There's nothing more reliable than that first cup of coffee each morning to get me out of Club ZZZ and into the routine of a frenetic work day. But coffee isn't just about the caffeine kick. It's a source of great joy for many, and considered an art to some, most particularly, the Italians who have come up with a couple of gorgeous variations in which coffee can be enjoyed.

I've added a couple of these recipes here so that we can all partake in the symphony of great coffee.

Use only the best coffee which you can brew through a coffee percolator (or coffee filter machine), plunger, or through an espresso machine.

When making shorter coffees, such as espresso, it is important to use an espresso machine so that you reach the correct strength and intensity. An espresso is made from forcing extremely hot water through finely ground coffee to achieve both a gorgeous crema, as well as an intense and rich drink. I'd suggest Lavazza, as it's a robust and fragrant coffee that's really hard to beat.

caffè Espresso — short fragrant coffee with a thick golden crema.

  • Serve in an espresso cup.

  • Use your plunger or espresso machine to create your espresso.

  • A full-bodied espresso (35ml) should be prepared with 7 grams of freshly ground coffee drawn for 30 seconds.

    • caffè Macchiato — espresso coffee with a dash of hot milk foam.

  • Serve in an espresso cup.

  • Prepare your espresso coffee by using your plunger or espresso machine.

  • Add 10 ml of creamy dense foamed milk — you can use a milk frother to foam your milk. It is important to heat the milk before foaming it.

  • Add a dash of hot milk foam to your espresso.

    • And finally, to add a South African flavour to this Italian gold, here's a great home traditional:

    Koffie met ietsie

  • Serve in a heavy mug that has 'World's best DAD' emblazoned in blue on the side. If you don't have one of these, any old mug will do.

  • To be enjoyed around glowing embers of braai.

  • Prepare a pot of freshly ground coffee.

  • Add a tot or so of your favourite whisky. This is according to taste, but don't go overboard. The idea is for the whisky to aid the coffee in warming you up thoroughly, but not to knock you out.

  • Add milk to taste and at the very least, one heaped spoon of sugar.

    • Look out for more great recipes in Coffee Cuisine next week.


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