A trip to Salento
Before we dive into the history of Caffè Leccese, let's take a short journey
to discover where it all began. Salento is a subregion of Apulia in southern
Italy, and Lecce is one of its most representative cities. Also known as the "Florence of the
South" for its rich artistic and architectural heritage, Lecce is a place where
history, tradition, and modernity harmoniously intertwine.
The origins of Caffè Leccese
Legend has it that Caffè Leccese was invented at the end of World War II by Antonio
Quarta. After returning to Lecce, Antonio opened a bar in the city center,
where he began roasting his own coffee, using blends of beans from Central America. His most famous creation, the Avio blend,
quickly became a symbol of quality and tradition.
Antonio Quarta was not only a roaster but also an innovator. He was the first to equip himself
with the first espresso machines, bringing a touch of modernity to
the heart of Salento. But the brilliant idea that made him famous was the Caffè
in Ghiaccio (iced coffee), a fresh and irresistible variation of coffee that was perfectly suited to the
hot summers of Apulia.
The creation of Caffè in Ghiaccio
The inspiration for Caffè Leccese came from a practical necessity: A way had to be found
to enjoy coffee even on hot summer days,
without sacrificing the pleasure of a good cup. Antonio Quarta had the
intuition to serve hot coffee over ice, creating a refreshing drink
that was also rich in flavor.
The traditional preparation of Caffè Leccese involves using a Moka pot, which
extracts an intense and aromatic coffee. Once the coffee is ready, it is poured into
a cup and allowed to rest. In the meantime, ice and
a shot of cold almond milk, made from almonds and sugar dissolved in water,
are placed in a glass. The coffee is then poured into the glass, creating a
drink that combines the strength of coffee with the sweetness and freshness of almond milk.
Caffè Leccese today
Today, Caffè Leccese is more popular than ever and is a symbol of a tradition that can renew itself
without losing its connection to the past. In the bars of Lecce and Salento,
this drink continues to be served with the same love and care as before,
becoming an indispensable ritual for the region's residents and an
unforgettable experience for visitors.
How to prepare the true Caffè Leccese
If you want to bring a piece of Salento home, here is the traditional
recipe for preparing Caffè Leccese:
Ingredients:
- Caffè Quarta, prepared with a Moka pot (from three cups)
- Ice
- Almond milk (Original recipe: water, sugar, 10% Apulian almonds)
Preparation: - Prepare three cups of Caffè Quarta with the Moka pot. Let the coffee rest in a cup.
- Take three glasses and fill them with ice.
- Add a shot (40 ml) of almond milk to each glass. Make sure the almond milk
is cold! - Pour the coffee resting in the cup into the glasses with ice and almond milk.
Done! Your Caffè Leccese is ready to enjoy. Every sip transports you to the heart
of Salento, between its sunny streets and ancient rituals.
Discover Quarta's Avio blend
For an authentic Caffè Leccese, there's nothing better than Quarta's Avio blend,
available in our online shop. This historic blend, made from
high-quality beans from Central America, guarantees.
