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PhrasesOrdering CoffeeUn caffè freddo, per favore.
A1

Un caffè freddo, per favore.

A cold coffee, please.

Pronunciation

FRED-do — two syllables, double 'd', stress on first syllable.

When to use it

In summer, especially in the south, when you want an espresso poured over ice or chilled and served cold.

What it means

'Caffè freddo' is espresso that has been chilled and served cold, often in a small glass with ice. In southern Italy it is extremely popular in summer. Different from a cold brew — it starts as a hot espresso and is chilled or poured over ice.

Variations

Un caffè freddo shakerato.

A shaken iced coffee.

'Shakerato' = espresso shaken vigorously with ice until frothy — elegant summer drink

Un cappuccino freddo.

A cold cappuccino.

Cold milk foam over espresso — refreshing in summer

Un caffè in ghiaccio.

A coffee over ice.

'In ghiaccio' = over ice — specifically in the Lecce and Puglia tradition

Mini Dialogue

— Un caffè freddo, per favore — fa troppo caldo. — Lo vuole shakerato o in ghiaccio? — Shakerato, grazie — mi piace la schiuma. — Ottima scelta per questa estate!

— A cold coffee, please — it is too hot. — Would you like it shaken or over ice? — Shaken, please — I like the foam. — Excellent choice for this summer!

Cultural Note

In Puglia, the local tradition is 'caffè in ghiaccio con latte di mandorla' — espresso poured over ice with almond milk. This combination, born in Lecce, is one of the great regional coffee specialities of Italy and is now spreading nationally.