Add decadence to your favorite espresso drinks by adding whipped cream to them. This article will teach you everything about the popular espresso drink with whipped cream, the Espresso Con Panna!
What is Espresso Con Panna?
In Italian, Espresso Con Panna means “Espresso with Cream.” It usually contains a single or double shot of espresso and whipped cream. It is an irresistible espresso drink, much older than a Latte or a Cappuccino, and still very popular. Traditional espresso con panna is served in demitasse cup.
It is known by different names, such as café Viennois in the United Kingdom and France and Franziskaner in Vienna. The coffee drink is often confused with other drinks like
- Wiener Melange is made with foamed milk and carries no whipped cream. Don’t be surprised if you get Coffee Con Panna on ordering Wiener Melange in Vienna.
- In France, café Viennois is a term used for both Wiener Melange and Con Panna.
Some other drinks, like a Mocha, uses whipped cream also but as a garnish.
Where did the Espresso con Panna come from?
In addition to the ongoing confusion with names, as highlighted above, its origins are also debated, with Italy, Germany, and Turkey as the top contenders for the honor.
Authentic Espresso Con Panna Recipe
Ingredients
- Double espresso Shot (1.5 to 2 fl. oz), 45 to 60 ml.
- 0.5 to 0.75 oz (16 to 23 g) of finely ground coffee beans.
- Heavy Cream, sweetened to suit your taste, about 1/2 cup.
- 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract (optional).
Make it with Homemade Whipped Cream.
As you can make out, the quality of the Con Panna drink will be influenced in a big way by the quality of the cream you are using. Go for the finest, freshest, and organic heavy cream, pasteurized, from your local dairy farm or creamery with 35 to 38% fat content. Take care that it is not ultrapasteurized, as flavors reduce, and it is not easy to whip ultrapasteurized cream. The real whipped cream makes for a great presentation and adds a velvety touch to espresso drinks.
Take about 1/2 cup of the heavy whipping cream in a medium-sized clean bowl. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, as per your taste. Closely monitor the thickness of the cream as you whisk it till it has stiff peaks to hold its shape. It is always best to prepare the cream just before the drink.
If you have a preference for a softer taste, you can whisk the cream only till it becomes thick but not stiff.
Espresso Prepared with Espresso Machine
As you already know, an espresso shot is prepared in an espresso machine with fine-ground coffee. If you do not have an espresso machine, you can prepare an approximation of the espresso shot in a moka pot. You need medium-fine grind in this case.
Put the coffee grounds in the portafilter, tamp them, and secure the portafilter in the brew head of your machine. Place the espresso cup under the head and turn on the brew switch for espresso shots.
Espresso Using a Moka Pot
If brewing using the moka pot, follow the steps below:
- Remove the filter basket and fill the bottom chamber with the water level remaining just below the safety valve.
- Place the filter and fill it with grinds and level them.
- Place and screw the top section to the base and place the pot over the burner. The top lid should be open, and use the medium-low flame.
- Wait till the upper chamber is half full and you experience sputtering in the nozzle. Switch off the heat, and wait till the sputtering noises subside and the top chamber is full. Pour the coffee into your cup.
Espresso Con Panna – Serve with Toppings
You now have everything from great espresso to whipped cream to serve Espresso Con Panna. All you need is some toppings and garnish. Use a tablespoon to top the espresso with a dollop of whipped cream and watch the thick cream slowly sink into the espresso.
Though traditionally served as it is, you may use chocolate syrup, vanilla syrup, cinnamon, nuts, or berries and have your espresso topped with them along with the whipped cream. You may use decorative or colored glasses for better presentation if you want.
How many calories does the Espresso con Panna have?
A standard double shot espresso con panna drink of 1.5 ounces roughly translates to about 35 to 45 calories without sweeteners, consumed using the natural sweetness of the cream only.
How Many Calories Is In Starbucks Espresso Con Panna?
Starbucks Con Panna Drinks have similar calories as those above, based on their standard coffee recipes, and not considering any customization.
How much caffeine does the Espresso con Panna have?
A standard con panna drink based on a doppio espresso shot will have, on average, about 128 mg of caffeine content (assuming an average of 63 mg per shot), while a Starbucks Doppio has about 150 mg.
What Is The Difference Between Espresso Con Panna And Macchiato?
As stated above, to make espresso con panna, you need nearly an equal amount of brewed espresso and whipped heavy cream without sweeteners. This leads to a balanced flavor that counters the bitterness of the strong coffee with the natural sweetness of the cream.
In a traditional Macchiato, you have two parts espresso and one part milk. This leads to the strong, bitter part of the coffee overpowering the sweetness. Those who have a sweet tooth tend to use some syrups to sweeten it further.
What Is The Difference Between Espresso Con Panna And Affogato?
An affogato shot uses gelato or ice cream instead of whipped cream in con panna and falls more in the dessert category than a coffee drink.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have succeeded in helping you learn about the espresso con panna drink. If you enjoyed the article, leave comments to let us know your thoughts and share it with your coffee-loving relatives and friends.