Crema Fredda: The Cold Italian Specialty Coffee You Need to Try
I stumbled upon and instantly fell in love with Crema Fredda nearly a decade ago at Bar Pontremoli, a roadside bar in Sferravallo, Italy, a short distance from Orvieto (Umbria),
What is Crema Fredda?
This refreshing treat tastes like a blend of espresso and soft-serve ice cream. Cold, creamy, and smooth, it is perfect for warm weather and provides an invigorating pick-me-up whether you’re at home or away.
The drink is typically served in an espresso cup or a shot glass, but the “liquid” is so thick that it is consumed with a spoon.
At some Italian bars, the barista dispenses it from a small appliance that looks like a slush machine. Often challenging to spot, it usually sits inconspicuously on the bar counter, dwarfed by the much larger espresso/cappuccino machine and bottles of wines and spirits.
Unlike cappuccino, which typically isn’t consumed after breakfast, Crema Fredda is an all-day drink.
At first sip, I was captivated by the taste and texture of Crema Fredda. My passion for this delicacy while visiting Italy turned into an obsession. Unfortunately, it proved challenging to find, even in Italy.
To my astonishment, I noticed a Crema Fredda machine in an unlikely destination: It was tucked away in the cozy coffee bar aboard the luxury cruise ship Regent Seven Seas Splendor. My takeaway: Seek, and ye shall find.
Crema Fredda Arrives in the States
Given my thirst for this libation, you can imagine my excitement upon learning that Crema Fredda will be coming to American shores.
Neapolitan coffee company Caffe Borbone has created a Crema Fredda product for home consumption that is available now. And Trieste coffee maker Illy recently announced that it will launch its popular frozen Crema coffee at five U.S. locations later this year.
Caffe Borbone Crema Fredda
The Caffe Borbone Crema Fredda, cold coffee cream, is imported from Italy. Although it is a milk-based product, like Pomi tomatoes, it comes in shelf-stable cardboard packing that doesn’t require refrigeration until it is opened.
Before you drink the Crema Fredda, refrigerate the box for at least three hours so it’s cold. Then, place the amount you want to consume in a glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes. You can also serve it over ice.
For an even more decadent treat, top the Crema Fredda with shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or whipped cream, or make a faux-affogato by pouring a shot of hot coffee over it.
Although it’s not exactly the same as the machine-made product in Italy, it’s the next best thing! Borbone Crema Fredda has a smooth pudding-like texture that is refreshing and delicious. It’s a convenient alternative to a trip to Italy.
A 19-ounce package makes seven servings. Each portion of the sinful potion is gluten—and lactose-free and has about 130 calories. The product can be purchased directly from Caffe Borbone America, Amazon, or Supermarket Italy.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Borbone is a relatively young coffee company founded in 1997, but its name and history are intertwined with Naples’s rich coffee culture. The company’s name is authorized by His Royal Highness Princes Charles of Bourbon.
The brand is best known for its compostable pods and capsules, which are compatible with Nespresso and Keurig coffee machines. In addition, Borbone sells whole espresso beans, ground coffee, espresso makers, and other coffee-related items.
Now a successful international brand, the company began importing to the U.S. in late 2023. Their coffee is made with carefully selected and roasted high-quality Arabica beans from Central and South America and stronger Robusta beans from Central Africa.
Illy Crema Cafes
For the first time, Italian coffee icon Illy has announced that it will debut its Crema frozen blended Italian coffee in five U.S. cafes before a broader launch.
The frozen Italian treat, made with Illy machines, will be available at One World Trade Center in Manhattan, Merchants’ Square in Williamsburg, Virginia, Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Tampa International Airport, and The Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas.
Industry publication Food Dive reported that Illy is banking on the growing popularity of iced and blended coffee products. The 2023 Starbucks earning report noted that 75% of its drink sales were cold products.
What is NOT Crema Fredda
Italy has so many different coffee specialties that it is easy to confuse them.
Although variously defined, Caffe crema (also called cafe creme) often refers to a hot brewed coffee that is less intense than espresso, usually served in a larger cup.
Caffe freddo is strong, freshly brewed espresso served over ice. Unlike American ice coffee, it is freshly brewed and poured hot over the ice.
Conclusion
From my first taste in Italy, Crema Fredda captured my heart (and tastebuds! It’s not just a drink, it’s an authentic Italian experience for any coffee lover.
Have you had the opportunity to try crema fredda?
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