In terms of national stereotypes, there's the very popular cliché that when it comes to 'caffè', Italians take no prisoners. The humble espresso is a way of life, ingrained in the country's culture. A strong shot sans milk, they drink it small and they drink it fast; appropriate anytime, anywhere.
Whether you've had the pleasure of visiting Italy or it's still on the bucket list, the coffee connoisseurs at Nespresso have bottled the taste of Italia for the ultimate cup of barista-quality caffè in your own home.
The new Ispirazione Italiana range pays tribute to the country and its diverse coffee culture, comprising a selection of expertly crafted, distinct flavours inspired by the rich, coffee-roasting traditions of the regions: Italy's beloved Ristretto, Arpeggio from Florence, Napoli from Naples, Kazaar from Palermo, Venezia from Venice, Livanto from Genova and Roma from, you guessed it, Rome.
As a permanent range, Ispirazione Italiana coffees can be enjoyed any time of year. However, there's arguably no better time than the cold, damp doldrums of winter to elevate your cuppa and experiment with rich, indulgent flavours - perfectly paired with a cosy afternoon on the couch and a chocolatey treat.
To prompt your imagination, Nespresso has shared with Newshub several bespoke coffee recipes to showcase the Ispirazione Italiana range. Perhaps elevate your morning coffee moment with a maple and hazelnut cappuccino, or for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, enjoy a double espresso chai latte. For the ultimate end-of-day indulgence, maybe skip the Milo and opt for a hazelnut mocha - if you're sensitive to caffeine, perhaps don't consume too close to shut-eye.
Alternatively, if Nespresso isn't quite for you, a number of other brands stock Italian-inspired coffee pods to bring the taste of Italia to your cucina. Caffé Italiano offers an assortment of Italian coffee pods, while Vittoria has Nespresso-compatible pods featuring an Italian blend with tasting notes of raisin, pear and almond at a cheaper price point.
Morning moments
Maple and Hazelnut Cappuccino
Ingredients
- 10ml maple syrup
- 5ml hazelnut syrup
- 100ml milk of your preference
- Freshly grated toasted hazelnut (optional).
Method
- Pour the maple syrup and hazelnut syrup into a cappuccino cup.
- Extract 40ml of Nespresso Arpeggio over the syrup.
- Pour in hot, frothed milk and top with freshly grated toasted hazelnuts.
Permanent substitutions: Arpeggio Decaffeinato, Ristretto, Roma.
Double Espresso Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 15ml Chai syrup
- 2 x 40ml Nespresso Kazaar
- 150ml milk of your preference
- Ground cinnamon to garnish.
Method
- Pour the Chai syrup into a tall glass.
- Extract two 40ml of Nespresso Kazaar into the glass.
- Pour in hot, frothed milk and top with a dusting of ground cinnamon to garnish.
Permanent substitutions: Ristretto, Ristretto Decaffeinato, Napoli.
Afternoon moments
Honey and Almond Cappuccino
Ingredients
- 10ml honey
- 40ml Nespresso Venezia
- 100ml almond milk
- 2.5ml almond essence (0.5 tsp)
- 10g toasted, slivered almonds.
Method
- Roughly chop 10ml toasted almonds into slivers.
- Pour the honey into the bottom of a cappuccino cup.
- Extract Nespresso Venezia over the top and leave for 15 seconds to allow the honey to melt into the espresso - stir to combine.
- Froth the almond milk with the almond essence and pour the hot milk over the top.
- Top with the slivered almonds.
Permanent substitutions: Roma, Genova Livanto.
Indulgent moment
Hazelnut Mocha
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp hazelnut spread
- 40ml Nespresso Napoli
- 100ml milk of your preference
- 30ml whipped cream
- 1 tsp chocolate powder.
Method
- Place the hazelnut spread at the bottom of your mug.
- Extract Nespresso Napoli over the top of the spread.
- Pour in hot, frothed milk and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of chocolate powder.
Permanent substitutions: Palermo Kazaar, Ristretto, Ristretto Decaffeinato.
Milk Suggestions
Arpeggio as a flat white: As a flat white, the fruity notes are softened and cocoa notes ring true. The short roasting time lends to a velvety body.
Napoli as a macchiato: As a macchiato this coffee’s distinct character pushes through the dollop of milk and notes of bittersweet chocolate and rich caramel emerge.
Ristretto as a cappuccino: As a cappuccino, Ristretto retains its strength as the addition of milk will not hide the espresso’s complexity but rather enhance, by adding creamy body and velvety texture.
Venezia as a flat white: As a flat white, the milk adds to the rounded smooth and sweet notes of the espresso. It sings as a coffee with milk and enhances its balanced profile.
Kazaar as a latte: The thick espresso base makes an ideal platform for thick, creamy milk and froth. The peppery notes soften and the bitterness turns into a soft caramelised sugar and dark chocolate note.
