Coffee is a national passion in Italy and we are no different at Antica Torre Tornabuoni. We love a good coffee and all drinks made with this wonderful ingredient. That’s why we have decided to share this tradition with you by interviewing our dear breakfast colleague, Vanni, a coffee expert.

Antica Torre – Italy is famous for its coffee. What kind of grain is used in the Tower?

Vanni – 70% Robusta and 30% Arabica. The Robusta blend is the second most produced species in the world after the Arabica. Discovered in the 18th century in Congo, it owes its name to its particular resistance to diseases and parasites. It grows in Brazil, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Arabica is the finest quality of coffee. It originates in the mountainous territory of Ethiopia and was cultivated for the first time in today’s Yemen. Arabica grows luxuriantly in tropical areas between 900 and 2,200 meters above sea level, with temperatures no higher than 20 ° and with a little shade. It is more delicate than the robust.

Antica Torre – What types of coffee drinks are offered to our customers?

Vanni – Caffè Macchiato – espresso coffee with a small amount of milk, usually foamed.

Caffè Corretto – with drinks with a high alcohol content such as bitters or grappas.

Latte Macchiato – cream of milk and espresso.

Caffellatte – espresso with milk without cold or hot foam.

Cappuccino – steamed coffee and milk.

Moccaccino – consists of cappuccino, cream and chocolate, sometimes with the addition of cocoa powder.

Moroccan – coffee arranged in layers and served in a not very large glass cup: chocolate, espresso, cream, in that precise order.

Antica Torre – What is the most popular drink with coffee in the Tower?

Vanni – The cappuccino.

Antica Torre – Is there a right way to taste coffee to have the best experience?

Vanni – Calmly and without being nervous because caffeine would worsen your bad mood. The coffee should be enjoyed in company, better with a brioche. Without adding sugar of course. Best in a thick porcelain cup, which holds the aroma and warmth of the drink unlike glass.

Antica Torre – What would your definition of “Italian coffee” be?

Vanni – It is Italian if it is good, aromatic and at the same time with a strong taste.

Antica Torre – Come sarebbe la tua definizione di “caffè italiano”?

Vanni – È italiano se è buono, aromatico e allo stesso tempo di gusto deciso.