Bicerin

The Bicerin is a traditional Italian beverage that offers a delightful sensory experience with its distinct, unmixed layers. It begins with a base of thick, molten dark chocolate, followed by a middle layer of strong, hot espresso. The drink is crowned with a gentle layer of cool, lightly whipped heavy cream, creating a beautiful contrast in temperature, texture, and taste.
Bicerin

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Bicerin is categorized as a classic, non-alcoholic coffee drink. It is a historic beverage renowned for its distinct, unmixed layers of chocolate, coffee, and cream, served hot.

Serving

Served hot in a small, clear glass goblet to showcase its layers, this is a non-alcoholic drink that contrasts warm coffee and chocolate with a cool cream topping.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot (with a cool cream top)
Glass type
Small glass goblet
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Originating in the 18th century at Caffè al Bicerin in Turin, this drink was a refined version of the 17th-century "bavareisa," which had its ingredients mixed. The Bicerin's innovation was to serve the components layered in a small glass goblet, allowing the drinker to experience each flavor distinctly. It was a favorite of notable figures like Alexandre Dumas and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Origin
Turin, Italy, circa 18th century.

Bicerin

Bicerin is its original and most common name, originating from the Piedmontese dialect for 'small glass'. It is sometimes referred to as 'Turin Coffee' due to its strong association with the city of Turin, Italy, where it was created.
Original name
Bicerin
Alternative name
Turin Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts rich, bittersweet flavors of coffee and chocolate with a smooth, velvety texture from the layered cream. Its aroma is a comforting blend of roasted coffee and dark chocolate, making it a perfect warming treat for colder seasons.
Flavor
Rich, bittersweet, chocolaty, coffee, creamy
Aroma
Roasted coffee, dark chocolate, sweet cream
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering, chocolaty, smooth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered (dark brown, black, white)
Texture
Thick, velvety, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
Warming, wintery, cozy

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is defined by a balanced interplay between the sweetness of the chocolate, the bitterness of the espresso, and the rich creaminess of the topping. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and intensely flavorful experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires three core components: a rich hot chocolate made from dark chocolate and milk, a shot of strong espresso, and chilled heavy cream. High-quality ingredients are key to achieving the authentic, decadent flavor.
  • Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa)30 grams / 1 oz, chopped
    Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
  • Whole Milk30 ml / 1 oz
    Used to create the hot chocolate layer. Water can be used for a more intense chocolate flavor.
  • Hot Espresso30 ml / 1 oz (one shot)
    Freshly brewed, strong coffee is essential. Moka pot coffee is a traditional alternative.
  • Heavy Cream30 ml / 1 oz
    Should be chilled and lightly whipped to a soft, pourable consistency, not stiff peaks.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You will need a small saucepan to prepare the hot chocolate, a whisk for the cream, and an espresso machine or moka pot for the coffee. A spoon is crucial for carefully layering the ingredients.
  • Small saucepan for melting chocolate
  • Whisk for cream and chocolate
  • Espresso machine or Moka pot for coffee
  • Spoon for layering

Instructions

The process involves three main stages: preparing the lightly whipped cream, making a thick hot chocolate base, and then carefully layering the hot espresso and cold cream on top. Using a spoon to pour helps create clean, distinct layers.
1. Prepare the cream: In a chilled bowl, lightly whisk the cold heavy cream until it thickens slightly but is still pourable (soft peaks). Do not over-whip. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the chocolate layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the chopped dark chocolate with the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thick. Pour this hot chocolate into the bottom of a small, clear glass goblet, filling it about one-third of the way.
3. Prepare the coffee layer: Brew a fresh, hot shot of espresso.
4. Layer the drink: To avoid mixing the layers, slowly and carefully pour the hot espresso over the back of a spoon onto the chocolate layer. This will create the second, dark layer.
5. Add the final layer: Gently spoon or pour the chilled, lightly whipped cream over the back of another spoon on top of the coffee to create the final, white layer.
6. Serve immediately, without a garnish, to be sipped through the distinct layers.

Garnishing

Traditionally, a Bicerin is not garnished. Its beauty lies in the distinct, visible layers of chocolate, coffee, and cream.
  • None. The drink's layered appearance is its own garnish.

Dietary Information

This vegetarian drink contains caffeine and dairy. It can be adapted for a dairy-free or vegan diet by using plant-based cream and dairy-free dark chocolate, though one should check chocolate ingredients for allergens.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric and sugary drink due to the chocolate and cream, making it an indulgent treat rather than a daily coffee.
Calories
Approximately 250-350 kcal / 1046-1464 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Bicerin is perfect as a luxurious morning coffee, an indulgent afternoon treat, or a sophisticated dessert drink. Its warming nature makes it especially suitable for cozying up on a cold day.
  • Morning coffee
  • Afternoon treat
  • Dessert drink
  • Cozy winter day

Pairing suggestions

Bicerin pairs wonderfully with simple, not-too-sweet baked goods that complement its rich flavors. Italian biscotti, shortbread, or hazelnut pastries from the Piedmont region are excellent choices. It is rich enough to be enjoyed on its own as a dessert.
  • Biscotti
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Plain croissant
  • Hazelnut pastries (Gianduja)

Bicerin: The Layered Elixir of Turin

Bicerin is a masterpiece of balance, offering a journey through contrasting temperatures, textures, and tastes in a single glass. Starting with the rich, molten chocolate at the bottom, moving through the intense, hot espresso, and finishing with the cool, velvety cream, it's a unique and satisfying experience. This historic beverage from Turin is more than just a coffee; it's a sophisticated, non-alcoholic dessert and a tribute to Italian café culture. It requires a bit of care to prepare, but the stunning visual and flavor result is well worth the effort.

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