Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 4, 2026

Barbajada

Barbajada, also italianized as barbagliata, is a Milanese sweet frothy drink, popular in the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, but still occasionally served today. It is made with whipped chocolate, milk and coffee in equal parts, along with any amount of sugar, and possibly topped with cream. It is served warm in winter, usually to accompany desserts such as the panettone or other Milanese delicacies. In the past there was also a cold version served in summer.

Last revised
Jul 4, 2026
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Wikipedia ↗
Barbajada
Alternative namesBarbagliata
TypeBeverage
Place of originItaly
Region or stateMilan
Associated cuisineItalian (Milanese)
Created byDomenico Barbaja
Serving temperatureWarm (winter) and cool (summer)
Main ingredientsChocolate, milk, coffee, sugar, optionally cream

Barbajada,12 also italianized as barbagliata,1 is a Milanese sweet frothy drink, popular in the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, but still occasionally served today. It is made with whipped chocolate, milk and coffee in equal parts, along with any amount of sugar, and possibly topped with cream. It is served warm in winter, usually to accompany desserts such as the panettone or other Milanese delicacies. In the past there was also a cold version served in summer.3

Reportedly, the recipe was a creation of Domenico Barbaja (hence the name), who was at the time a garzone (waiter) in a café.4 The drink was so successful that Barbaja eventually grew rich enough to become a theatrical impresario, as well as the owner of a café in the luxury venue of Piazza della Scala.23

See also

See also

References

References

  1. (in Italian) Recipe for La Barbajada Archived 2011-09-26 at the Wayback Machine on melegnano.net
  2. (in Italian) Barbajada e dolcezze lombarde
  3. Joanne, Barbajada on fruttodellapassione.net
  4. Eisenbeiss 2013, p. 14
Sources

Sources

  • Eisenbeiss, Philip (2013), Bel Canto Bully: The Life of the Legendary Opera Impresario Domenico Barbaja. London: Haus Publishing, 2013. ISBN 1908323256. ISBN 978-1-908323-25-5.