The reason is that Italians consider cappuccino, which consists of an espresso and a large amount of frothed milk, to be a heavy drink. Instead of promoting digestion like espresso, which is taken black or only with sugar, it would inhibit it.
While it may seem strange to some, the custom of not ordering a cappuccino after 11am in Italy is rooted in tradition and the belief that the drink is best suited for the morning. It's a cultural norm that has been passed down through generations, but as with any culture, things are changing and evolving with time.
The classic Italian espresso drink, a cappuccino is equal parts espresso, milk foam and steamed milk. They are most commonly enjoyed before or during breakfast, but never after a meal.
To sip a cappuccino after lunch is a direct and major violation of an Italian Food Rule. Italians believe the fresh whole milk that makes up over half of the contents of this drink plays havoc with digestion.
In Italy, milk is reserved for breakfast. A drink with milk is too heavy for the afternoon. It's practically considered a meal in itself. These are the unwritten rules, but my husband and I order a cappuccino any time of day.
Italians have a thing about drinking cappuccino after noon. It's just not done (some say it's because the milk and foam makes it a replacement for a meal, and all that dairy upsets the digestion). And you'll never see an Italian ordering a cappuccino after dinner.
The Cappuccino Law: Absolutely NO cappuccinos after 12:00 pm, the general rule is 11:00 am, but I've seen some Italians go later. Latte Macchiatos are also not consumed after this hour. Side note: you CAN consume Caffe Macchiato anytime during the day.
Thou shalt only drink cappuccino, caffé latte, latte macchiato or any milky form of coffee in the morning, and never after a meal. Italians cringe at the thought of all that hot milk hitting a full stomach. An American friend of mine who has lived in Rome for many years continues, knowingly, to break this rule.
Caffè Latte
You don't want to order a simple “latte” in Italy, however, as “latte” means milk. If you try doing that, you might end up with a glass of milk instead of the delicious coffee drink that you were hoping to enjoy. Instead, you'll want to order a caffè latte.
Sugar is traditionally added to espresso by Italians, who invented the drink. Not all of them take it this way, but most of them do. Why? Because that's how you make it taste good.
Part of the Italian coffee-drinking etiquette is to only drink milky coffees in the morning. Never after a meal. If you do order a cappuccino, caffè latte or a latte macchiato after lunchtime, you may get a funny look, but you will be served it nonetheless. There are no size differentials in Italy.
Traditionally, cappuccini are taken in the morning. Some cynics suggest that it's a massive faux pas to order a cappuccino after 10am but, while it's unlikely that your Italian amici will be sticking milk in their coffee after dinner, late-night cappuccino-drinking is not – as yet – an illegal activity.
While there is no law in Italy that bans a cappuccino after 11 am, you really won't find many Italians drinking this milk-heavy coffee after breakfast time. In Italy, a cappuccino tends to be a drink reserved for the mornings.
Italians like their morning coffee milky. Breakfast time is the traditional time for macchiato, cappuccino, and mokaccino.
Why do Italians drink coffee after dinner? “The espresso after dinner is ordered only if the meal was heavy, and they also 'correct' the espresso by adding grappa, known as 'the corretto,'” Milos says. The habit might also have to do with the fact that Italians stay up later.
First: Don't Order An Espresso
After all, isn't espresso the popular coffee drink in Italy? It is indeed. Espresso is the coffee of the land so all you have to say is, "Un caffè per favore" and you will be presented with an espresso.
Although the passion for coffee does not geographically segment the world population, the researchers argue that the reason why Italians drink so much coffee is because in their genetic baggage lies a gene that influences the daily need for caffeine.
4. Water Before or After Espresso? According to Italian coffee drinking etiquette, a small glass of water should be served along with Espresso.
The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. However, it is not strictly enforced. We recommend to always carry a photo ID to prove your age.
' Simply put, the Italian digestif or digestivo is an alcoholic drink served after dinner to help with digestion. This type of Italian liquor is different than some of the more commonly known classic Italian cocktails like the Campari Spritz.
On June 26, 2022, the so-called Italian Sunshine Act entered into force, cementing Law n. 62/2022 into law. The law establishes requirements for transparency in the relationships between life sciences and healthcare companies, health care professionals, and health care organizations.
11:00pm – Midnight.