Italian Almond Syrup's Key Role in Caffè Leccese Tradition

The Sweet Taste of Puglia: Italian Almond Syrup

The southern Italian region of Puglia is known for its delicious food, historic towns, and beautiful beaches. It's also the birthplace of a beloved coffee drink made with locally produced almond syrup called caffè leccese.

Almond Trees Dot the Salento Landscape

Almonds have been grown in Puglia since ancient times. The region's warm climate and calcium-rich soil produce plump, flavorful almonds perfectly suited for making syrups, pastries, and liqueurs. Sprawling almond groves dot the rolling hills of the Salento peninsula and bloom beautifully every spring.

The almond varieties used for syrup-making include Tuono, Filippo Cea, and Genco. Their sweet kernels are what give caffè leccese its distinctive aromatic and flavory profile. Local farmers harvest the nuts by hand in late summer when they reach peak ripeness.

An Ancient Recipe Still Made Today

Almond syrup from Puglia is made using an ancient recipe perfected by local families over generations. The process begins by shelling whole, dried almonds by hand, then grinding them into a fine meal.

The almond flour is combined with water and heated until the natural oils are released. Lemon zest or vanilla may also be added to complement the almonds' creamy, marzipan-like fragrance. As the mixture reduces, sugar is stirred in to balance the bitterness.

The resulting glossy, amber-hued syrup is then bottled while still warm. Top producers like La Salentina, Sapori di Puglia, and Masseria del Luco nurture their orchards and make syrups in small batches to ensure exceptional quality.

Caffè Leccese: An Iconic Coffee Ritual

In Lecce and other Pugliese towns, stopping at a cafe for caffè leccese is a cherished daily ritual. To make it, a shot of espresso is pulled and briefly chilled before being combined with chilled almond syrup and shaken tableside.

The drink is then gracefully poured between two glasses to generate a frothy crema. It's often garnished with crushed almonds or almond slices. Some mixologists further enhance caffè leccese by using artisanal orgeat syrup made from locally grown apricot kernels or wild herbs.

Sipped slowly, caffè leccese is at once bracing yet velvety, with toasty coffee notes melding with the subtle fruity sweetness of almonds. The addition of ice creates an indulgent but sugar-tempered treat that's perfect for enjoying on hot summer days.

Almond Syrup Stars in Pugliese Pastries Too

Visitors to Puglia will find almond syrup used abundantly in all kinds of baked goods. It frequently appears in pasticciotto, a revered regional pastry.

Pasticciotto starts with a tender shortcrust that gets filled with slightly sweetened ricotta or custard flavored with lemon zest and almond essence. A topping of almond syrup is drizzled over the pastry before it’s baked, caramelizing as it bubbles in the heat.

The results are crunchy, syrup-soaked pasticciotto with contrasting textures and bright citrus notes. Pairing the pastries with a frothy caffè leccese makes for a quintessential Pugliese breakfast or afternoon treat.

Bring the Sweet Taste of Puglia Home

Visitors to Italy’s heel who discover caffè leccese and other Pugliese delights made with locally-produced almond syrup often want to recreate those tastes at home. Thankfully imported almond syrup is increasingly available online and in specialty food shops.

Top shelf options like La Salentina capture Puglia’s artisanal syrup-making heritage. For those wanting ultimate freshness, DIY kits are also available for making one's own almond syrup from whole, roasted almonds following traditional methods.

Combined with brewed espresso, pillowy ricotta, or orange-scented shortbread cookies, Puglia’s liquid gold almond syrup transports anyone’s kitchen to the sun-drenched Salento.

FAQs

What gives caffè leccese its unique taste?

Caffè leccese gets its distinctive flavor from the addition of Italian almond syrup made from high-quality almonds grown in Puglia's orchards. The syrup's subtle sweetness and natural almond essence pairs deliciously with chilled espresso.

Where does the name "caffè leccese" come from?

Caffè leccese is named after the baroque city of Lecce located in Italy's Puglia region. The coffee-almond syrup drink was invented by cafè owners in Lecce and is now enjoyed throughout southern Italy.

What pastries feature almond syrup from Puglia?

Almond syrup is used in many pastries from Puglia, most famously pasticciotto. These shortcrust pastries are filled with sweetened ricotta or custard, then topped with syrupy almonds before baking for a decadent treat.

Is almond syrup only used in sweets and desserts?

While especially delicious in coffee drinks and baked goods, almond syrup also shines when splashed into creamy risottos, used to glaze roasted vegetables or meat, or swirled into yogurt or ice cream.