If you’re vacationing in Italy, you’re sure to come across it in almost every bar or café.
What is crema caffè?
Crema caffè is a cold coffee cream made from espresso, cream, and sugar. The result is a light, velvety foam with a rich coffee flavor, which is eaten with a spoon or sipped slowly from a small glass.
It is neither a classic iced coffee with ice cubes nor a frappé. Thanks to its whipped consistency, it resembles a delicate foam or very light ice cream. In Italy, it is served primarily during the summer and is a popular alternative to classic espresso.
The flavor depends on the coffee used, but in general, it is distinctly coffee-flavored, subtly sweet, creamy, light, and refreshing. It’s not as heavy as ice cream, nor is it as watery as regular iced coffee. That’s precisely why it has gained popularity not only among Italians but also among tourists.
Where is crema caffè most commonly served in Italy?
You can find it almost everywhere in Italy—from Sicily all the way up to the north of the country. It’s most commonly offered at cafés and bars, pastry shops (pasticcerie), beach bars (chioschi), and even gas stations that serve high-quality coffee. These establishments often have special chillers that constantly stir the crema, maintaining its ideal consistency. Thanks to this, crema caffè is always perfectly smooth and fluffy.
Make crema caffè at home
You can easily try making crema caffè at home in just a few minutes.
Ingredients
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2 strong espressos (approx. 60 ml)
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250 ml well-chilled whipping cream (33%)
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2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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a few ice cubes
Instructions
Pour all ingredients (espresso, cream, and sugar) into a shaker with ice or into a blender and shake vigorously. This will create a thick, fluffy foam. In cafés, the mixture is often kept in a chiller that constantly stirs it, so it stays beautifully creamy. We’ve found that it works better to first whip the cream and then stir in the espresso.
Crema caffè, a symbol of the Italian summer
Just like granita in Sicily or affogato after dinner, crema caffè is one of the favorite summer specialties at Italian cafés. Although it looks luxurious, it’s surprisingly simple to make, and you only need a few basic ingredients. The next time you’re planning a vacation in Italy, be sure to order this coffee cream. You might find that, alongside the classic espresso, it becomes your new summer obsession.
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