Italian CoffeeCocktail recipe
Rating
The Italian Coffee cocktail is a warm and indulgent drink that embodies the robust flavors of Italy. This delightful concoction is traditionally served in an Irish glass and combines the sweet, almond notes of amaretto with the rich, bold taste of freshly brewed coffee.
Topped with a velvety layer of cream, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on a chilly evening or as a luxurious after-dinner treat. Its smooth and creamy texture, balanced with the deep coffee base, makes the Italian Coffee a comforting and sophisticated beverage choice.
Though it carries the essence of Italian flavors, its moderate alcohol content allows the subtle interplay of its components to shine without overpowering the senses.
Microbadges
Tags
Method
How to make a Italian Coffee
-
- Place amaretto into a cup and add hot coffee
-
- Top off with whipped cream
-
- Garnish with a cherry and serve
Power tips
Elevate the Italian Coffee with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
- Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.
Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail
· Garnish ·Your private tasting notes
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Featured in
FAQ's

How do you properly combine the ingredients for an Italian Coffee?
For an Italian Coffee, start by brewing the coffee—preferably a strong espresso or a rich, dark roast. Pour 180ml of the hot coffee into an Irish glass. Add 60ml of Amaretto to the coffee and gently stir to combine. Carefully top the drink with cream, allowing it to float on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. This method ensures the layers remain distinct for both flavor and presentation.

What is the best way to serve an Italian Coffee for the most authentic experience?
An Italian Coffee should be served hot in an Irish glass to maintain its temperature and to allow the beauty of the layered drink to be visible. Serving it immediately after preparation ensures the cream stays on top and the coffee remains hot. Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or nutmeg on top of the cream for an added touch of authenticity and flavor.

Can I use any type of coffee for an Italian Coffee, or is a specific kind recommended?
While technically any coffee can be used to make an Italian Coffee, the quality and flavor of the coffee greatly affect the overall taste of the drink. A high-quality, strong espresso or a robust dark roast is recommended to balance the sweetness of the Amaretto. The goal is to achieve a harmonious blend of flavors, so choosing a coffee with depth and richness will produce the best outcome.

How does the alcohol content of an Italian Coffee compare to other coffee-based cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 5.79%, Italian Coffee is relatively moderate in comparison to other coffee-based cocktails. For example, an Irish Coffee, which typically includes whiskey, can have a higher alcohol content depending on the amount of whiskey used. The Italian Coffee's main alcoholic ingredient is Amaretto, a liqueur known for its sweet flavor and lower alcohol content compared to hard spirits, making it a milder choice among coffee cocktails.

Is there a dairy-free option for topping an Italian Coffee?
Yes, to make a dairy-free Italian Coffee, simply replace the traditional cream with a non-dairy alternative. Coconut cream or a rich almond cream are excellent choices that complement the nutty flavor of the Amaretto while providing a similar creamy texture and richness to the drink. Ensure the non-dairy cream is well chilled for the best chance of it floating on top of the coffee.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Jack's Godfather Highball
The Jack's Godfather Highball is a tantalizing cocktail that offers a unique twist on the classic Godfather cocktail, blending the...
Frangipane Old Fashioned
A delicious twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, adding almond notes through amaretto for a dessert-inspired finish.
French Connection
The French Connection is a sophisticated and smooth cocktail that epitomizes the spirit of France with its choice of spirits....
Amaretto Cruise
The Amaretto Cruise is a delectable and indulgent cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and creamy flavors...

Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Comments
No comments yet…
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register