Ginseng Coffee

Caffè al Ginseng is a popular Italian coffee beverage that masterfully combines the rich intensity of espresso with the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of ginseng extract. It is typically served pre-sweetened and has a characteristically light, nutty color and a wonderfully creamy texture. This drink is often enjoyed as a flavorful alternative to traditional espresso, valued for its purported energizing and restorative properties without the acidity of regular coffee.
Ginseng Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Ginseng Coffee is classified as a specialty coffee drink. It is distinct from traditional espresso preparations due to the infusion of herbal ginseng extract, placing it in a unique category of wellness-oriented coffee beverages popular in modern Italian cafés.

Serving

Ginseng Coffee is a small, potent drink served hot in a pre-warmed espresso cup (demitasse) and contains no alcohol.
Serving size
30-60 ml / 1-2 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Espresso cup
Glass treatment
Pre-warming the cup is recommended

Backstory

Emerging in Italian cafés (known locally as "bars") during the late 20th century, Caffè al Ginseng quickly gained popularity. It was marketed as a healthier, less acidic alternative to classic espresso. The drink successfully capitalized on the growing global interest in wellness and natural supplements, blending the beloved Italian coffee ritual with the ancient medicinal reputation of ginseng root.
Origin
Italy, late 20th century.

Ginseng Coffee

The drink's original Italian name is "Caffè al Ginseng," meaning "coffee with ginseng." It is also known as Ginseng Espresso to highlight its coffee base, or Italian Ginseng Coffee to specify its cultural origin.
Original name
Caffè al Ginseng
Alternative names
  • Ginseng Espresso
  • Italian Ginseng Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink has a unique creamy texture and a nutty, light brown appearance, with an aroma blending roasted coffee and earthy ginseng. The flavor is a pleasant balance of sweetness and mild bitterness, finishing with a smooth, lingering sweetness.
Flavor
Earthy, Nutty, Sweet, Slightly bitter, Caramel notes
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Earthy, Sweet, Herbal
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering sweetness, Clean, Earthy
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, Nutty, Creamy, Opaque
Texture
Creamy, Smooth, Slightly thick
Seasonality
Year-round, Warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is defined by its pronounced sweetness and creaminess, balanced by the mild bitterness of coffee and the unique earthy notes of ginseng. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and intensely flavored coffee drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires a shot of fresh espresso, ginseng powder, a sweetener like sugar, and a splash of hot milk to achieve its characteristic creamy texture.
  • Espresso1 shot (30 ml / 1 oz)
    Freshly brewed from a medium roast bean.
  • Ginseng Root Powder1/4 teaspoon
    Use pure powder or extract. Adjust amount to taste and desired potency.
  • Sugar1-2 teaspoons
    White or brown sugar works well. Adjust to desired sweetness.
  • Hot Milk1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 oz)
    For creaminess. Can be frothed. Use a plant-based alternative like oat milk for a vegan version.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You will need an espresso machine for the coffee base and a small spoon or whisk to combine the ingredients smoothly. A milk frother can be used for extra texture but is not essential.
  • Espresso machine for brewing the coffee.
  • Small whisk or spoon for mixing the ingredients.
  • Milk frother, which is optional for frothing the milk.

Instructions

The preparation is simple: mix ginseng powder and sugar in a warm espresso cup, brew espresso over them, stir vigorously until creamy, and then finish with a splash of hot milk.
1. Warm your espresso cup (demitasse) with hot water, then discard the water.
2. Place the sugar and ginseng powder into the warm cup.
3. Brew one shot of espresso directly into the cup over the powder and sugar.
4. Immediately stir vigorously with a small spoon or whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the ginseng is fully incorporated, creating a creamy liquid.
5. Gently stir in the hot milk. If using frothed milk, spoon a small amount on top.
6. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder, if desired, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

This drink is typically served plain, but a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder can be added on top for an elegant finish and aromatic touch.
  • Dusting of cocoa powder, lightly sprinkled on top for aroma and visual appeal (optional).

Dietary Information

This is a non-alcoholic, vegetarian beverage that contains caffeine. Most commercial preparations and standard recipes contain dairy and may contain soy, but it is naturally egg, nut, and gluten-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie beverage, however its carbohydrate and sugar content are moderately high due to the added sweetener and milk.
Calories
averagely 40-70 kcal / 167-293 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 8-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 7-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for a gentle start to the morning, as an invigorating afternoon treat, or anytime a revitalizing alternative to plain coffee is desired. Its balanced energy boost also makes it suitable for focus during work or study.
  • Morning pick-me-up
  • Afternoon break
  • Energy boost
  • Study session

Pairing suggestions

Caffè Ginseng pairs wonderfully with simple, not-too-sweet pastries and biscuits. Italian biscotti, a plain croissant, or a small piece of dark chocolate complement its unique sweet and earthy flavor profile, making for a delightful break.
  • Biscotti
  • Croissant
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Dark chocolate

Caffè al Ginseng: The Revitalizing Italian Coffee Ritual

Caffè al Ginseng is a modern Italian classic, elegantly blending the traditional espresso ritual with the reputed wellness benefits of ginseng. It offers a uniquely creamy, sweet, and nutty flavor profile, serving as an energizing and comforting alternative to standard coffee. Easy to prepare and enjoy, it's the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day, embodying a contemporary twist on Italian coffee culture.

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