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37 In Desserts/ Italian Inspired

How to Make Authentic Italian Coffee: Caffe con Cremina di Zucchero

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #espresso #italian

To Make Authentic Italian Coffee it starts with Espresso: 
Espresso is a technical term for the type of coffee grind being used to make the coffee. In Italy when you order a coffee you would ask for ‘un caffe’, which is simply a coffee made with espresso. Now all you need is a moka pot also known as a macchinetta (literally “small machine”). 

Espresso is brewed by expressing or forcing out a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. It has a rich flavor with a thicker consistency and is the base for other drinks, such as a Latte, Cappuccino, and Macchiato. If you are interested in coffee drink recipes go here

Typically, you would not order a Cappuccino, Caffe latte, or Caffe Macchiato after 10:30 a.m. and especially not after a meal. The Italians believe that too much milk on your stomach mid-day or after a late night meal is not good for digestion.

Now here’s what you will need to make an Italian Coffee (Espresso):

Bialetti Espresso Maker
Cool Water 
Espresso Grinds: I like Lavazza
Sugar (for added sweetness or the Cremina) 

Below is how you setup the Moka Pot step by step and make the Espresso. I am also showing you how to make the cremina, which is the sugar cream that you will find in certain regions of Italy. If you don’t want the cremina simply ignore those steps. 

Preparation: Italian Coffee

1. First you will break down the moka pot into it’s 3 parts. Fill the bottom part with very cold water to the rim.

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

2. Fill the filter with the grinds to the top of the rim (do not pack it in).

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

3. Next float the filter with the grinds on top of the water (see pic below).

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

4. Next screw the top part on tightly and put it on the stove with medium to low heat.

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

If you want to make the cremina (sugar cream) take a regular coffee cup and fill with about 3 to 4 teaspoons of sugar. If not just wait for the coffee to percolate and once it is finished you can pour yourself an espresso. The directions below continue on to make the cremina. 

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

5. When it starts to percolate pour about 2 to  3 teaspoons of the espresso into the sugar and with a spoon  stir fast to break it down. This will make sugar for about 3 cups of espresso. 

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

Note: put the moka pot back onto the stovetop until it is finished and then you take it off the heat.

6. Stir fast until you have a light caramel color like this

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

7. Now that you have your creama you can take a teaspoon of it and add it to a separate espresso cup. 

How to make Authentic Italian Coffee | ForTheFeast.com #coffee #Espresso #italian

8. Pour the espresso into this cup and stir, you will see a caramel color surface to the top and now you have a beautiful coffee to drink!

That’s It! Now you are can be your own personal Barista at home! 

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37 Comments

  • Reply
    melatonin
    September 29, 2011 at 2:49 am

    Before reading this never thought that I would be able to make such coffee ever.But now after reading this surly going to try this process.Thanks.

  • Reply
    Abigail
    October 17, 2011 at 5:35 am

    Great post! I was always wondering how to make my espresso creamy on top, and now I know :)

    • Reply
      Emnme
      January 29, 2016 at 7:13 am

      Right!!!! This is they answer we’ve been looking for “creama”!!!

      • Reply
        Carrie Pacini
        February 3, 2016 at 7:11 pm

        I know it’s the key to a great coffee.

  • Reply
    Marla
    October 23, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Right?! I was clueless too.

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    October 24, 2011 at 9:25 am

    Abigail – it is super simple and makes for a great espresso.

  • Reply
    Christine
    November 9, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Love this! My husband loves espresso and drinks full coffee cups of it! I even bought him some espresso cups for Christmas.. we will def be trying this out. thank you!

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    November 9, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    @Christine he will love it. My family and friends in Italy still use this method at home. It makes a spectacular espresso- hope you both enjoy it!

  • Reply
    Nanci
    November 10, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I just returned from 3 weeks of fantastic cappucinos and lattes in Italy. Thank you for these recipes!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 10, 2013 at 11:32 am

      Your Welcome Nanci! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do :)

  • Reply
    milena
    December 16, 2013 at 4:52 am

    Nice post :).
    I’m italian and I use this way to prepare my coffee everyday! xD
    I think this is the best way ;)

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 18, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Thanks Milena, I agree you can’t get a better cup of coffee then this :)

  • Reply
    Robert
    January 2, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    Hi. I got a little confused after step 4 you have a note saying pour 2 teaspoonfuls in then in 5 you say add 3 teaspoons full. Are these seperate ie add 5 or is it same step. Many thanx looks great.

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      January 2, 2014 at 4:39 pm

      Hi Robert, sorry for the confusion! I meant to put 2 to 3 teaspoons of the espresso into the sugar so you can make the creama that you see in the pictures. I will update it :)

  • Reply
    Serene
    January 8, 2014 at 4:47 am

    This is great! I actually fell in love with this sort of coffee while in Spain and purchased my own espresso maker as soon as I got back. Question– what if I only want to make, say, 2 cups? Should I just 2/3 everything? 1 cup? 1/3?

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      January 8, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Hi Serene, In general if you just want to make 2 cups of espresso I would still make the entire espresso in the Moka Pot and then only use 2 teaspoons of sugar to make the creama. If you are adding milk to make the different styles of coffee I have it listed for 1 serving. For 2 you would double that part of the recipe up. To make a caffe latte for 2 people you would need 1 cup of hot milk that is split between 2 servings. I hope I answered your question! If not just reply here and let me know what I missed.

  • Reply
    charis fitchett
    April 13, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    I have an induction stove so I don’t this moka pot will work. Is it magnetic? What can I use instead.

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      April 19, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      It’s my understanding that it is not good to put a Moka Pot on and induction stove. But check with the manufacture of your particular brand.

    • Reply
      Godnil
      October 21, 2014 at 6:24 am

      I think moka pots can be used on induction stove too. Got italian G.A.T moka pot and it is possible to use it on it, and I also use it on induction stove. Not just me but also other guys here at the dorm use their pots on induction stove so it is probably OK. But as Carrie mentioned check manual for your moka pot.

      • Reply
        Carrie Pacini
        October 29, 2014 at 6:58 pm

        Thanks for your insight :)

  • Reply
    Jennifer C Velez
    December 15, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    Hello Carrie,

    I ran across this wanting to learn how to make authentic Italian espresso and it was tremendously helpful. For the sugar, I use coconut palm crystals and the milk (I LOVE caffe lattes) I use unsweetened almond milk. I put a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cocoa powder in the milk and whisk it and it is the best latte I have ever had. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 21, 2014 at 9:55 am

      You are welcome!

  • Reply
    Anna Marie Janssens
    January 22, 2015 at 7:45 am

    I spent two months in Sicily Sept and Oct 2014 and had the best cappuccino. I’m trying to recreate here. love your instructions!
    How long do I percolate expresso?
    Where can I buy cappuccino cups.

    Anna Marie

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      January 22, 2015 at 8:01 am

      Hi Anna Marie, 2 months in Sicily sounds dreamy right now! Once it starts to percolate to the top you are good to go. Probably just a minute once it starts. In regards to cappuccino cups you can find them just about anywhere unless you are looking for a specific type. Sur la Table, Bed Bath and Beyond, Possibly Target.

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    July 23, 2015 at 11:38 am

    I was wonder why all of the water from the bottom never gets to the top? I’m I doing something wrong? In a 3 shot kettle I get about a tablespoon of done espresso.
    Thanks

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      July 24, 2015 at 10:18 am

      Hi Kimberly, Make sure you have the heat up high so it will percolate all of the water to the top.

  • Reply
    Ashley Cowles
    August 5, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I studied abroad in Italy for 4 months and fell in love with the coffee! Now that I’m home, a cup of coffee from my Keurig just isn’t the same. I can’t wait to try this!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      August 19, 2015 at 11:29 am

      I know! It really isn’t the same. I hope this helps you as you settle in at home ;)

  • Reply
    Hitesh
    January 5, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Thanks for the great guide! Would you suggest a substitute for sugar for folks who do not take sugar?

    Thanks!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      January 5, 2016 at 6:33 pm

      Hi Hitesh, I don’t have a sugar substitute for the Creama and have zero experience with using sugar substitutes. My thoughts would be to research and find one that is close to the texture of sugar BUT again I have no idea how the sweetness would translate.

  • Reply
    Carol F.
    September 11, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    I’ve been making espresso in my little Moka Express for about forty years, and I never knew how to make the creama. Thank you!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 28, 2016 at 11:14 am

      Your Welcome!

  • Reply
    Adam Mittleman
    January 22, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    Thank you for this article. Not only did I learn about a Moka, but I got the 3 Cup one, a small portable campsite burner and the Lavazza beans that I grind fresh. After a few trials, I found the right amount of pack and my espresso is just like I had in Bellagio, Italy. Great article.

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      January 30, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      Your Welcome!

  • Reply
    Anthony
    March 26, 2017 at 11:01 am

    You say to fill the moka pot bottom with water “to the rim”, but there is a mark inside that shows the limit of how much water I can use. Do you ignore that mark?

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 5, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      Hi Anthony, go with the mark inside the moka pot. In one of the first images above you can see where I filled it up to.

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    November 3, 2017 at 6:34 am

    That’s great!!

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