In a small, steaming glass hides the soul of Fano, a coastal town and our base in the Le Marche region that you won’t find on many postcards, but whose charm stays with you long after your trip ends.
The drink is called Moretta Fanese, and it’s not just coffee.
It’s history, it’s tradition, and it’s a warm embrace from the sea.
A Drink with a Story (or Two)
Picture this: the early morning chill on the Adriatic Sea, the sky still dark as Fano’s fishermen prepare for a long day at sea.
To shake off the cold and gather their strength, they reach for a small glass filled with a bold, fragrant blend of leftover spirits,warmed gently with sugar and finished with a strong shot of espresso.
As the years passed, this humble ritual found its way from the docks into the port cafés of Fano. What started as a practical pick-me-up for sailors became a beloved symbol of local identity, served with pride in bars, shared among friends, and preserved through generations.
There’s even a legend tied to its name.
While some say “Moretta” simply refers to the dark-haired beauty once featured on rum bottle labels,the “muréta” in Fano’s dialect; others believe the name itself carries a nod to the drink’s color and layered nature deep, bold, and unforgettable.
Today, Moretta Fanese is more than just a drink.
It’s part of the cultural heritage of Le Marche.
In 2006, it was officially named the signature cocktail of AIBES (the Italian Association of Barmen and Supporters), and in 2011 it earned a place on the list of Traditional Food Products of the Marche Region.
A recognition of its roots, its flavor, and the community that has kept it alive.
How Moretta Fanese Is Made — A Ritual in Three Layers
Prepared with a careful mix of dry anise, dark rum, brandy or cognac, sugar, and a strong, short espresso, Moretta Fanese is a layered drink that captures the soul of Fano in every glass.
It is traditionally served in a small, thick, clear glass that highlights its signature three layers.
The preparation begins by gently heating the three liquors with sugar and a piece of lemon peel.
Once the flavors are blended, never brought to a boil, the warm mixture is poured into the glass.
A strong espresso is then prepared and slowly poured over the back of a spoon to rest above the liquors, creating a beautiful separation: a golden-brown base of warm spirits, a deep layer of espresso in the middle, and a soft crema on top.
The result is not only visually striking but aromatic, intense, and comforting.
When to Enjoy Moretta?
If you ask a local, the answer is: Anytime! But some favorite moments include after lunch or dinner, instead of your usual espresso or liqueur; while chatting with friends on a lazy afternoon or at a local café, while watching the rhythm of life in Fano unfold around you.
It’s a moment of slow travel. A pause, a taste, a connection to the place and its people.
Taste It with Italia Sweet Italia
When you join one of our small-group tours in Le Marche, Moretta isn’t just something you drink, it’s something you experience.
We’ll take you to the cafés where it’s made the traditional way, and where locals will share with you not only the drink, but the stories behind it.
Because that’s what real travel is all about: discovering flavors, traditions, and moments that aren’t in any guidebook — but stay with you for a lifetime.
Come sip Moretta with us, by the sea, in the heart of authentic Italy.
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