🇮🇹 Italy · Drinks
Bicerin (Piedmontese Coffee, Chocolate & Cream Drink)
By eatmundo · July 7, 2026
Hailing from Turin, Bicerin is an exquisite layered beverage that artfully combines rich espresso, decadent melted chocolate, and velvety frothed cream in a single glass. This luxurious drink offers a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and creamy notes, perfect for a sophisticated treat at any time of day.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare the Chocolate: In a small saucepan over very low heat, gently melt 50g of good quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids) with 50ml of milk, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to scorch the chocolate.
- 2
Sweeten and Thicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (to taste) to the melted chocolate mixture and continue to stir until dissolved. Keep it warm on the lowest heat setting while you prepare the other components. This will be the base layer.
- 3
Brew the Espresso: Prepare a double shot (about 60ml) of strong, hot espresso. The quality of your espresso significantly impacts the final taste of the Bicerin, so use your best beans and brewing method.
- 4
Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, gently whip 100ml of heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. You want it to be light and airy, but not overly stiff, as it needs to layer beautifully. Avoid adding sugar to the cream for authentic balance.
- 5
Assemble the Layers (Chocolate): Carefully pour the warm melted chocolate mixture into the bottom of a clear, heatproof glass (traditionally a small, footed Bicerin glass). Ensure the glass is clean to showcase the layers.
- 6
Add the Espresso Layer: Slowly and gently pour the hot espresso over the back of a spoon held just above the chocolate layer. This technique helps create a distinct, separate coffee layer without mixing it into the chocolate.
- 7
Top with Cream: Finally, use the same spoon trick to gently float the frothed cream on top of the espresso layer. Be patient and careful to maintain the beautiful separation of the three distinct components.
- 8
Serve Immediately: Serve your Bicerin immediately, allowing the drinker to savor the individual layers or stir them together for a harmonious blend. There's no need for a spoon as traditionally it's sipped, but a small spoon can be provided if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate?+
While real melted dark chocolate provides the best richness and texture, you can use 2 tablespoons of good quality unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with sugar and milk as a substitute, though the flavor will be less intense.
What type of glass should I use?+
Traditionally, a small, clear, footed glass is used to highlight the distinct layers. Any small, clear heatproof glass or even a cappuccino cup can work, but a taller glass helps layering.
Can I make a decaffeinated version?+
Yes, simply use decaffeinated espresso. The chocolate and cream components remain the same, ensuring you still get the rich flavors without the caffeine.
How do I ensure the layers stay separate?+
The key is to pour slowly over the back of a spoon. The different densities of the chocolate (heaviest), espresso, and cream (lightest) will naturally help them layer, but gentleness is crucial.
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