Cafe Amore

The Cafe Amore is a cozy, soul-warming cocktail that marries brandy and amaretto with the rich depth of hot coffee. Served in a warm mug and topped with a cloud of whipped cream, it's the perfect after-dinner sipper or the ultimate treat for a chilly evening. With its nutty sweetness and aromatic warmth, Cafe Amore feels like a caffeinated embrace.

5 minutesEasy1 serving
Cafe Amore
Featured
Ingredients
1 serving
  • Brandy
    30 ml (1 oz)
    Choose a good-quality, smooth brandy
  • Amaretto
    30 ml (1 oz)
    Almond-flavored liqueur like Disaronno works well
  • Fresh hot coffee
    180 ml (6 oz)
    Brewed strong, your favorite roast
  • Whipped cream
    30 ml (1 oz)
    Freshly whipped or from a can, for topping
Tools Needed
  • Coffee mug
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Coffee maker (or French press)
Instructions
  1. Brew your favorite coffee and keep it hot.

  2. Pre-warm your mug by filling it with hot water, then discard the water.

  3. Pour brandy and amaretto into the warmed mug.

  4. Top with fresh hot coffee, leaving about an inch at the top.

  5. Stir gently to combine.

  6. Float a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail
  • Deliciously cozy and warming—perfect for cold nights.
  • Combines coffee, brandy, and amaretto for a unique, nutty flavor.
  • Easy to make—no complicated techniques or tools required.
  • Doubles as both a cocktail and a dessert.
  • Customizable with your favorite coffee and toppings.
History & Origin

Cafe Amore’s origins trace back to the European tradition of spiking coffee with spirits, a practice beloved in Italian and French cafes for centuries. The modern Cafe Amore likely emerged in the 1970s or 1980s, when amaretto—a sweet almond-flavored liqueur from Italy—became wildly popular in American cocktail culture. By blending amaretto with brandy and coffee, bartenders created a drink that’s both comforting and a little bit decadent, perfect for dessert or a fireside nightcap.

Garnish

A generous cloud of whipped cream, with optional chocolate shavings or a dusting of cinnamon for aroma and visual appeal. The cream mellows the drink and adds a luscious mouthfeel.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 240 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, sugars from amaretto, and a small amount of fat from whipped cream. Coffee adds negligible calories.

Frequently Asked Questions
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