The origin and history of Galão are not very clear, but there are some theories and anecdotes that can shed some light on this drink. One theory is that Galão was inspired by the Italian caffè latte, which was introduced to Portugal by Italian immigrants in the late 19th or early 20th century. Another theory is that Galão was created by Portuguese coffee roasters and baristas who wanted to offer a milder and creamier alternative to the strong and bitter espresso.

One anecdote that is often told about Galão is that it was named after a famous Portuguese singer and actor, António Calvário, who was nicknamed "Galão" because of his tall and handsome appearance. According to this story, Calvário used to order a coffee with a lot of milk at a café in Lisbon, and soon his fans started to imitate him and ask for the same drink. The café owner then decided to call this drink "Galão" in honor of Calvário.

Another anecdote that is sometimes mentioned about Galão is that it was invented by a Portuguese journalist, Fernando Pessa, who worked for the BBC in London during World War II. According to this story, Pessa used to order a coffee with milk at a British café, but he was always disappointed by the quality and quantity of the milk. He then asked the café owner to add more milk to his coffee, and he liked the result so much that he named it "Galão", which means "gallon" in English.

The preparation of Galão is simple but requires some skill and equipment. The main ingredients are bica and milk, which are usually prepared separately. The bica is made with finely ground coffee beans and hot water, using an espresso machine or a moka pot. The milk is heated and frothed with steam, using a milk frother or a steam wand. The ratio of bica to milk can vary from 1:3 to 1:4, depending on the preference of the drinker.

The traditional way of serving Galão is in a tall glass, with the bica poured first, followed by the milk. The milk should form a thin layer of foam on top of the coffee, creating a contrast of colors and textures. The drinker can then add sugar to taste, stirring it with a spoon or a straw. Some people like to sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam for extra flavor.

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There are some variations of Galão that can be found in different regions or establishments in Portugal. For example:

  • Meia de leite (half of milk): This is a smaller version of Galão, served in a cup instead of a glass. The ratio of bica to milk is 1:1, making it stronger and less milky than Galão.
  • Garoto (little boy): This is an even smaller version of Galão, served in a demitasse instead of a cup. The ratio of bica to milk is 1:2, making it stronger and less milky than meia de leite.
  • Abatanado (watered down): This is a larger version of Galão, served in a mug instead of a glass. The ratio of bica to water is 1:2 or 1:3, making it weaker and more watery than Galão.
  • Café com leite (coffee with milk): This is similar to abatanado, but with milk instead of water. The ratio of bica to milk can vary from 1:2 to 1:3, making it weaker and more milky than Galão.
  • Carioca de limão (lemon carioca): This is not really a variation of Galão, but rather a different drink that is sometimes ordered after Galão. It is made with hot water infused with lemon peel, served in a small cup with sugar. It is supposed to cleanse the palate and aid digestion after drinking coffee.

Galão is also a drink that should be enjoyed with respect and appreciation. It is a drink that represents the culture and identity of Portugal and its people. Galão is more than just a coffee with milk; it is a coffee with a twist.