Ammazzacaffè

Amaro, served right after espresso

Ammazzacaffè (Italian: [amˌmattsakafˈfɛ]; lit. 'coffee-killer') is a small glass of liqueur usually consumed after coffee to dull its taste or the effects of caffeine. It is a common Italian custom, especially after a generous festive meal.

Ammazzacaffè originated with the aristocracy, where it was common to move to a different room to smoke and to serve a cognac or brandy after dinner. It was eventually assimilated into popular culture, and is a common custom in Italy, even at lunch. It is usually a form of bitters, or a local liqueur. In some northern regions such as Veneto and Trentino, people used to rinse out the emptied coffee cup with liqueur (traditionally grappa) that they would then drink (resentin); this also happens in Piedmont, where this custom is called "pusacaffè".

External links

• "Ammazzacaffè: la guida definitiva". Coffee and news. (in Italian)