what distinguishes the carioca cafezinho from others is that it is quite thin, composed half of coffee and half of hot water, and is traditionally served with a small quantity of water on the side, preferably with gas - connoisseurs advise drinking this water before the cafezinho so as to moisten the mouth and activate the pallet, therefore enhancing the taste of the drink.

with the arrival of rapid, efficient and high quality espresso machines in the past few decades, coffee shop chains have taken root and flourished around the city, to accompany the small traditional cafés that scattered every neighbourhood.

the cafezinho has survived and developed over generations to become a cornerstone of the carioca lifestyle.  though the famous hot drink of rio is coffee, some tradition brews of tea are also widely available.