Quick answer: espresso con panna is a single or double shot of espresso with a spoonful of whipped cream on top. Pull the shot into a small cup and add about a tablespoon of softly whipped, lightly sweetened cream.
How to make it
- 1 single or double shot of espresso (30-60 ml)
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- A little powdered sugar or vanilla in the cream (optional)
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon to dust (optional)
- Whip the cream to soft peaks; it should hold a dollop but still be supple.
- Pull the espresso into a warmed demitasse cup.
- Spoon or pipe the cream on top and serve at once.
The cream
Use cold heavy cream. Whip just a few tablespoons with a small whisk or a handheld frother; see how to make whipped cream. Cafés that serve many of these keep cream ready in a whipped cream dispenser, which gives the same small rosette every time.
How it compares
| Drink | What it is |
|---|---|
| Espresso con panna | Espresso with a dollop of whipped cream |
| Macchiato | Espresso marked with a little milk foam |
| Einspänner (Vienna coffee) | A longer black coffee in a glass under a thick cream cap |
| Cappuccino | Espresso with steamed milk and milk foam |
| Irish coffee | Coffee, whiskey and sugar with floated cream |
Variations
- Mocha con panna: stir a teaspoon of chocolate sauce into the espresso first.
- Flavored cream: vanilla, cinnamon or a drop of liqueur in the cream.
- Iced: espresso over ice with soft cream on top.
More: whipped cream for coffee and heavy cream in coffee.
Frequently asked questions
What does con panna mean?
With cream. In Italian coffee bars, espresso con panna is espresso topped with a spoonful of whipped cream.
Is the whipped cream sweetened?
In Italy it is usually unsweetened or only lightly sweetened. Many cafés elsewhere use sweetened whipped cream.
What is the difference between espresso con panna and a macchiato?
A macchiato is espresso marked with a little milk foam. Con panna uses whipped cream instead of milk.
Do you stir espresso con panna?
It is up to you. Many people sip the hot espresso through the cold cream; others stir it in for a creamier shot.
