Italian Coffee with Amaretto and Cream

A Cozy Italian Classic

Rich coffee meets sweet Amaretto in this comforting hot cocktail. With just four ingredients, it’s easy to make yet elegant enough to serve after dinner or on a winter afternoon.

Background

Italian Coffee takes cues from the long tradition of pairing espresso with liqueurs like Sambuca or Amaretto in Italy’s cafés. It’s a mellow, sociable drink — half digestif, half dessert.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Black Coffee – the bitter, roasted backbone that keeps the drink balanced.
• Amaretto – adds almond sweetness and warmth.
• Sugar – optional; rounds out bitterness if you prefer a sweeter cup.
• Cream – floated on top for texture and a rich mouthfeel.

Equipment

• Heatproof mug or glass.
• Spoon for layering cream.

Why You’ll Love It

The Perfect Blend of Bitter + Sweet
Amaretto softens the edge of strong coffee, while the cool cream creates a silky contrast — every sip feels indulgent but not heavy.

Substitutions & Variations

• Liqueur swap: Try Frangelico for hazelnut notes or Kahlúa for a double-coffee hit.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or almond milk foam.
• Spiced touch: Dust the top with cinnamon or cocoa.

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly brewed coffee — stale coffee dulls the nutty liqueur.
• Chill the cream so it floats neatly.
• Serve in clear glassware to show off the layers.