Language/Italian/Vocabulary/Drinks

Italian Vocabulary - Drinks

Hi Italian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will go over some common drinks in Italian. You will learn their names and how to pronounce them correctly. We will also provide some cultural information and interesting facts about these drinks. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to order these beverages like a true Italian!

After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Family Vocabulary in Italian, Dinner Table, People in Italian & Food.

Popular Italian Drinks

Italy is famous for its food and drinks. In fact, Italy is the birthplace of some of the most popular drinks in the world, such as espresso and cappuccino. Italian drinks are not only delicious, they also have a rich cultural history.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular drinks in Italy:

Espresso

File:Espresso small cup.jpg

Espresso

Espresso is the quintessential Italian coffee. It is a strong, concentrated coffee that is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is usually served in a small cup and is enjoyed at any time of the day. It is a staple in Italian culture and is often enjoyed while standing up at the bar. In fact, it is considered bad manners to ask for an espresso in a mug, as the Italian tradition demands it to be served in a small cup.

Italian: Espresso
Pronunciation: /esˈprɛsso/
English: Espresso

Cappuccino

File:Cappuccino at CREATivE Coffee, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees.jpg

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a type of coffee that is made with espresso and steamed milk. It is topped with a layer of frothed milk, and is usually served in a large cup. Italians typically only drink cappuccino in the morning, as it is believed that the milk can upset your digestion later in the day. In fact, ordering a cappuccino after a meal is seen as a major faux pas.

Italian: Cappuccino
Pronunciation: /kapputˈtʃiːno/
English: Cappuccino

Limoncello

File:Limoncello Glass.jpg

Limoncello

Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur that is made with lemon zest, alcohol, sugar, and water. It is primarily produced in Southern Italy, and is often made by families using secret family recipes. Limoncello is typically served ice-cold and sipped slowly after a meal. It is believed to aid digestion and is often served as a digestif.

Italian: Limoncello
Pronunciation: /limonˈtʃɛllo/
English: Limoncello

Aperol Spritz

File:Aperol Spritz.jpg

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian aperitif that is made of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. It is typically served in a large wine glass with a slice of orange. Aperol Spritz is a refreshing drink that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is also a popular choice during the traditional Italian aperitivo hour.

Italian: Aperol Spritz
Pronunciation: /apeˈrɔl spritz/
English: Aperol Spritz

Bellini

File:Bellini cocktail at Harry's Bar, Venice.jpg

Bellini

Bellini is a famous Italian cocktail that was created in Venice. It is made with Prosecco and peach puree or nectar, and is typically served in a champagne flute. The drink's name is believed to have been inspired by the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, who was known for his use of pink in his paintings. Today, Bellini is a popular drink at brunches and special occasions.

Italian: Bellini
Pronunciation: /belˈliːni/
English: Bellini

Dialogue

Marco and Sofia are at a coffee shop in Rome. They are looking at the menu and deciding what to order.

• Marco: Vorrei prendere un espresso, per favore. (I would like to have an espresso, please.)
• Sofia: Anch'io prendo un espresso. (I'll have an espresso too.)
• Marco: Vuoi provare anche un cappuccino? (Do you want to try a cappuccino as well?)
• Sofia: No, grazie. Ho già sentito che è meglio berlo solo al mattino. (No, thank you. I heard it's better to drink it only in the morning.)
• Marco: Hai ragione. Allora prendiamo due espressi. (You're right. Let's have two espressos.)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned about some of the most popular drinks in Italy. Remember to always use the correct pronunciation when ordering these beverages. Don't be afraid to ask a native Italian speaker for advice on where to find the best cappuccino or limoncello. To improve your Italian Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

- Grandi, N. (2017). Italian culture: facts, customs, traditions, and food. Trento: New Global Publishing. - Petruccioli, A. (2015). Eating and drinking in Italy: Italian menu reader and restaurant guide. New York, NY: Hippocrene Books.

Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Body parts, longest word, Foods and Drinks & Pronouns in İtalian.

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Sources

• Italian Vocabulary - Drinks in Italian
• Essential Italian Vocabulary For Talking about Drinks
• Drinks in Italian: 65 Fresh and Juicy Words to Drink Right Down