Caffè Corretto: The Classic Italian Coffee Pick-Me-Up

Caffè Corretto, meaning "corrected coffee" in Italian, is a simple yet delightful after-dinner drink. This recipe offers two ways to enjoy this classic: the traditional "corrected" method and a sweeter variation.

Ingredients:

Classic Caffè Corretto:

• 1 shot espresso (around 1.5 ounces)
• 0.5 ounce (15 ml) of your favorite spirit or liqueur (suggestions below)

Sweet Caffè Corretto (Caffè con Ammazzacaffè):

• 1 shot espresso (around 1.5 ounces)
• Sugar to taste
• 0.5 ounce (15 ml) of your favorite spirit or liqueur (suggestions below)

Liquor/Liqueur Options:

1. Grappa: A strong Italian grape brandy, perfect for a bold kick.

2. Brandy: Cognac or Armagnac offer a sophisticated touch.

3. Sambuca: Adds a touch of anise flavor (be aware, this can be strong for some).

4. Amaro: A wide variety of Italian bitters can be used, like Averna or Montenegro, for a complex herbal aroma.

5. Liqueur: Opt for something like Amaretto (almond) or Strega (herbal) for a sweeter twist.

Instructions:

• Brew your espresso: Use a stovetop espresso maker or your preferred method for a strong shot.
• Classic Caffè Corretto:
• Pour the hot espresso directly into a heat-resistant demitasse cup or espresso cup.
• Slowly pour your chosen spirit or liqueur on top of the espresso, allowing it to create a layered effect.

Sweet Caffè Corretto (Caffè con Ammazzacaffè):

• Add sugar to your taste in the demitasse cup.
• Pour the hot espresso over the sugar and stir to dissolve.
• Then, follow step 2 from the Classic Caffè Corretto instructions.

Tips:

• Use high-quality espresso for the best flavor.
• Heat your demitasse cup with hot water before pouring the espresso for better temperature retention.
• Experiment with different liqueurs and spirits to find your favorite combination.
• Be mindful of the alcohol content, especially when choosing stronger spirits.

Enjoy your Caffè Corretto!