In honor of our PIEDMONT ISSUE–Turin is Italy’s coffee capital, after all!–we’re caffeinating the cosmos. Keep scrolling to find out whether you’re blunt like an espresso or dramatic like an affogato!
ARIES
Aries, you’re a rocket fueled by ambition, and ESPRESSO is your perfect match—quick, bold, and unapologetically intense. Invented in Milan around 1901 by Luigi Bezzera, espresso was born out of impatience (a feeling you’re more than familiar with). He devised a machine that used steam pressure to push hot water through finely-ground coffee, significantly reducing the brewing time compared to traditional methods. This revolutionary drink was made for movers and shakers like you who don’t have time to wait; just like those in Italy who don’t even sit for their morning bev, rather ordering it standing al bancone. Throw it back, and you’re ready to take on the world with the fire of an Aries. You’re not one to sugarcoat things—and neither is your coffee. Its strong flavor in such a small package mirrors your approach to life: direct, no-nonsense, and packed with energy. Whether it’s organizing a weekend hike or rallying your friends for a spontaneous karaoke night, you’re the spark that lights up every room. Your vibe, as invigorating as a double shot, inspires others to jump in and make things happen.
TAURUS
Taurus, you’re the human equivalent of the CAFFÈ LATTE—comforting, luxurious, and oh-so-dependable. This creamy classic, a blend of espresso and steamed milk, is traditionally served in a tall glass to showcase its velvety layers—because, like you, it knows how to make an impression without shouting. A creamier and more indulgent choice than a cappuccino, the caffè latte is often paired with a buttery cornetto for breakfast in Italy, embodying the simple, yet satisfying pleasures that resonate with your grounded, Taurean soul. Its modern rise to fame is often credited to Italian-trained barista Lino Meiorin, who introduced the caffè latte to the American palate while working in Berkeley, California and helped cement its status as a global coffeehouse favorite. But the origins of the caffè latte are more humble, tracing back to Italian kitchens where families stretched their morning coffee with warm milk—a perfect metaphor for your ability to balance frugality and practicality with a love for the finer things. You’re all about savoring life at your own pace, and the larger the coffee drink, the longer your moment of bliss.
GEMINI
Gemini, you’re as dynamic and unpredictable as the MAROCCHINO—espresso, cocoa powder, and foamed milk with a history as layered as your personality. The marocchino was born in Alessandria, Piedmont, at Bar Carpano after World War II, its name a nod to the rich brown leather of Borsalino hats made nearby. “Marocchino”, which means “Moroccan” in Italian, originally referred to the soft, high-quality leather from goat and sheep skins that they used—just as smooth and luxe as the drink itself. The concoction was a modern evolution of the bicerin di Cavour, a historic beverage from Turin that layers coffee, thick chocolate, and whipped cream. Unlike the mocha–which is sweeter, milkier, larger, and basically never drunk in Italy–the marocchino is bittersweet, a perfect mirror of your duality. One moment you’re the espresso—harsh and bitter—and the next, you’re the frothy, chocolatey milk—light, airy, and impossible to pin down. You love to keep people guessing—will you be sweet, insolent, or just a little spicy today? The answer is probably all of the above. Plus, the niche order of a marocchino is certainly a conversation starter, much like you chatterboxes.
CANCER
Cancer, you’re the sentimental heart of the zodiac, and the CAPPUCCINO is your caffeinated kindred spirit. This classic trio of espresso, steamed milk, and frothy foam has been warming hearts (and hands) since the 17th century, when it was invented, believe it or not, in Vienna. There, they drank the kapuziner, a mix of coffee, cream, sugar, and spices, that got the name cappuccino–from cappuccio, meaning “hood” for the color of the Capuchin monks’ brown robes–during the Austro-Hungarian period when locals in northeastern Italy adopted (and perfected) the beverage. Its popularity skyrocketed after the invention of the espresso machine, and now it’s one of Italy’s most beloved and widespread drinks–endlessly dependable and always there for you, just like you Cancers. This is a coffee of tradition and history—two things your nostalgic soul absolutely lives for. And, true to your rule-following tendencies, you wouldn’t dream of breaking the Italian custom of savoring it only before 11 AM. This blend of strong espresso and soothing milk mirrors your own nature—fierce and protective when needed, but oh-so-soft for those lucky enough to be in your inner circle (or, should we say, shell?).
LEO
Leo, you’re the reigning royalty of the zodiac, and the AFFOGATO is your caffeinated crown jewel—because what’s more Leo than a coffee/dessert with a flair for theatrics? Even its name, affogato (Italian for “drowned”), is dripping with drama. A dubious origin story points to one 17th-century Franciscan friar Angelico, but it’s more likely this gelato with a shot of espresso poured on top was born in mid-20th century Italy, with the boom of the gelato industry. The treat seems simply designed to steal the spotlight–and has, recently, across social media platforms (*cough cough* Vivoli). You Leos are certainly photogenic too; ruled by the Sun, the ultimate spotlight. This cosmic connection gives you a radiant, magnetic energy that seems to light you up in photos. Whether it’s your confident posture, glowing smile, or ability to find the perfect angle, Leos have a knack for turning even a candid shot, of themselves or melting gelato, into a masterpiece. Whether you’re pouring the espresso with Oscar-worthy precision or savoring each spoonful like a red-carpet event, nothing about you is plain vanilla (or fior di latte)–as decadent and unapologetically extra as an affogato.
VIRGO
Virgo, you’re the zodiac’s meticulous mastermind, just like the MACCHIATO—clean, precise, and absolutely no fluff. Translating to “stained” in Italian, the macchiato is just a shot of espresso “marked” with a tiny dollop of milk, softening its intensity without overcomplicating things. It’s like the drink version of your no-nonsense, get-it-right-the-first-time attitude. Its most likely origin is pure Virgo energy too: baristas needed a simple way to differentiate plain espresso from one with milk. Practical? Check. Efficient? Double check. (Other theories point to Torinese nobles looking for a more “delicate” coffee and Venetian gondoliers, who found it to be more warming in the winter.) The macchiato is proof that less really is more, and you, Virgo, have mastered the art of doing more with less. You don’t need extra frills or foam art to shine—and, honestly, you prefer to work behind the scenes with your sharp mind and perfectionist streak. Whether you’re tackling a to-do list that would overwhelm a lesser mortal or delivering advice that’s as strong as a perfectly pulled espresso, you’re the reliable force everyone secretly depends on.
LIBRA
Libra, you’re the epitome of elegance, and the SHAKERATO is your caffeinated alter ego—effortlessly cool and undeniably chic. This isn’t your average iced coffee; it’s espresso shaken vigorously with ice and a touch of sugar in a cocktail tumbler until it forms a velvety foam, then poured into a sleek martini glass that practically winks at anyone watching. (We all know you air signs are capital F flirty.) No one really knows how the shakerato came to be, though its name actually derives from the English verb “shake”. What we do know is that we have been cooling our coffee in style for centuries—iced coffee was being served in Salento as early as the late 1700s, a tradition imported from Valencia, where coffee was chilled with snow. (How ironic that we Italians now turn our noses up at iced beverages–except the shakerato, of course.) By the time the shakerato hit its stride, it was practically a star of Italy’s golden age of cinema, solidifying its status as the ultimate drink for divas like Libras. The smooth taste, a balance of sugar and coffee, mirrors your gift for harmony–mediating drama among your friend group one moment, and flawlessly matching your shoes to your bag the next. This is a coffee that’s just dramatic enough to keep people intrigued—basically a Libra in liquid form.
SCORPIO
Scorpio, you don’t do halfway, and neither does the RISTRETTO. This ultra-concentrated espresso shot is brewed with less water, delivering an intensity that matches your passion and power. It’s coffee stripped down to its most potent form, unapologetically fervent just like you. Ristretto translates to “restricted” or “held back” in Italian, and you “hold back” your heart. You’re not one to reveal your true self to just anyone; it takes time and trust to earn access to your deepest layers and nuances. Even so, you have a magnetic energy as rich and dark as this distilled brew. The ristretto is not for everyone, but then again, neither are you. Some people might find it too strong or overwhelming, but that’s their problem, not yours. This is a drink for those who crave depth, power, and a little mystery, much like the people who are drawn to you. This espresso shot is all-or-nothing, pulling no punches and delivering an experience that lingers long after the last drop. It’s intense, unforgettable, and exactly your speed.
SAGITTARIUS
Sagittarius, your wild, adventurous streak and love for breaking the mold make you a CAFFÈ CORRETTO. This espresso “corrected” with a cheeky splash of liquor is as surprising as your next travel plan. Originally favored by sailors, fishermen, and workers in Italy who needed to warm up and energize, the caffè corretto has humble, hardworking roots—just like your get-up-and-go energy. A hyper-powerful digestive, the coffee was had with grappa or aquavit in the chilly mornings of the north, while in the south, saffron-tinted Strega or Listerine-green Centerba made an appearance. Linguistically, the term caffè corretto—meaning “corrected coffee”—likely dates back to the Fascist era, when high tariffs on coffee turned it into an elite beverage. We Italians, ever resourceful, created substitutes using orzo and chicory, adding alcohol to mask the bitterness. That little “correction” feels perfectly Sagittarian: an ingenious twist to make the best of whatever comes your way. The drink is also a great match for your blunt, truth-loving streak. There’s nothing, after all, like a little grappa to get tongues wagging. And, like the caffè corretto, you don’t sweeten your words; you serve them straight up. (Pro Tip: Non alcohol drinkers who still want their coffee to have a kick should try CAFFÈ LECCESE, an iced espresso with almond syrup from the Salento region of Puglia!)
CAPRICORN
Capricorn, your no-nonsense, goal-getting vibe is practically brewed into the DNA of the CAFFÈ AMERICANO. Legend has it this straightforward sip was born during World War II, when American soldiers, missing their watered-down coffee back home, “fixed” the boldness of Italian espresso by diluting it with hot water. Practical, efficient, and focused on results—sound familiar? The Americano isn’t here to dazzle; it’s here to caffeinate and conquer, just like you and your ability to power through challenges with quiet determination. While others are fussing over triple caramel lattes, you’re savoring your Americano and mentally mapping out your five-year plan. The Americano proves you don’t need bells and whistles to make an impact—strength and simplicity are more than enough. Whether you’re sipping it while closing a deal or strategizing your next big move, this coffee keeps you grounded and ready to climb to the top, one steady step at a time.
AQUARIUS
Aquarius, you’re the rebel of the zodiac, so it’s no surprise that you’re an ESPRESSO TONIC. This fizzy, offbeat drink–invented by Swedish baristas Charles Nystrand and Anne Lunell in Norway in 2007, before spreading to Italy–shook up the coffee world by mixing espresso with bubbly tonic water, proving that rules were made to be broken. It’s light, refreshing, and just quirky enough to raise a few eyebrows—exactly your kind of vibe. With a zesty, effervescent edge, the espresso tonic satisfies your need to be different; while everyone else is sipping their predictable cappuccinos, you’re out here turning heads with your trendy, citrus-spiked brew, probably explaining to your friends how it’s not weird, it’s genius. This drink’s playful clash of bitter and bright is proof that opposites not only attract—they thrive, just like your love for all things unexpected. With an espresso tonic in hand, you’re caffeinated, carbonated, and ready to revolutionize whatever comes your way.
PISCES
Pisces, your dreamy, poetic soul was practically made for CAFFÈ D’ORZO—a drink as mellow and introspective as you. The caffeine-free brew, made not from coffee beans but from roasted barley, has roots stretching back to ancient Rome and Greece, where the drink was prized for its energizing properties. Its modern popularity, however, took hold during the Fascist era, when trade embargoes and scarce coffee supplies made real coffee a rare luxury. Barley, widely grown and consumed in Italy, became the perfect stand-in, turning caffè d’orzo into a financially viable and comforting alternative–the ultimate make-do-and-mend beverage. And let’s face it, who better than you to turn something simple into a soulful escape? Today, with its nutty, toasty flavor, caffè d’orzo isn’t about jolting you awake: it’s more about participating in the ritual of the coffee break, even if you don’t need or want caffeine. Caffè d’orzo makes the perfect companion for your endless daydreams or those impromptu painting sessions where you lose track of time… and half your brushes. Caffè d’orzo is a reminder that slowing down isn’t a weakness; it’s an art form. While others are racing through life with shots of espresso, you’re savoring your d’orzo, proving that the real magic happens when you embrace the calm and let your imagination wander.
