Moka pots were invented because espresso machines were expensive. Thus, they are more affordable and convenient.
6. Caffe Latte
The famous caffe latte has an Italian origin. It was first mentioned 1867 in one of William Dean Howells’ Italian Journeys.
It is believed that the latte originated from cappuccino to make the drink more palatable to foreigners.
Thus, a caffe latte contains 2/3 milk and 1/3 espresso, which is topped with steamed or frothed milk.
7. Macchiato
Macchiato is a drink primarily enjoyed in the afternoon. It consists of a shot of espresso, topped with only one or two teaspoons of steamed milk.
The name macchiato means spotted or stained in Italian. This refers to the small amount of milk meant to smear the espresso in the cup.
Additionally, the milk added to the espresso is meant only to enhance the coffee’s flavor and should never overpower it.
8. Caffe Americano
Caffe Americano is different from American coffee. Caffe americano contains 1/2 hot water and 1/2 espresso.
Making coffee americano dissipates the crema, the creamy foam on top of an espresso.
Moreover, it is believed that the coffee americano was invented during WWII when the foreign soldiers would not withstand the intense flavor of espresso.
Thus, the espresso was diluted with hot water to suit their taste.
9. Ristretto
The Ristretto is half a single shot of espresso. Ristretto is prepared in an espresso machine.
The difference between a ristretto and an espresso is that in preparing a ristretto, the regular amount of finely ground coffee is extracted with half the amount of water used for a traditional espresso.
They result in a more concentrated drink with a different balance of compounds than in a regular espresso. Also, ristretto is less bitter than a regular espresso.
10. Cappuccino
Cappuccino is one of the world’s most famous non-alcoholic Italian drinks and beverages.
In Turin, the Capuchin monks (“Frati Cappuccini” in Italian) invented this famous drink during the 17th century.
They believed that black coffee was a devil’s drink and decided to add white “pure” milk. We can easily guess how the name “Cappuccino” came about.
However, a mechanic named Giuseppe, who lived close to the monastery, improved the way cappuccino was prepared and invented the prototype of the cappuccinatore.
Until today, coffee machines use the same technology created by the mechanic Giuseppe to prepare cappuccino.
In addition, traditional Italian cappuccino is usually served in a small cup, which is preheated occasionally. Cappuccino is only drunk during breakfast or mornings.
Furthermore, cappuccino is made with a single or double shot of espresso topped with light and frothy steamed milk. In Italy, it is preferred that a cappuccino has more foam than liquid.
11. Blackberry Italian Soda
Blackberry Italian soda is a non-alcoholic Italian drink that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Moreover, it is made with Smucker’s blackberry syrup. Club soda is served in a tall, clear, stemmed glass.
12. Italian Soda
Italian soda is a non-alcoholic drink that can be enjoyed any time of the day, mainly in the afternoons.
It comprises blackberry, blueberry, heavy cream, frozen strawberry, and ice. It is prepared by pouring the blackberry syrup into an ice-filled glass, then adding the heavy cream, frozen strawberry, and blueberry on top.
13. Crodino
Crodino has existed for over 50 years. Its spices, herbs, and blend are a closely guarded secret.
However, it has a depth of clove spice with woody and bitter notes. It is served in an ice-filled glass with a slice of orange to bring out its amber tones.
14. Peroni Libera
Peroni Libera comes from the producer of the alcoholic drink Nastro Azzurro. This non-alcoholic Italian drink has a pale straw color.
Although, it has a hops and malted barley taste and a pleasant biscuity lemon finish.
15. Italian cream soda
Italian cream soda is a non-alcoholic Italian beverage made with 1/2 cup of club soda, two tablespoons of raspberry, three tablespoons of syrup, one tablespoon of vanilla, and one tablespoon half & half, ice cubes, whipped cream, and cream. It is served in tall, clear glass.
16. Affogato
Affogato is a non-alcoholic Italian beverage that is taken as a dessert. It is made with espresso, chocolate shavings, and gelato in tall, clear glass.
17. Granita di Caffe con Panna
Granita di Caffe con Panna is a simple, non-alcoholic Italian beverage, usually consumed in the afternoon. It consists of iced espresso with whipped cream.
It comprises heavy cream, brewed espresso, white sugar, and cookies, served in a tumbler with a small spoon or straw.
18. Sicilian lemon granita
Sicilian lemon granita is one of the non-alcoholic Italian drinks and beverages. It is pretty simple to make as it consists of lemon juice, water, white sugar, and water, served in clear glass.
19. Granita di Caffe
Granita di Caffe is another non-alcoholic Italian drink and beverage served in a tall, clear glass and a straw. It includes brewed espresso, sugar, chocolate-covered beans, and whipped cream.
20. Strawberry Italian Soda
Strawberry Italian soda is one of the world’s most popular non-alcoholic Italian drinks and beverages.
It is known for being not only refreshing but also simple to make. Furthermore, it is made of strawberry syrup, sparkling water, whipped cream, and ice.
It is prepared by pouring the strawberry syrup into an ice-filled tall glass, adding sparkling water and whipped cream, and then stirring. It could be garnished with extra whipped cream, sprinkles, or berries.
When you visit Italy, go to an Italian restaurant, or have conversations about non-alcoholic Italian drinks and beverages, try these drinks and insert them into your discussion.
