Barbajada

Barbajada or Barbagliata is a Milanese drink consisting of freshly brewed café forte or espresso that is lightly sweetened and diluted with milk.

It is then flavored with cocoa or chocolate, and the whole combination is topped with whipped cream. This frothy dessert drink was invented in 1859 by Domenico Barbaja, who was working as a waiter at Caffè dei Virtuosi, one of the cafés near the La Scala opera house.

The drink soon became a favorite with the Milanese élite, and Barbaja later became not only a successful businessman but also one of the most influential Italian opera impresario of the 19th century and a casino mogul. This frothy beverage is an ideal accompaniment to Milanese desserts such as the glorious, candied-fruit–studded panettone.