How to Make Caffe Galliano, the Classic Italian Liqueur Coffee

If you’ve ever wondered how Italians blend coffee with sweet liqueur for a cozy digestif or afternoon treat, Caffe Galliano is your answer. This classic coffee drink combines strong espresso, Italian sweet liqueur, and a float of whipped cream—simple, balanced, and steeped in history.

To make Caffe Galliano, you need just three ingredients: 100cc of dark roasted espresso, 20cc of Galliano Italian sweet liqueur, and 20cc of stirred whipped cream. Pour the liqueur first, add the espresso, then top with the cream. That’s the entire recipe.

What Is Caffe Galliano?

Caffe Galliano is a traditional Italian coffee cocktail made with espresso, Italian sweet liqueur (also called Galliano), and a topping of stirred whipped cream. It’s a dessert-style coffee drink that originated in northern Italy, particularly around Milan, and became popular worldwide thanks to Italian immigrants in the United States during the early 1900s.

The Origins of Coffee and Liqueur in Italy

The combination of coffee and sweet liqueur like Galliano started in the second half of the 19th century in Italy. Originally a local practice in Milan, it gained international attention when Italian immigrants brought the recipe to America. By the early 20th century, it had become a fashionable drink in New York City. The key to its appeal? The contrast between bitter espresso and the smooth, sweet profile of Galliano.

What You’ll Need to Make Caffe Galliano

This is a very simple drink with only three components:

• Dark roasted espresso: 100cc (about 3.4 fl oz)
• Galliano Italian sweet liqueur: 20cc (about 0.7 fl oz)
• Whipped cream (stirred, not fluffy): 20cc (about 0.7 fl oz)

No special tools are required beyond a cup and a way to pour the ingredients in the right order. You can use a moka pot or espresso machine for the coffee base, though the recipe assumes a dark, strong brewed coffee similar to espresso.

How to Make Caffe Galliano Step by Step

Making Caffe Galliano is straightforward, but the layering matters for both presentation and flavor balance:

1. Pour 20cc of Galliano Italian sweet liqueur into a cup or glass.
2. Add 100cc of dark roasted espresso over the liqueur.
3. Top with 20cc of stirred whipped cream. Do not aerate it into a mousse—use softly stirred cream that floats neatly.

The result is a rich, bittersweet drink where the creamy top contrasts with the bold coffee and sweet liqueur beneath. No stirring is required unless you want to mix everything together.

Why This Drink Works

Caffe Galliano succeeds because of its careful balance. The bitter intensity of dark roasted espresso is softened by the sweet, herbal tones of Galliano, while the stirred whipped cream adds a smooth, silky finish. It’s often enjoyed as a digestif or after-dinner coffee, making it as much a dessert as a beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Galliano liqueur and where does it come from?

Galliano is an Italian sweet herbal liqueur originally produced in Tuscany. It has a sweet, vanilla-anise flavor with notes of citrus and herbs. Though not specified in the original article, the drink refers to the classic Galliano liqueur, which is widely available and essential for authentic flavor.

Can I use a different liqueur instead of Galliano?

The recipe traditionally calls for Galliano, a specific Italian sweet liqueur. Substituting it with other liqueurs will change the flavor profile significantly. If you don’t have Galliano, consider another sweet herbal or vanilla liqueur, but it won’t be the same drink.

Do I need to use a specific type of coffee for Caffe Galliano?

The original recipe uses deep-roasted coffee, specified as 100cc of “” or dark roasted coffee. While it doesn't specify espresso, the volume and strength suggest a strong brewed coffee akin to espresso. A dark roast espresso or a strong Italian-style roast will work best.

Should the whipped cream be whipped or just stirred?

The recipe specifies or “stirred cream,” meaning softly whipped or stirred cream—not stiff peaks or mousse. It should be fluid enough to float but not so airy that it won’t layer neatly. Avoid over-whipping.

Is Caffe Galliano a type of affogato?

No, Caffe Galliano is not an affogato. An affogato is typically a shot of hot espresso poured over a dessert like vanilla gelato or ice cream. Caffe Galliano layers liqueur, espresso, and whipped cream, creating a distinct layered drink rather than a dessert pour.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Dark Roast Coffee Drinks

For Caffe Galliano, choose a bold dark roast to complement the sweet liqueur and cream. FrontStreet’s Classic Blend offers buttery, nutty, and dark chocolate notes with a thick crema—ideal for espresso-based cocktails. Their Commercial Blend also works well, delivering a wild, robust profile with roasted grain and dark cocoa. Both blends are designed to produce rich espresso with lasting body, making them excellent bases for layered drinks like Galliano coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.