Do Italians drink espresso with panna?

Yes, but it’s considered more of a treat than a daily staple. While Italians usually drink plain espresso or macchiato, they enjoy espresso con panna on special occasions or as a dessert-style coffee. It’s often found in northern regions or tourist cafés, especially where Viennese influence is strong.

Is espresso with panna strong?

Yes, the coffee underneath is typically a full-strength espresso shot — either a standard 30ml or a ristretto , which is even more concentrated. The whipped cream softens the flavor slightly, but the caffeine content remains high. It’s bold, rich, and satisfying.

What is espresso con panna?

Espresso con panna is an Italian coffee drink made with a single shot of espresso topped with whipped cream . The name literally means “espresso with cream.” It originated as a variation of the Franziskaner in Vienna and evolved into a luxurious, minimalist espresso dessert enjoyed across Europe.

What’s the best way to make espresso con panna at home?

You just need two ingredients: espresso and heavy cream. Brew one shot of espresso, whip the cream until soft peaks form, and spoon it over the espresso in a demitasse cup. For best results, use fresh Arabica beans , a fine grind, and chill your cream and spoon for a contrasting texture. See our full recipe above for classic and modern variations.

Is espresso con panna the same as a macchiato?

No, they’re different. A macchiato has a dash of steamed milk or foam, while espresso con panna uses whipped cream as a topping. The macchiato is stronger and more bitter, whereas espresso con panna adds sweetness and creaminess without diluting the espresso.

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, but it won’t taste quite the same. You can make a version called coffee con panna using a French press or Moka pot to brew strong coffee. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have an espresso machine, and still delivers a rich coffee and cream contrast.

Espresso con Panna Recipe – Amazing 2-Step Italian Coffee Treat

Name: Espresso con Panna Recipe: A Velvety Sip of Europe’s Coffee Legacy
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 shot (30ml) freshly brewed espresso; 100ml heavy cream; 1 tsp sugar (optional); 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Description

A classic espresso con panna recipe made with bold espresso and soft whipped cream. A creamy Italian delight for coffee lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

1 shot (30ml) freshly brewed espresso

100ml heavy cream

1 tsp sugar (optional)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or Moka pot.

2. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla if desired.

3. Pour hot espresso into a small demitasse cup.

4. Spoon the whipped cream gently over the espresso.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy without stirring.

Notes

For best contrast, use chilled cream and a hot espresso shot.

Try with a ristretto for a bolder flavor or add flavored syrup for a sweeter twist.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 85
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: espresso con panna recipe, coffee con panna, whipped cream espresso