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Drinks

Original Milanese Coffee and Chocolate Drink (Barbajada)

The Barbajada is a traditional Milanese beverage, a variation of classic hot chocolate made with chocolate and coffee, though it has fallen out of fashion. Let's rediscover this forgotten drink together!
Recipe Original Milanese Coffee and Chocolate Drink (Barbajada)
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Preparation 15 minutes
  • Servings for 4 servings

The Barbajada is a Coffee and Chocolate Drink typical of Milan, which can be prepared in just 15 minutes and will give you the energy to start your day with a sprint or to enrich a traditional sweet snack.

The Barbajada Recipe, an ancient recipe conceived in the 1800s by Domenico Barbaja, is not a classic Hot Chocolate but a drink that combines the flavor of bitter cocoa with the aromatic taste of coffee and the sweet note of milk. Now out of use since the 1930s, it is often served in the historic bars of Milan, which still prepare it following the original recipe.

But if you want to enjoy this Milanese Drink from the comfort of your home, then you are in the right place! The Barbajada Recipe is really simple and quick, we are sure you already have all the ingredients in your pantry, because you will only need cocoa, sugar, coffee, water and milk. A few minutes to thicken on the stove and you can savor this hot drink, fragrant and creamy, enriched by the inevitable dollop of whipped cream.

If the recipe for Barbajada Milan has tickled your palate, try these other Hot Drink Recipes: Homemade Frappuccino, Chai Latte, Irish Coffee, Matcha Latte and one of the latest Instagram stars, the Dalgona Coffee.

And everyone to the stove and ingredients at hand: let’s prepare this tasty and flavorful Barbajada in a flash!

Ingredients for 4 servings

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Method

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  1. To prepare Barbajada (a traditional Milanese hot beverage), first brew a large pot of Italian moka coffee and set it aside once ready. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. Start whisking with a hand whisk and gradually add water in a thin stream.
  2. Once you obtain a smooth mixture without lumps, transfer it to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then add the previously prepared coffee and milk, cooking everything for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly thicker.
  3. Whip the fresh cream, pour the Barbajada into cups and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top! Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!

Variations and Alternatives

You can skip the whipped cream if you prefer. If serving Barbajada as an afternoon treat for adults, you can enhance it with a splash of liquor such as Brandy or Rum for added flavor.

Tips

To avoid lumps when combining dry ingredients (sugar and cocoa) with liquids (water), sift the unsweetened cocoa powder first. Always monitor the cooking of the Barbajada (which should be on low heat) and stir occasionally while it thickens to prevent burning. Note: Barbajada is a traditional Milanese hot chocolate-coffee drink dating back to the 19th century.

Storage

Barbajada should be served and consumed immediately while hot to best enjoy its creamy texture.

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