Caffe Speciale, the coffee drink invented a seaside Italian town

A coffee drink in Puglia is as delicious as it is decadent.

Coffee in Italy

I’m always amazed at the amount of espresso Italians can put away. When I ask, they’ll oftentimes tell me that they have five or six espressos daily! When the coffee’s this good, I guess you want it all the time.

Photo: Brent Petersen

Of course there’s all kinds of ways to order a simple espresso besides “Un espresso, per favore.”

An Espresso Lungo adds a little more water, making it less strong. Macchiato adds just a touch of steamed milk while the iconic cappuccino features more steamed milk.

An Americano has even more water added than a Lungo, requiring a larger cup.

And, a latte? Well, don’t order that because you’ll get a glass of milk.

Lately, I’ve been fascinated with alcohol-laced coffee drinks. You know, like an Irish coffee. In Italy, you can get a Caffe Corretto, espresso with a shot of grappa.

Irish Coffee in Dublin (photo: Brent Petersen)

Caffe Speciale

The Caffe Speciale was invented in Polignano a Mare, a gorgeous seaside town in Puglia, at The Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella (The Super Wizard of Ice Mario Campanella). Mario combined espresso with cream, amaretto and lemon zest.

As an aside, if you get a chance to go to Mario Campanella, try their granita (aka Italian Ice), it’s some of the best I’ve ever tasted!

Caffe Speciale at Caffe Roma (photo: Brent Petersen)

At Caffe Roma in nearby Monopoli, they have their own spin on Caffe Speciale. Amaretto and Strega (an herbal liqueur) is added to espresso and topped with cream and cocoa powder. Incredibly decadent and quite delicious!

How to get to Puglia

Flights to Bari, the largest airport in Puglia are available via connection in Rome or Milan. Other cities also offer flights to Bari, but they are often seasonal.

From Bari Centrale station, you can get a train to Monopoli or Polignano a Mare.

About the Author

Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides on Destination Eat Drink, including several in Italy. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.