Caffe Corretto Recipe: A Zesty Italian Coffee Cocktail

The Caffe Corretto is a classic Italian drink that combines espresso with a splash of grappa. People often describe it as a cocktail, but it’s not limited to evenings, with just enough alcohol to add a flavour boost to the coffee.

To learn how to make this espresso with a twist, read on for the simple Caffe Corretto recipe below.

What is a Caffe Corretto?

The Caffe Corretto is an Italian drink made by adding a small amount of grappa (or other alcohol) to a shot of espresso. The word corretto means “corrected”, with the idea that you’ve corrected the coffee with the addition of alcohol. The combination of coffee and alcohol goes a long way back, but this particular drink is thought to have originated around the 1930s. At this time, coffee was scarce and expensive and often supplemented by chicory or orzo – the splash of grappa was vital for “correcting” the bitter flavour (1).

When ordering, you would typically specify which one you want, asking for un caffè corretto alla grappa or un caffè corretto alla sambucca.

Your Caffe Corretto is often served with the grappa already added. But, in some cafes, they may serve you with the alcohol in a separate shot glass, so you can add it to suit your taste.

Caffe Corretto Recipe

If you know how to make an espresso, you know how to make a Caffe Corretto. Preparing this Italian coffee drink couldn’t be easier.

How To Make the Caffe Corretto

Now, here’s our easy-to-follow guide on how to make a caffe corretto.

Step 1: Grind the beans

Even though you’re adding alcohol, the taste of this drink relies on good espresso, so freshly ground beans are a must. You’ll want a medium-fine grind.

Step 2: Make the coffee

Pull your espresso as usual directly into the serving cup.

Step 3: Add the grappa

You should add the grappa directly before drinking to avoid the alcohol evaporating. If you’ve never had a Caffe Corretto before, start with just a few drops and add more to the taste.

Tips for the best Caffe Corretto

The Caffe Corretto is just as simple as espresso with grappa, but a few traditional guidelines will help you get the best experience.

• The amount of alcohol: Alcohol is added entirely to taste (especially if you’re making it at home), but the general rule is that it shouldn’t be more than 5 ml. Coffee should still be the predominant taste.
• Alcohol temperature: Whatever tipple you choose, make sure it’s one at room temperature. Cold alcohol can disperse the crema on the espresso.
• Types of alcohol: Even within Italy, people use a wide range of alcohols, and it’s entirely up to your tastes. But liqueurs with fruit or citrus flavours are always avoided. Why not make your own coffee liqueur for an intense coffee flavour to add to your Caffe Corretto.

Other Italian coffee with alcohol

The Caffe Corretto is the most popular coffee cocktail in Italy. Still, depending on the region you might also encounter the calimero, an espresso topped with egg liqueur and whipped cream, or moretta fanese, an espresso with rum, brandy, Pernod, and lemon zest.

Outside of Italy, the combination of coffee and alcohol takes on a wide variety of forms. You’re probably familiar with the warming Irish coffee or the classic espresso martini recipe, but these drinks can get as extravagant as the flaming Spanish coffee. Or if you just want coffee with lemon – no alcohol included – try Home Grounds’ Mazagran coffee recipe.