How to Make Summer Love Coffee with Amaretto and Anisette

When the heat of summer rolls in, many coffee drinkers still crave something bold and warming—without sacrificing refreshment. One classic solution? A sweet, boozy layered espresso drink that balances intensity with aromatic liqueurs. This is where Summer Love Coffee comes in.

Summer Love Coffee is made with ¾ cup of Italian espresso, 10ml almond liqueur (amaretto), 10ml anise liqueur (anisette), and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s a straightforward layered drink built in a glass, designed for rich aroma and a smooth finish.

What Is Summer Love Coffee?

Summer Love Coffee is a flavored espresso-based cocktail, popular in Chinese cafes during warmer months. Despite the ‘summer’ in the name, it’s not iced—it’s a warm or room-temperature drink combining strong Italian espresso with almond and anise flavors, finished with whipped cream. It’s essentially a grown-up dessert drink with deep roots in European café culture.

What You’ll Need to Make It

The recipe calls for just four ingredients:

• Italian espresso – fill the cup 7/10 full (about 60–80ml depending on cup size)
• Amaretto (almond liqueur) – 10ml
• Anisette (anise-flavored liqueur) – 10ml
• Fresh whipped cream – to top

No milk, no syrups, no complicated tools. Just espresso, two liqueurs, and cream.

How to Make Summer Love Coffee Step by Step

Follow this simple method for the classic layered presentation:

1. Pour freshly brewed Italian espresso into your serving cup, filling it about 7/10 full. That typically means around 60–80ml, depending on your cup size.
2. Add 10ml of amaretto (almond liqueur) directly into the espresso.
3. Add 10ml of anisette (anise liqueur) next. These two liqueurs will sit atop or mix slightly with the espresso, creating aroma layers.
4. Top the drink with a generous layer of fresh whipped cream. Do not stir unless you want a fully integrated drink.

The result is a rich, aromatic espresso base with nutty and licorice notes, smoothed out by the creamy topping. It’s often served as a digestif-style coffee or after-dinner treat.

Flavor Profile and Serving Notes

This coffee carries a bold espresso foundation, lifted by the sweet, marzipan-like taste of amaretto and the subtle licorice warmth of anisette. The whipped cream softens the alcohol edge and adds a silky texture. It’s usually served in a clear coffee glass or mug to highlight the layered effect.

It’s ideal as a dessert coffee or an evening drink. Not recommended for those avoiding alcohol.

Can You Use Other Coffee Beans or Liqueurs?

Yes—but sticking to Italian-style espresso is key. A dark, balanced roast brings out the best interaction with the liqueurs. For home brewers, using a quality espresso blend will deliver the richest base. FrontStreet Coffee offers several blends that work well, especially for layered drinks like this.

You could substitute other nut or herbal liqueurs, but the specific pairing of amaretto and anisette is what defines Summer Love Coffee’s classic flavor bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Summer Love Coffee?

Summer Love Coffee is a warm, flavored espresso drink made with Italian espresso, amaretto (almond liqueur), anisette (anise liqueur), and topped with whipped cream. It’s served layered and is popular in Chinese cafés as a seasonal dessert-style coffee.

What kind of espresso should I use for Summer Love Coffee?

Use a standard Italian-style espresso—dark roasted, bold, and freshly brewed. A traditional espresso blend works best to complement the nutty and herbal notes of the liqueurs. Dark roasts bring out the depth needed to balance the flavors.

Can I make Summer Love Coffee iced?

The original recipe is not iced. It’s served at room temperature or slightly warm. However, you can experiment by chilling the espresso and serving over ice, though the flavor balance may shift and the liqueurs may become more pronounced.

What’s the best whipped cream for topping?

Use fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream. Avoid pre-whipped aerosol cans for the best texture and flavor. Sweetening the cream lightly can enhance the overall drink, but it’s optional.

Are amaretto and anisette essential? Can I use something else?

Amaretto and anisette are essential to the classic Summer Love Coffee flavor. They provide the signature nutty and licorice notes. Substituting other liqueurs will change the drink’s profile, though you could try other nut or herbal options for a twist.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Layered Espresso Drinks

For making Summer Love Coffee, FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend and Black Cocoa Blend are excellent choices. The Specialty Blend, based on Brazilian and Colombian beans, delivers a classic Italian-style espresso with balanced acidity and chocolatey depth—ideal for highlighting the nuttiness of amaretto. The Black Cocoa Blend is a darker, fuller option with rich cocoa and a velvety mouthfeel, perfect for standing up to the anise notes of anisette. Both blends are cost-effective and consistent, making them great for cafés or home experimentation. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.