Café Romano

Café Romano is a shot of espresso served with a twist of lemon — the citrus oils rubbed on the rim and the peel dropped in or served alongside. Bright, aromatic, and sugar-free, it is Italy's simplest espresso variation.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 2

Course Drinks

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1

Calories 5 kcal

Ingredients

1 shot Espresso freshly pulled, about 1 fl oz
1 strip Lemon peel a 2-inch twist of organic lemon peel, no pith
Sugar optional, to taste

Instructions

Cut a 2-inch twist of lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Rub the peel around the rim of the espresso cup to release the citrus oils.
Pull a fresh espresso shot directly into the prepared cup.
Drop the lemon twist into the cup or serve it on the saucer. Drink immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

Use an organic, unwaxed lemon — the peel's oils are the point. Some serve the lemon on the side rather than in the cup.

Keyword café romano, espresso, lemon