Bicerin: The Iconic Drink of Turin, Italy

Turin is a regal city of porticos and elegant cafes located in the northwestern corner of Italy, adorned by the Alps to the north as if they were a crown. As the first capital of a unified Italy and the seat of the former Savoy Monarchy, Turin’s royal past is echoed in everything from the architecture to its regional culinary specialties. The Bicerin, Turin’s iconic beverage, made of layers of chocolate, coffee, and cream, is as rich and elegant as Turin’s royal history.

Though the Bicerin has become a symbol of Turin and can be found throughout the city, the original recipe from Caffè al Bicerin is a closely guarded secret. With good reason–historically all-female management has taken great care to maintain traditional methods of production and source quality ingredients. No corners are cut. The chocolate is carefully selected for its low acidity and simmered for hours in large copper pots, and even the coffee is made using traditional methods.

Turin native and culinary guide Lucia Hannau describes the Bicerin as “not only the symbol of Turin, but also its velvety texture and diplomatic flavor (not overpowering, not overly sweet, but still chocolaty and coffee-like) are the perfect metaphors for our local way of life and mindset.”   Caffè al Bicerin is found in the quiet and intimately small Piazza della Consolata, tucked away just blocks from Via Garibaldi, one of Turin’s bustling shopping streets. Locals and tourists alike sip Bicerin (bee-chair-EEN), which means “small glass” in Piedmont dialect, in front of the majestic Baroque Consolata church.

Inside the cafe is an atmosphere of cozy opulence: tapered candles with dancing flames atop marble tables, and red velvet banquette seating against polished caramel-colored wood-paneled walls. Behind the counter, colorful confections in glass jars line the shelves. It is distinguished, yet inviting. Even the Count of Cavour, Italy’s first Prime Minister, and a driving force behind unification, sipped Bicerin here himself.

Though the Bicerin is served with a spoon, do not be tempted to swirl the layers together. According to Caffè Al Bicerin, “the secret to savoring the true Bicerin is to avoid mixing it, thereby allowing the various ingredients to come together directly on the palate, with their different densities, temperatures, and tastes.” The contrast of strong flavors and delicate textures is a timeless delight for the palate.