Kitchen Recipe Collection
Italian Bicerin
A historic, decadent beverage from Turin consisting of three distinct, unmixed layers: hot espresso, thick drinking chocolate, and lightly whipped cream.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 1
- Difficulty
- medium
- Cuisine
- italian
Ingredients
Scaled for 1 serving
- espresso
- dark chocolate (high quality, 70%)
- whole milk
- heavy cream (cold)
- sugar
Equipment
- Small glass (heatproof)
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or milk frother
Instructions
- 1
Warm Glass
Warm a small, clear, heatproof glass (traditionally a small rounded glass without a handle).
- 2
Make Hot Chocolate
In a saucepan, melt chopped dark chocolate with a little milk and sugar until it forms a very thick, rich Italian-style drinking chocolate.
- 3
Whip Cream
Whip the cold heavy cream until it just barely thickens and holds soft shape. It should not be stiff or heavily sweetened.
- 4
First Layer (Chocolate)
Pour the hot, thick chocolate into the bottom of the warm glass (about 1/3 full).
- 5
Pull Espresso
Extract a fresh shot of espresso.
- 6
Second Layer (Coffee)
Gently pour the hot espresso over the back of a spoon onto the chocolate layer so it floats on top without mixing.
- 7
Prepare Cream
Ensure the whipped cream is pourable but thick enough to float.
- 8
Third Layer (Cream)
Carefully spoon the lightly whipped cream over the espresso layer until it reaches the top of the glass.
- 9
Do Not Stir
The visual appeal is the three distinct layers: black, brown, and white.
- 10
Serve
Drink it without stirring, so you experience the cold cream, hot bitter coffee, and sweet chocolate simultaneously.
Cooking Tips
- The hot chocolate must be thick enough to support the weight of the espresso above it.
- Do not use canned whipped cream; it is too stiff and airy. You want cold, lightly aerated heavy cream.
Variations
- Sometimes topped with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- Bicerin means 'small glass' in the Piedmontese dialect. It was highly praised by Alexandre Dumas in 1852.
Nutrition Estimate
350 calories · 4g protein · 25g carbs · 28g fat · 2g fiber per serving
