Unsure whether to go for hot chocolate or coffee? The bicerin, a rich and indulgent hot drink, combines the smooth sweetness of chocolate with the bold intensity of espresso, all topped with velvety whipped cream. A traditional recipe from Turin you can discover today! Let’s walk you through the steps to prepare this delicious bicerin recipe at home.
The bicerin is a traditional Italian hot drink made with espresso, hot chocolate, and milk or cream.
In Italian, “bicerin” means “small glass”, which is the way this drink is traditionally served. In Italy, the bicerin is also often paired with a gianduiotto, a chocolate confection made from cocoa and hazelnut paste.
Where does bicerin come from?
This coffee-based drink is considered the successor to the 18th-century Bavareisa of Turin. Indeed, the bicerin originates from Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy, and is regarded as one of the first coffee-based cocktails.
How to make a bicerin with a bean-to-cup coffee machine?
10 min.
Easy
1 pers.
Ingredients
Your favorite coffee beans
Chocolate spread
Crushed hazelnuts
Double cream
Material
Bean-to-cup coffee machine
Glass
Whipped cream siphon
2 nitrogen cartridges
Preparation
Step 1 Spread some chocolate spread around the rim of the glass.
Step 2 Add your coffee beans to your bean-to-cup machine.
Step 3 Extract 1 espresso and set aside.
Step 4 Fill your siphon with double cream.
Step 5 Charge with 2 nitrogen cartridges and shake.
Step 6 Pour the espresso into your glass, then carefully top with the whipped cream.
Step 7 Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts and enjoy!
Step 1
Spread some chocolate spread around the rim of the glass.
Step 2
Add your coffee beans to your bean-to-cup machine.
Step 3
Extract 1 espresso and set aside.
Step 4
Fill your siphon with double cream.
Step 5
Charge with 2 nitrogen cartridges and shake.
Step 6
Pour the espresso into your glass, then carefully top with the whipped cream.
Step 7
Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts and enjoy!
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How to prepare a bicerin with a manual espresso machine
10 min.
Easy
1 pers.
Ingredients
Your favorite coffee beans
Chocolate spread
Crushed hazelnuts
Double cream
Material
Manual espresso machine
Coffee grinder
Tamping mat
Tamper
Coffee distributor
Scale
Glass
Whipped cream siphon
2 nitrogen cartridges
Preparation
Step 1 Spread some chocolate spread around the rim of the glass.
Step 2 Grind 14 g of coffee into your portafilter. Distribute evenly.
Step 3 Use a coffee distributor for an even tamp (2–3 turns).
Step 4 Tamp firmly with 15–20 kg of pressure.
Step 5 Flush your group head before extraction.
Step 6 Insert the portafilter and extract until you reach 28–42 g of espresso. Set aside.
Step 7 Fill your siphon with double cream.
Step 8 Charge with 2 nitrogen cartridges and shake.
Step 9 Top your coffee with whipped cream.
Step 10 Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts and enjoy!
Step 1
Spread some chocolate spread around the rim of the glass.
Step 2
Grind 14 g of coffee into your portafilter. Distribute evenly.
Step 3
Use a coffee distributor for an even tamp (2–3 turns).
Step 4
Tamp firmly with 15–20 kg of pressure.
Step 5
Flush your group head before extraction.
Step 6
Insert the portafilter and extract until you reach 28–42 g of espresso. Set aside.
Step 7
Fill your siphon with double cream.
Step 8
Charge with 2 nitrogen cartridges and shake.
Step 9
Top your coffee with whipped cream.
Step 10
Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts and enjoy!
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MaxiCoffee Tips for Extra Indulgence
For an even more delicious bicerin, top with chocolate shavings or a swirl of chocolate spread on your whipped cream.
Whether you prefer the freshness of coffee beans, the convenience of ground coffee, or the speed of coffee capsules, you’ll find the perfect option to create this indulgent Turin speciality in your own kitchen.
For the perfect homemade bicerin, start with high-quality coffee from our carefully curated selection of coffee beans, or choose the practicality of coffee grounds and podsfor a quick yet equally delicious result. Whichever option you pick, you’ll be able to craft a creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced cup every time, bringing a touch of Italian coffee culture straight to your table.
Now that you know how to prepare an authentic bicerin, why not bring a touch of Turin into your everyday coffee ritual? This Italian speciality is more than just a drink, it’s a moment of indulgence that combines the richness of chocolate, the intensity of espresso, and the smoothness of cream. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon treat or as a dessert to impress your guests, the bicerin recipe is simple yet unforgettable.
You can also personalise your bicerin by experimenting with different coffee varieties, toppings like chocolate shavings or crushed nuts, and the perfect whipped cream. Sharing a homemade bicerin is a delightful way to celebrate coffee culture and bring a little Italian charm into your home.
