Caffe Corretto
Ingredients
- 1 ounce espresso – freshly brewed, hot
- 1/2 ounce grappa – room temperature
Instructions
1. Warm a demitasse cup with hot water, then empty it.
2. Pull 1 ounce of espresso directly into the prewarmed cup.
3. Measure 0.5 ounce of grappa and pour it into the espresso.
4. Give a brief stir to integrate without dissipating the crema.
5. Serve immediately while hot and sip slowly.
Caffe Corretto is a compact, aromatic Italian drink that marries the intensity of espresso with a measured splash of spirit. The grappa lends a gentle warmth and a grape-driven fragrance that rounds the bitter, roasty edges of the coffee. The result is a sippable, after-meal pick‑me‑up with layered aromas and a pleasantly lingering finish.
In Italy, “corretto” means “corrected,” a nod to the tradition of tempering espresso with alcohol at the bar. The custom grew with the rise of modern espresso culture in the 20th century, with regional preferences influencing the spirit—grappa is prevalent in the north, while anise-forward sambuca appears more often in central and southern regions. It is commonly enjoyed as a quick digestivo, reflecting the convivial cadence of Italian café life.