The Ritual of Italian Espresso

For an Italian, espresso is more than just a cup of coffee. It is a ritual—deeply ingrained in the essence of Italian culture. Though the cup is small, it is meant to be savored: for the flavor, the feeling, and the quiet moment it offers to pause and appreciate life in its simplest form.

Some of my earliest memories are tied to espresso. As a child at my nonni’s house, after they finished their coffee, my nonna would let me use the tiny espresso spoon to scrape up the sugar soaked in espresso left at the bottom of the cup. It felt like such a treat—small, special, and full of love.

Years later, I experienced that same magic in Italy. While staying in my ancestral home in Petacciato, I woke up to the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed espresso. My bisnonna's delicate porcelain cup sat waiting for me on the nightstand, brought up by my great-aunt with care. That moment—simple, quiet, and deeply meaningful—has stayed with me ever since.

In 2017, my husband and I stayed in a Tuscan farmhouse in Panzano di Chianti. It was perched at the edge of town, with a terrace overlooking the rolling countryside and Florence in the distance. In the kitchen sat a red Lavazza Blue espresso machine. It used espresso pods—similar to a Keurig, but for espresso—and I loved how quickly I could prepare a perfect cup. I drank far more espresso than my husband during that stay, savoring each one.

When we returned home to the U.S., I immediately bought a Lavazza Blue espresso maker of my own. Now, every time I make a cup, it transports me right back to that magical Tuscan farmhouse—proof of how powerful a simple ritual can be.

Espresso is more than coffee.
It is an act of love, a moment to reflect, and a reminder to enjoy life’s small pleasures.

Whether you use a moka pot, an espresso machine, or even a Nespresso with pods, make time in your day to enjoy the Italian ritual of espresso. This is how you bring la dolce vita into your everyday life.

Love,

Katia