Life Beyond Espresso

Let’s be honest — Italians and coffee are practically inseparable. But even I, Zia Paola, have moments when espresso just isn’t enough. Sometimes you don’t want to be wide-eyed until midnight. Sometimes you just want a warm hug in a mug.

From thick, pudding-like cioccolata calda to mulled vin brulé and even caffeine-free caffè d’orzo, Italy’s hot drink traditions go far beyond coffee — each one a small story in a cup.
So grab your favourite mug, toss on a cardigan, and let’s take a steamy stroll through Italy’s most comforting cups.

Forget the watery hot cocoa of your childhood — Italian hot chocolate is practically spoonable. It’s rich, glossy, and thick enough to make you question whether it’s a drink or dessert.

Why it’s special: Italians thicken their chocolate with a little cornstarch, giving it that dreamy, custard-like texture.

How to make it:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 100g dark chocolate (at least 70%)

Whisk everything in a small pan until it coats the spoon. Top with whipped cream, orange zest, or a cheeky drizzle of Amaretto.

Zia’s tip: Pair it with biscotti or brioche for breakfast decadence

In northern Italy, vin brulé is the smell of Christmas markets and ski lodges. A pot of spiced wine simmers away while everyone pretends they don’t want seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of Italian red wine (Barbera or Montepulciano)

• 1 orange (zest and juice)

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cloves

• Optional: star anise or splash of brandy

Simmer everything gently for 10–15 minutes. Don’t boil — or nonna will haunt you.

Regional twist: In Trentino they add pine honey; in Tuscany they sneak in black pepper.

If you love the flavour of coffee but can’t handle caffeine, caffè d’orzo is your new best friend. Made from roasted barley, it’s nutty, earthy, and entirely caffeine-free.

A little history: During WWII, when coffee was scarce, Italians roasted barley as a substitute. It stuck — and now it’s beloved for its warmth and gentleness.

How to enjoy: Brew it in a moka pot, add foamed milk, and voilà — an orzo latte that tastes like toasty cookies.

Zia’s tip: Serve it after dinner with almond biscuits.

Not every Italian hot drink involves caffeine, sugar, or wine. Sometimes, you just want calm.

Popular Italian herbal teas:

• Camomilla (Chamomile): Italy’s universal sleep potion.

• Finocchio (Fennel): For digestion after pasta feasts.

• Melissa (Lemon balm): For anxiety and mood.

• Rosmarino or Salvia: For cold nights and sore throats.

These are more home remedy than hipster, but they’re the real soul of Italian comfort.

When Italians want something strong and cozy, they warm their liqueurs.

Punch al Mandarino combines citrus liqueur, honey, and hot water — a fragrant drink traditionally sipped at winter fairs.
Hot Limoncello is gentler: warmed slightly with lemon peel and sugar.

They’re both digestivi with a festive flair — the kind that warms you from the inside out

Before energy drinks and oat milk lattes, Italians trusted warm milk with honey. Every child has memories of nonna whispering, “Bevi, ti farà dormire meglio.” (Drink, you’ll sleep better.)

It’s simple, soothing, and genuinely works.

Zia’s twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of hazelnut cream.

Bonus: For the over-grown children among us, try Latte alla Nutella — heat milk and stir in a spoon of Nutella. You’re welcome.

This one’s for grown-ups. Bombardino is Italy’s answer to eggnog — a mix of egg liqueur, brandy, and whipped cream. It’s served piping hot on ski slopes, where it’s practically a survival necessity.

How to make it:

• 1 part Advocaat or egg liqueur

• 1 part brandy or whisky

• Warm gently (don’t boil), pour into a small glass, and top with whipped cream.

Zia’s verdict: “One warms your soul, two make you dance on the table.”

Why not turn these recipes into a cozy get-together?

Create your own Italian Winter Drinks Bar:

• A pot of vin brulé simmering.

• A jug of cioccolata calda ready to pour.

• A tray of orzo, tisane, and mugs.

• Plates of biscotti, panettone, and chocolate spoons.

Add fairy lights, Italian music, and a cheeky toast: “Alla salute, e al dolce far niente.” (To health, and the sweetness of doing nothing.)

Coffee may fuel Italy, but it’s these slower, softer drinks that heal it.
They’re about connection — with yourself, with family, and with the moment.

Next time you crave warmth, skip the espresso. Make something that makes you pause.