By accident…I somehow received “gas” water in Italy. ..after wrinkling my nose, the kind waitress said..”you like no gas?”..I said, “umm…yes, no gas please”.
Just so no one has to suffer this painful gassy experience let’s talk about drinks in Italy.
Of course, we have discussed the coffee thing before but let me remind you , if you order a “cafe”, you will get what we in US think of as an espresso (one half sip of pure coffee bean juice-yum). Now I have become “un cafe” lover and drink mine straight up! Italians will add a packet of sugar and stir until it becomes what can only be a pasty like substance…to each his own. If you would like some milk you can ask for “cafe latte”, or a “cappuccino”..but please don’t tag yourself a tourist and order the later after 10am …this is not Italian.
Water-“acqua” sometimes will be on your dinner table already in a bottle, feel free to drink-the water in Italy is wonderful and plentiful. I have seen many times lines of people on the side of the roads filling their jugs of fresh spring water. Fountains are everywhere and the water is safe and delicious. However, BE CAREFUL…I am not a sparkling water gal…I think it is something you mix with other liquids to create adult beverages and I know my friends in California just drink sparkling water on purpose but anyway…in Italy, bottled waters will come “fizzy” (or “gas”) or “naturale” or (“no gas”). READ the labels if you are buying water, read the labels if it is sitting on your table …those bubbles can make you crazy if you were expecting plain old water.
Milk-one night after a lovely rich dessert, my kid ordered a glass of milk-something we do here in the US after chocolate cake or Oreo’s…well, she received HOT milk…hmm…she was brave and tried it. So you may want to learn “calda”=hot, “freddo”=cold…just in case.
One of our favorite things to say and drink is “chocolata caldo”=hot chocolate. But it is really like hot chocolate pudding, they serve it with a spoon!!!! yeah
Now my most UN favorite thing to buy is soda (Coke, Sprite, etc). BOY are they pricey, up to 5euro a can. The cans are small and slim. You will spend a full day’s meal allowance if you drink soda’s. My advice is to wean yourself off before you arrive or take out a small second mortgage…your choice. Fanta is the “rage” drink of choice of the few Italian kids we have seen. Also, they have these yogurt looking serving cups that have flavored teas (peach, mango, etc). These are also very popular and very sweet.
Seriously…”When in Rome….” …stick with the wine. It is the cheapest (about 1euro a glass), it doesn’t have all the yucky preservatives like our wines have so you don’t “feel” the effects, and it is the best you will ever have. My mother-in -law has 2 glasses a day and she will out live us all!
Salute!
Cappuccino, only at breakfast please!
Arrgggg…soda pop.
Fill up…the water from fountains is safe and yummy.
you can find little “milk machines” around towns that sell fresh milk from the Farmer..it’s like a coke machine for milk!
or just stick with the wine…it’s cheap.
