Need coffee, but crave hot chocolate? Meet barbajada – the perfect mix of both

The best of both worlds.

If you are anything like us, you literally cannot function in the morning without your usual cup of java. However, now that the mornings are cold, dark and lockdown-looming gloomy again, we really could do with a little festive flair to our day – and as it turns out, the Italians have been keeping a secret for us that might provide us with just that. How does a coffee that is also a hot chocolate sound?

Say hello to barbajada – the popular drink the Milanese have been keeping secret from us up until now

As simple as it is brilliant –we are going to be sipping it all December long.

The best news is that when it comes to making it, it really could not be simpler. A quick Google search yielded the perfect (Italian-approved) recipe, and here is all you need: Ingredients 70 g  cacao ( or cocoa powder) 100 g sugar 200 ml strong coffee (espresso) 200 ml milk 200 ml water Cream for whipping How to make it Mix sugar, cacao (or cocoa) and water and whisk it together. Add the shot of espresso. Pour in hot, frothed milk. And top with a dollop of whipped cream. Now, sip, enjoy and feel festive!