A “caffè corretto” is an Italian espresso “corrected” with a small amount of liquor, such as grappa, sambuca, or brandy.
This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a strong coffee with a warming kick of alcohol. It’s typically served in a small cup, combining the intense flavors of espresso and liquor.
Savoring a caffè corretto means enjoying a bold and invigorating beverage, ideal for a cozy evening or an after-meal treat.
To order it, say, “Vorrei un caffè corretto, per favore.”
Ingredients
1 Espresso Shot + Small Amount of Liquor (Grappa, Sambuca or Brandy)
How to order a Caffè Corretto in Italy?
"Vorrei un caffè corretto, per favore."
History and Origin
The caffe corretto is a deeply Italian tradition that dates back generations. The word “corretto” means “corrected” in Italian, and the idea is that the espresso has been “fixed” or “improved” by adding a splash of liquor. This practice likely originated in the cold, mountainous regions of northern Italy – places like Veneto, Friuli, and Trentino – where a warming shot of grappa after a meal was already a longstanding custom. Combining it with espresso was a natural evolution. Over time, the caffe corretto spread throughout all of Italy and became a beloved after-meal ritual. It represents the Italian philosophy that coffee is not just fuel but a moment of pleasure to be savored, sometimes with a little extra kick.
How It’s Made
Making a caffe corretto is beautifully simple. The barista pulls a standard shot of espresso into a small cup, then adds a small pour (about half an ounce to an ounce) of the chosen spirit. The most traditional choice is grappa, a grape-based brandy, but sambuca (anise-flavored liqueur) and brandy are equally popular. Some bars let you choose your spirit, while others have a house default. The drink is served immediately while the espresso is still hot, which warms the alcohol slightly and releases its aromas. There is no stirring, no shaking, no garnish – just espresso and liquor in a cup.
How to Order a Caffe Corretto
In an Italian bar, say: “Vorrei un caffe corretto, per favore” (vor-RAY oon kah-FEH kor-RET-toh, pair fah-VOR-eh). If you have a preference for which spirit, add it: “corretto alla grappa” (with grappa), “corretto al sambuca” (with sambuca), or “corretto al brandy.” If you just say “corretto” without specifying, the barista will use whatever the house standard is, which is usually grappa.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The caffe corretto is traditionally an after-meal drink, most commonly enjoyed after lunch or dinner. It serves as both a digestive and a caffeine boost. In northern Italy, especially in rural areas, it is also common to see people ordering a corretto in the morning – a habit that might raise eyebrows elsewhere but is perfectly normal in places like Friuli. The drink is available at virtually every bar in Italy. It is especially popular during the colder months when the warming combination of hot espresso and alcohol feels particularly welcome. The Spanish carajillo is a close cousin worth exploring if you enjoy this style of spiked coffee.
Variations
While grappa, sambuca, and brandy are the classic choices, the caffe corretto can be made with almost any spirit. Some popular alternatives include amaretto (almond liqueur), Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), Baileys, or even whiskey. In some regions of Italy, you will find local variations – for example, corretto with mirto (myrtle berry liqueur) in Sardinia. A “resentin” or “caffè con la mosca” (coffee with the fly) is a Venetian tradition where you drink the espresso first, then pour grappa into the empty cup to capture the remaining coffee oils and flavor. It is the Italian version of “waste nothing.”
Caffe Corretto vs Irish Coffee
Both the caffe corretto and Irish coffee combine hot coffee with spirits, but they are quite different drinks. An Irish coffee is a large drink made with brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a thick layer of cream on top. It is essentially a cocktail. A caffe corretto is small, simple, and unsweetened – just a shot of espresso with a splash of liquor. There is no cream, no sugar (unless you add your own), and no elaborate preparation. The corretto is meant to be consumed quickly, while Irish coffee is sipped slowly. Think of the corretto as the minimalist Italian approach to the same basic idea.
How to Make a Caffe Corretto at Home
Pull a shot of espresso using your preferred method – espresso machine, Moka pot, or strong AeroPress. While it is still hot, pour in half an ounce to one ounce of your chosen spirit. Grappa is the most traditional, but use whatever you enjoy. Stir briefly if you like, or leave it layered. Serve immediately in a small cup. That is genuinely all there is to it. For a slightly sweeter version, try sambuca or amaretto. For something bold, go with brandy or dark rum. The key is using a small amount of alcohol – this is a “correction,” not a cocktail.
FAQ
What does corretto mean?
Corretto means “corrected” in Italian. The idea is that the espresso has been “fixed” or improved with a splash of liquor.
What alcohol is used in a caffe corretto?
The most traditional choices are grappa, sambuca, and brandy. However, you can use almost any spirit you enjoy, including amaretto, Frangelico, or whiskey.
Is it acceptable to order a caffe corretto in the morning?
In northern Italy, especially in rural areas, a morning corretto is perfectly normal. In other parts of Italy, it is more commonly an after-meal drink. Either way, no barista will judge you for ordering one.
