Bicerin coffee is a delicious and elegant beverage that originated in the city of Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy. This drink is famous for its well-defined layers of coffee, thick hot chocolate, and whipped cream.
The name "Bicerín" comes from Piedmontese and means "small cup," referring to the small cup in which it's served. Although not as well-known as espresso or cappuccino in the coffee world, Bicerín coffee is a true treasure worth discovering.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at this exquisite drink, its history, and how you can make it at home.
History of Café al Bicerín
The history of Bicerin coffee dates back to the 18th century in Turin, Italy. At that time, Turin was an important cultural and economic center of Italy, and coffee had become a popular drink among high society. The story goes that the Bicerin was created at the famous Caffè al Bicerin, which still exists today. The café became known for serving a specialty drink that combined coffee, chocolate, and cream, and quickly became a local favorite.
The Bicerín is considered one of the first coffee drinks to incorporate hot chocolate, long before the mocha became popular in other parts of the world. The combination of coffee and hot chocolate gave the Bicerín a unique and delicious flavor that captivated coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
How to Prepare Bicerín Coffee
Preparing Bicerín coffee is a relatively simple process, but it requires attention to detail to achieve those distinctive, well-defined layers. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing Bicerín coffee :
Ingredients:
Strong espresso: 1 shot.
Thick hot chocolate: 1 shot.
Whipped cream: To top the drink.
Cocoa powder (optional): To decorate.
Instructions:
Start by preparing a strong espresso and a thick hot chocolate. Make sure both are piping hot.
Pour the espresso into the bottom of a small glass or ceramic cup. This will be the first layer.
Slowly pour the thick hot chocolate over the espresso. Use an upside-down spoon to help the chocolate slide over the back of the spoon and fall smoothly into the espresso. This will help keep the layers separate.
Top the drink with a generous amount of whipped cream. The whipped cream should be thick and soft enough to hold its shape on top.
If desired, sprinkle a little cocoa powder over the whipped cream for garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Bicerín coffee.
Variations of Bicerín Coffee
Although the traditional Bicerín coffee recipe is made with espresso, hot chocolate, and cream, there are some regional and modern variations worth exploring. Some people prefer to add a touch of liqueur, such as brandy or coffee liqueur, to give it an even more special flavor.
Bicerín coffee is a delicious culinary gem from Turin, Italy. Its combination of coffee, thick hot chocolate, and whipped cream creates a unique and pleasurable taste experience. Whether you enjoy it in a historic café in Turin or make it at home, the Bicerín is a delightful way to elevate your coffee experience. Come try this exquisite drink and share its story with other coffee lovers!