The world’s divided into two – those who love caffe corretto, and those who have never tried it. If you want in, you need to give caffe corretto (also known as espresso corretto) a try. Make this Italian coffee cocktail with espresso and a touch of liquor. Not only is it a multi-textured experience it’s simply irresistible.
First devised in Italy, caffe corretto is a delicious and energizing coffee drink. its name literally means “corrected coffee”, and refers to the addition of a small amount of alcohol, typically grappa, sambuca or brandy. This gives your espresso corretto a slightly sweet and boozy flavor, perfect for sipping after a meal. What’s more, the alcohol content of a corretto can help to digest a heavy meal and provide a pleasant pick-me-up.
Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner drink to round off a meal, or you need a morning after the night before jolt of energy to get you started, caffe corretto is a great choice.
What is a caffe corretto
it’s a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and a tablespoon of grappa. Traditionally served in a small cup. Although it is not as well-known as other espresso-based coffee drinks, espresso corretto has several benefits that make it worth trying. The shot of espresso provides a boost of energy that can last for hours. The grappa also has energizing properties, and it helps to smooth out the bitterness of the coffee.
Making an espresso corretto
You make a corretto with a shot of espresso and a shot of liquor, typically grappa, though increasingly popular alternatives are sambuca or brandy.
To make caffe corretto at home, start by brewing a shot of espresso. Then, add a shot of grappa, sambuca or brandy. How about serving it neat or over ice. For an extra touch of luxury, add a twist of lemon or a dash of sugar. A corretto is the perfect way to enjoy the unique flavors of Italy in one delicious drink.
Top Tip: You don’t need to invest in an expensive espresso machine to make shots of espresso for your corretto. Check out my post: How to make espresso without a machine.
The Coffee Beans and Brew Method for caffe corretto
Some coffee drinkers believe that the best beans to use for caffe corretto are those that are dark and complex. This gives the drink a strong, rich and deep flavor and a nice-full-bodied mouth feel. However, any high-quality espresso beans will work well for this recipe.
Look for a coffee bean that will give your coffee cocktail a strong flavor and satisfying mouth feel. Start with either a 100% dark roast arabica. Or, why not go all in with a full-on Italian arabica robusta blend. As always buy the best quality coffee beans you can find and use them fresh, grinding only what you need, when you need it.
The get the best espresso corretto experience, you also need to use a good quality grinder, as this will make all the difference in the flavor of your drink.
Several different brewing methods can be used to make an espresso cocktail. One of the most popular methods is to use an espresso machine to brew the coffee. However, if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can also use a French press or even a stovetop moka pot.
How to make a caffe corretto at home
Equipment
- Espresso maker or coffee maker
- 2 shot glasses
Ingredients
- 2 shots Grappa (Grappa is an Italian liquor)
- 2 shots espresso
Method
- Start by brewing an espresso coffee using your preferred brewing method
- Pour the coffee into a small serving glass
- Serve with a shot of grappa, bourbon, or any other strong spirits to add to the coffee
- Stir well and enjoy!
Top Tips for making caffe corretto at home
There are two common, but different, ways to serve a caffe corretto:
- One is to add a shot of liquor, such as brandy, cognac, or grappa, directly to the espresso and then serve.
- Alternatively, serve a shot choice of your choice of alcohol in a glass alongside the cup of espresso. This gives you the choice of how much to add to the coffee, and how much to keep as a separate shot.
With practice, you will find your personal sweet spot of coffee to liquor, or maybe just enjoy a shot of something warming with your coffee – hey, whatever gets you where you need to be!
You can also drink it like the Italians do: after you mix your alcohol and espresso, drink it quickly in one or two gulps. maximum hit, with minimum fuss.
You can also, if you prefer, customize your caffe corretto by adding a sweetener, such as honey or sugar.
Or how about adding some spices or flavored syrups to give your drink an extra kick.
Just remember: for the perfect caffe corretto experience, the coffee should remain the star in the cup, with the alcohol adding only an extra flourish.
Variations on the standard corretto
For an added twist – do as the Italians and enjoy your caffe corretto with a light snack like a biscotti.
Looking to impress dinner guests? caffe corretto really is easy to make at home, with just a few ingredients. And your guests will definitely remember dinner at your place.
Caffe corretto recipe
Equipment
- Espresso maker optional
- 2 shot glasses
Ingredients
- 2 shots Grappa Grappa is an Italian liquor.
- 2 shots espresso
Instructions
- 1. Start by brewing an espresso coffee using your preferred brewing method.2. Pour the coffee into a small serving glass.3. Serve with a shot of grappa, bourbon, or any other strong spirits to add to the coffee.4. Stir well and enjoy!
Notes
- One is to add a shot of liquor, such as brandy, cognac, or grappa, directly to the espresso and then serve.
- Alternatively, serve a shot choice of your choice of alcohol in a glass alongside the cup of espresso. This gives you the choice of how much to add to the coffee, and how much to keep as a separate shot.
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.
Hi, I’m Eric Loftuss, co-founder of Bean Thirst with my wife Sophie.
My Coffee journey started young. I used to help my mom with the weekly shopping trip and we always called in to a coffee wholesaler and retail outlet in our town.
I really started to learn about coffee when, while in college, I worked in a local coffee shop and trained as a barista. Even though I went on to qualify and work as a lawyer, I still get a kick out of brewing a cup of Joe.
Sophie and I are so glad to be part of your coffee journey. Find out more about us