DRINK
Bicerin
Layers of espresso, drinking chocolate and cream in a small glass. The iconic Torinese drink, served since 1763 at the historic Caffè Al Bicerin.
About
Bicerin, literally meaning 'small glass' in Piedmontese, is a historic hot, non-alcoholic drink typical of Turin. Served in a rounded glass, it comprises a mixture of coffee, chocolate, and creamed milk sweetened with syrup. The bicerin ritual requires the three ingredients to be served separately.
Initially, there were three variants: pur e fior (today's cappuccino), pur e barba (coffee and chocolate), and pòch ëd tut (a bit of everything), with all three ingredients mixed. It was the latter formula that was most successful and prevailed over the others. Each component is accompanied by bagnati, or artisanal sweets, with a total of 14 different kinds.
It is believed that bicerin was invented in Turin's Al Bicerin café, which is located in Piazza della Consolata and has been in existence since 1763. The café jealously guards its traditional recipe, requiring its employees to sign a contract to commit to secrecy. Nevertheless, bicerin can be found on the menu of many coffee shops around Turin, with slight variations from the original that may not even be obvious to the common man's tastebuds.
Where to taste it:
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Gallery
Where to Taste It
No Reservation Needed
These are historic cafés open throughout the day — simply walk in, find a seat or stand at the counter, and order your bicerin. No booking required. The experience is spontaneous by nature: part of the pleasure is the ritual of arriving, ordering, and savouring it on the spot, just as Torinese have done for centuries.
Most cafés are open from the morning until early evening. Check each venue's opening hours before you go.
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