Doppio con panna

What is a Doppio con panna?

A doppio con panna is a double shot of espresso with a dollop of whipped cream on top of the espresso. The Italian translation of doppio con panna means “espresso with cream.” And for this specific espresso beverage, it means whipped cream instead of simply cream.

Key Takeaways:

  • Often referred to as a double espresso with whip (whipped cream)
  • In France and the United Kingdom, it’s called café Viennois
  • A single shot of espresso with whipped cream is called a solo con panna
  • Classically served in a demitasse cup
  • Commonly served as an after-dinner dessert espresso drink
Doppio Con Panna
Doppio con panna | Photo by Daniel Robert Dinu on Unsplash

Understanding the Doppio Con Panna

Espresso con panna is a classic coffee drink that is enjoyed all over the world. It’s made by topping off a double espresso with a generous dollop of fresh whipped heavy cream.

Taste & Flavor

The light and fluffy whipped cream pairs perfectly with the rich and heavy coffee. The two ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor that is perfect for those who love a rich, creamy coffee drink. When you finally break through the soft and smooth layer of cream, you get an incredible rush of coffee flavor.

How it’s served

It’s typically served in a small glass or a demitasse cup with a spoon, which allows you to scoop the whipped cream with the espresso to enjoy a balanced flavor. And, since it’s served with whipped cream, it’s often served as an after-dinner dessert coffee.

Popularity

While this espresso beverage has been popular in Europe since the dawn of snootiness, it’s becoming more popular across the pond. Many US coffee shops now offer the doppio con panna on their menu. And, if you can’t remember what it’s called when it comes time to order, just ask for a “double espresso with whip.

Note: In the West, we often shorten the word “whipped cream” to “whip.” For example, when you order a mocha with whipped cream at a Starbucks, you’d ask for a “mocha with whip.”

Different Names

Depending on where you live, an espresso con panna is called something else entirely. In Paris or London, it’s called a café viennois. In Australia 🦘, the closest thing to a doppio con panna is called a café vienna. And if you’re in Austria, it’s called a café viennese. The cafe vienna and cafe viennese have the addition of steamed milk or hot water, so neither can be considered an authentic espresso con panna.

  • Café Viennois (UK & France)
  • Café Viennese (Austria ⛰️)
  • Café Vienna (Australia 🦘)
  • Espresso con Panna (US)
  • Espresso with Whip (US)

FAQ

How Do You Pronounce Doppio Con Panna?

DOHP-peeoh cohn PAHN-nah.

What Does Doppio Con Panna Mean?

Doppio con panna is Italian and translates in English to “A double espresso with whipped cream.”

How Many Calories Are in a Doppio Con Panna?

In Starbucks’ Doppio Espresso Con Panna, there are 35 calories. Most (63%) of those calories come from fat, while the remaining (38%) come from carbohydrates.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Doppio Con Panna?

A doppio con panna (two shots of espresso, each shot containing 63mg of caffeine) has a total caffeine content of 126mg.

How Do I Order a Doppio Con Panna at Starbucks?

At Starbucks, you’ll ask for a double espresso con panna. If the barista looks at you weirdly, just ask for a double espresso with whipped cream on top.

Is Espresso Con Panna Keto?

This drink has 2.5 net grams of carbs in the whipped cream.

Is an Espresso Con Panna Healthy?

A Starbucks espresso with whipped cream has only 30 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 75 milligrams of caffeine, and 1 gram of sugar. So it’s a fairly healthy drink!

Avatar Of Kelsey Todd
Kelsey brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the coffee industry, having honed his craft as a professional barista in both Seattle and Santa Barbara. He is an accredited member of The Coffee Association of America and holds an active membership in The Baristas Guild. Beyond his practical experience, Kelsey is deeply committed to the academic study of coffee history and its cultural impact. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys quality time with his family and shares his extensive knowledge of coffee through insightful articles on this blog.