Oggi at In Dietro Caffe

Our OG barista, Sam, shared with us a brief picture of her amazing travel in Europe.

"In the summer of 2023, I visited Italy, Spain, and France with my family. We did a Mediterranean cruise and flew out to Barcelona. As we were in Rome, I finally got an iced latte! Over in Italy, iced coffees are not very common, and at another spot, one of the waiters brought me iced almond milk because he did not understand. But, the iced latte I had in Rome was perfect! Throughout the trip, I kept attempting to get iced lattes when we were in other parts of Italy, France & Spain.

 Another interesting thing I noticed while abroad was the number of people sitting around at cafes throughout the day. I kept wondering, “Do they work?! Why is everyone out and about?!” But then realized it’s a part of their day. They take their days slow and take time to enjoy each other's company, whether sitting and enjoying a coffee, or just walking the streets. Overall, it was a great experience to spend with my family and the best trip I have ever taken. This cafe & the environment we created truly does remind me of being back in Italy, from our delicious pastries and coffee, to our amazing staff."

Christmas Coffee Traditions Around the World

As the holiday season arrives, coffee becomes more than just a morning ritual—it transforms into a key player in festive celebrations around the world. From spiced brews to unique customs, Christmas coffee traditions vary across cultures, adding a delightful touch of warmth and flavor to the most wonderful time of the year. Join us on a journey through global coffee customs that make Christmas a truly caffeinated celebration.

In the United States, the holiday coffee scene is marked by indulgent concoctions. Eggnog lattes, a festive favorite, combine the rich, creamy taste of eggnog with bold espresso—a comforting blend that captures the essence of Christmas. Gingerbread-flavored coffee also takes center stage, offering a delightful mix of spices and sweetness, making it the perfect accompaniment to holiday cookies and treats.

In Italy, the Christmas coffee tradition is deeply rooted in the love for espresso. Italians enjoy their strong, aromatic shots of espresso alongside sweet panettone—a festive, dome-shaped cake filled with candied fruits and raisins. The combination of the bold espresso and the fruity, fluffy panettone is a timeless Italian Christmas pairing that brings joy to families across the country.

In Scandinavian countries, the Christmas season is synonymous with warmth and coziness. The tradition of enjoying glögg—a spiced, mulled wine—is complemented by a coffee ritual known as kafferep. Families and friends gather for coffee, often accompanied by a variety of traditional Christmas pastries and cookies, embracing the Scandinavian love for hygge.

In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, the Christmas season is celebrated with a unique coffee tradition known as 'Bunna Tetu.' Families come together to roast and prepare special Christmas coffee, featuring spices such as cloves and cinnamon. The coffee ceremony is a symbol of unity and togetherness, with the aromatic brew bringing people together to share stories and laughter during the festive season.

In Austria the coffeehouse culture takes on a special charm during the Christmas season. Viennese coffee houses are adorned with festive decorations, and patrons enjoy rich, velvety coffees like the Einspänner—a double espresso topped with whipped cream. The warm and elegant atmosphere of Viennese coffee houses becomes a haven during the winter months, offering a delightful escape into the heart of Christmas.

Source: Nationwide Coffee Co.