The Corretto
You may have heard of Irish Coffee, but if whiskey isn’t your cup of tea, we have another coffee and alcohol option for you: The Corretto.
You may have heard of Irish Coffee, but if whiskey isn’t your cup of tea, we have another coffee and alcohol option for you: The Corretto.
Coffee Chaser
In the 1930s, Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime was promoting the newly developed espresso machine in an effort to fuel its hard working laborers. Just as Italians got hooked on coffee, the government began facing tariffs and sanctions that rose coffee prices to levels only the elite could afford. This led to workers coming up with more creative ways of getting their coffee fill, substituting ingredients such as orzo or chicory. However, it also led to a beverage so bitter, that their only option was to chase it with alcohol. And so the Caffe Corretto (or “corrected” coffee) was born.
In the 1930s, Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime was promoting the newly developed espresso machine in an effort to fuel its hard working laborers. Just as Italians got hooked on coffee, the government began facing tariffs and sanctions that rose coffee prices to levels only the elite could afford. This led to workers coming up with more creative ways of getting their coffee fill, substituting ingredients such as orzo or chicory. However, it also led to a beverage so bitter, that their only option was to chase it with alcohol. And so the Caffe Corretto (or “corrected” coffee) was born.
Since alcohol is very regional, different parts of Italy added different types of alcohol to their “coffee” concoction. Corretto in Northern Italy, consumed mainly by farmers and workers in the morning, would add grappa or brandy. Central and Southern Italy leaned more towards anisette, using the Corretto as a post-meal digestive beverage.
Where Can I Find It?
Nowadays, the Corretto has become much less popular, relegated mainly to old people relieving the days of yore. But, you can still find it highlighted in certain fine dining establishments across the country. For example, Chicago’s Monteverde allows its guests to order an espresso with an accompanying spirit, Luxardo Sambuca, Bonollo Gra’it Grappa or Hine H Cognac. Piccolo Sogno or Coco Pazzo in Chicago will also serve you up this bold beverage.
Nowadays, the Corretto has become much less popular, relegated mainly to old people relieving the days of yore. But, you can still find it highlighted in certain fine dining establishments across the country. For example, Chicago’s Monteverde allows its guests to order an espresso with an accompanying spirit, Luxardo Sambuca, Bonollo Gra’it Grappa or Hine H Cognac. Piccolo Sogno or Coco Pazzo in Chicago will also serve you up this bold beverage.
Brandy, grappa or Sambuca are the traditional partners for Corretto. Depending on the bartender, it may come pre-mixed or in a separate cup and shot. Go check it out!