Maham What Florence Drinks in Autumn: A Marocchino Recipe
Coffee Chats: A little autumn coffee story about what Florence drinks in autumn, embedded with the recipe for Marocchino.
“Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.” — Charles Maurice de Talleyrand (classic description of coffee)
For me, autumn is the time of year that makes coffee feel a bit more special, and even more inviting. Cool autumn mornings and softly lit afternoons make it the perfect time to pause at a cafe, or even at home.
Somehow, the autumn season adds a different mood to our coffee cravings. In Florence, autumn brings forth warmer, richer flavors, such as chocolate, Biscoff, hazelnut, chestnut, cinnamon and perhaps a little caramel. Café menus become more adventurous, with seasonal specials appearing alongside the Italian classics.
Caffè al Banco, A True Italian Expression
‘Caffe al banco’ means having coffee at the counter; it is the Italian custom of ordering and sipping an espresso while standing right at the bar counter.
Regardless of what Florence actually drinks in autumn, coffee is an essential part of everyday life. A little caffe at the counter is a true Italian expression and one of the simplest pleasures of the Italian lifestyle.
To witness the most common scenes of a Florentine morning, walk past a neighborhood bar, and you will find someone ordering a quick espresso at the counter or a cappuccino with a freshly baked cornetto. The baristas move effortlessly between the coffee machine and the pastry display. Nothing particularly elaborate, just a small ritual repeated every day.
The Italian coffee rituals are deeply rooted. Like un caffe al banco or a cappuccino as a breakfast drink only. A macchiato offers just a touch of milk for those who prefer their coffee a little softer, and an espresso can be cherished as an after-dinner drink.
What Florence Drinks in Autumn: A Little Chocolate, A Little Coffee
What I love about Florentine coffee culture is the comfort of familiarity along with the room for experimentation.
As autumn arrives, some cafés in Florence introduce their own seasonal interpretations: pumpkin-spiced lattes, Biscoff danish latte, chocolate creations, hazelnut combinations and drinks with chestnut or warming spices. These specials change from café to café, and sometimes disappear as quickly as they arrive. Seasonal coffee discoveries are part of the fun of exploring Florence, one coffee stop at a time.
But what do Florentines drink in autumn, other than the American-inspired pumpkin spice latte? One special drink: Marocchino.
Usually served in small glasses, the Marocchino is a delicious blend of espresso, cocoa and velvety milk foam. It is a rich coffee drink without being overwhelming.
Recipe: Making a Marocchino at Home
A Marocchino is not quite a cappuccino and not quite a hot chocolate. It has a character of its own.
The best part is that you can easily make a delicious cup of marocchino at home with this easy recipe.
For a little autumn coffee ritual, you will need:
- 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (or strong moka coffee)
- 1–2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- A little warm milk
- Milk foam
- A light dusting of cocoa to finish
Warm a small transparent glass, add a little cocoa powder, and pour in your freshly prepared espresso. Add a dash of warm milk. Froth a small amount of warm milk until soft and velvety, then spoon the foam over the coffee. Finish with another delicate dusting of cocoa.
Adjust the proportions to your taste. Find a comfortable corner and take a few minutes to enjoy it.
A Small Coffee Ritual for an Autumn Afternoon
As for me, I think this autumn calls for a Marocchino: small, chocolaty, comforting and just a little indulgent.
Your turn: What about you? Are you reaching for a classic espresso, a seasonal pumpkin latte or something a little more chocolaty this autumn?
Perhaps that is what autumn coffee is really about. It doesn’t always have to be a new flavour or an elaborate seasonal creation. Sometimes it is simply about slowing down, experiencing the changing mood of the weather and finding pleasure in familiar everyday coffee rituals.
