Summer Love Coffee: A Classic Flavored Espresso Drink

Looking for a classic, easy-to-make coffee cocktail that feels like a European café in summer? The Summer Love Coffee combines strong Italian espresso with almond and anise flavors, then finishes with a cloud of whipped cream — a retro drink that’s still beloved for its balance of bitterness, nuttiness, and sweetness.

To make Summer Love Coffee, pour 7/8 full of espresso, add 10ml almond liqueur and 10ml anise liqueur, then top with fresh cream. That’s the whole recipe — just four ingredients and no special tools needed.

What Is Summer Love Coffee?

Summer Love Coffee is a flavored Italian-style coffee cocktail. It starts with a shot or two of strong espresso, then layers in almond and anise liqueurs for aromatic complexity, and is finished with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s sweet, herbal, and slightly bitter — a dessert-like pick-me-up that works well in warm weather.

Key Ingredients in Summer Love Coffee

• Italian Coffee (Espresso): Fill the cup 7/8 full (approximately a double shot, around 60ml).
• Almond Liqueur: 10ml, adds a sweet marzipan note.
• Anise Liqueur: 10ml, introduces a licorice-like herbal spice.
• Fresh Cream: Topped last, for richness and texture.

The recipe is simple but precise: the coffee goes in first to form the base, the liqueurs follow to infuse aroma without curdling the cream, and the cream is added last as a visual and textural finish.

How to Make Summer Love Coffee

Making this drink takes less than a minute once you have your espresso ready. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Pour freshly brewed Italian espresso into a cup until it’s about 7/8 full (roughly 60ml).
2. Add 10ml of almond liqueur.
3. Add 10ml of anise liqueur.
4. Top with a layer of fresh whipped cream.

No need to stir unless you want to mix the flavors — many drinkers prefer the layered experience. The cream softens the edge of the alcohol while balancing the intensity of the espresso.

Flavor Profile & Serving Notes

This coffee tastes like a cross between a caffe mocha and a digestive liqueur. The almond brings a smooth, nutty sweetness; the anise adds a mild licorice spice that complements the roastiness of the espresso. The cream smooths everything out, making it feel indulgent but not heavy.

Serve it as a digestif after a meal, or as a refreshing afternoon treat. It’s especially popular in summer cafés for its light body despite the alcohol content.

Can I Use Different Liqueurs?

Yes, but the flavor balance will shift. Almond and anise are traditional because they enhance — rather than overwhelm — the espresso. Substituting other liqueurs (like coffee liqueur or orange) will change the character entirely. For best results, stick with the specified 10ml of each.

What Type of Coffee Should I Use?

The original recipe simply calls for “Italian coffee,” which implies a dark, bold espresso. In practice, any well-extracted espresso with good body and moderate acidity will work. Avoid overly acidic or sour shots, as they can clash with the sweet liqueurs.

If you’re brewing at home, choose a dark roast blend or a single origin with chocolatey or nutty undertones. Avoid fruity or light roasts unless you’re experimenting intentionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content in Summer Love Coffee?

The drink contains 10ml each of almond and anise liqueurs, typically around 20% ABV. That equals roughly 20ml of 20% alcohol, or about 4ml pure alcohol total per serving — similar to a small shot. It’s not a high-alcohol drink, but it does contain booze.

Do I have to use both almond and anise liqueurs?

No, but the recipe specifies both for balance. Almond adds sweetness, anise adds spice. Omitting one will change the intended flavor profile. If you must skip one, you may replace it with a similar liqueur (like sambuca for anise or amaretto for almond), but stick to 10ml.

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Technically yes, but it won’t be the same drink. The almond and anise liqueurs are core to the flavor. Non-alcoholic substitutes rarely match the complexity. You could try almond syrup and a hint of star anise extract, but expect a simpler, sweeter result.

Is fresh cream necessary, or can I use milk or whipped topping?

Fresh cream gives the best texture and richness. Milk will make it thinner and less luxurious; whipped topping lacks the same flavor and mouthfeel. For authenticity and best results, use freshly whipped or softly whipped heavy cream.

Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?

Not recommended. The liqueurs will start to break down the cream if layered too early, and the coffee will lose heat and freshness. Prepare it right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Summer Love Coffee

For a bold base to stand up to the almond and anise flavors, try FrontStreet’s Brazil Queen Manor — low-acid with rich notes of nuts and caramel — or PWN Golden Mandheling for deep, earthy intensity with dark chocolate and spice. Both are dark-roasted blends or single origins that complement the liqueurs without getting lost. For a classic espresso experience, the Specialty Blend offers a balanced profile with familiar Italian-style sweetness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.