Among the most distinctive and intense beverages of Italian tradition, Caffè Calabrese stands out for its bold flavour and the original pairing of espresso, liquorice and brandy (or cognac). It’s an indulgence with a strong character, telling the story of a region rich in authentic flavours and age-old customs.
What is Caffè Calabrese?
Caffè Calabrese is a hot beverage typically served in a small glass cup, where three fundamental elements come together:
- powdered liquorice,
- a dash of brandy or cognac,
- and of course, a short, intense espresso made from quality coffee blends.
The result is an aromatic and deep preparation, capable of awakening the senses and warming the palate. The liquorice, with its sweet yet bitter notes, marries perfectly with the strength of the espresso and the round warmth of the spirit.
The origins of Caffè Calabrese
Although there is no precise date for its origin, Caffè Calabrese has deep roots in the popular Calabrian tradition, where liquorice has been one of the region’s symbolic crops for centuries. Calabria produces nearly all of Italy’s liquorice, which is also recognised as a PDO product.
The idea of combining it with coffee probably emerged as a way to enhance this local excellence, sometimes adding an alcoholic note, as is often the case in Southern recipes, to create the perfect after-dinner digestif.
How to Make Caffè Calabrese
To make a proper Caffè Calabrese, you need to be careful with ingredient selection and precise in the steps. Here’s the most traditional recipe:
- Grind the liquorice Crush a tablet of pure liquorice into a fine powder, or use a high-quality pre-ground liquorice.
- Prepare the alcoholic base In a small saucepan, melt a teaspoon of brown sugar with a dash of brandy or cognac, until you get a warm and homogeneous mixture.
- Add the liquorice Add the liquorice powder to the warm alcoholic mix, stirring well to obtain a dense and fragrant base.
- Pour the espresso Extract a short espresso made from quality blends, single-origin beans or specialty coffee, and pour it directly into the glass containing the liquorice and brandy mix.
- Stir and serve hot Mix with a teaspoon and serve immediately, to enjoy its full aromatic power.
Variations and creativity
As is often the case in Italian regional traditions, Caffè Calabrese lends itself to small variations:
- in some versions, powdered liquorice is replaced with a liquorice liqueur,
- in others, a twist of lemon zest is added for a citrusy, digestive touch,
- or whipped cream is used for a richer, creamier version.
The amount of brandy can also be adjusted: for those who prefer a lighter drink, a drop will suffice; for a stronger after-dinner coffee, feel free to be a little more generous.
Why choose a caffè Calabrese?
Caffè Calabrese is the perfect choice for those who:
- love intense, aromatic and slightly spicy drinks,
- are looking for a natural digestive alternative to the usual bitter,
- want a cosy and original break,
- are curious to discover Calabrian tradition in a cup.
A bold treat from the heart of the South
Caffè Calabrese is much more than a flavoured coffee: it’s a little ritual, a tribute to Calabrian liquorice, a drink to be savoured slowly and attentively. Its balance between sweet, bitter, warm and spicy makes it perfect to end a meal, accompany a chat, or simply enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.
Next time you fancy something a bit different, try a Caffè Calabrese. It just might become your new favourite coffee break.