Italian Coffee - Amaretto, Coffee & Cream Hot Drink

Italian Coffee is a simple hot coffee drink built around amaretto and a cream float. The coffee stays dominant at six ounces, while one ounce of amaretto adds almond-like sweetness and aroma without turning the cup into a liqueur-heavy dessert.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Amaretto - adds almond and stone-fruit sweetness.
• Black Coffee - provides the hot roasted backbone.
• Cream - creates a cool, soft finishing layer.
• Sugar - optional, for additional sweetness when needed.

Equipment

• Irish Coffee Cup
• Bar spoon
• Small whisk or spoon for preparing the cream

Keep the Coffee in Charge

The six-to-one coffee-to-amaretto balance leaves room for the roast to remain recognizable. Optional sugar should be added only after tasting because the amaretto already contributes substantial sweetness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use hazelnut liqueur instead of amaretto for a different nutty profile.
• Use decaffeinated coffee when preferred.
• Skip the added Sugar for a drier cup.
• Use lightly whipped heavy cream for a more stable float.
• Add a small dusting of cocoa or cinnamon over the cream.

Helpful Tips

• Preheat the Irish Coffee Cup with hot water.
• Use freshly brewed Black Coffee.
• Taste before adding optional Sugar.
• Keep the Cream chilled and float it slowly over the back of a spoon.
• Serve immediately while the coffee is hot.