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Cocktail History
The Il Bombardino is a winter cocktail that is believed to have been created in the mid-1900s by a ski resort bartender in Lombardia, Italy. Traditionally served warm in small espresso cups, this version of the recipe from Jassy Davis’s book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter features Advocaat—a Dutch egg-based liqueur—combined with brandy for richness, espresso for a caffeinated kick, and whipped cream for a decadent finish. The cozy, creamy result is perfect for après-ski or chilly winter evenings.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Advocaat: This is a liqueur made in the Netherlands with egg, brandy, and sugar. I used this recipe.
Espresso: This is a concentrated type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans and hot water.
Cognac: This is a type of brandy made in Cognac, France with distilled white wine. I used Courvoisier VSOP Cognac.
Whipped Cream: This is heavy cream that has been whipped and beaten until it is light and fluffy. I used Reddi-Wip Original Dairy Whipped Topping.
Cocoa Powder: This is cocoa bean that has been ground into a fine powder. I used Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Saucepan: This is a deep cooking pot with a long handle and lid that’s used for simmering, boiling, and cooking on the stovetop. I used the All-Clad 3-Ply Stainless Steel 3 Quart Sauce Pan.
Spatula: This is a flat, broad kitchen tool that’s used for flipping, scraping, and stirring. I used the OXO Silicone Spatula.
Ladle: This is a large, deep-bowled spoon with a long handle that’s used for serving. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Ladle.
Espresso Machine: This is a specialized coffee maker that’s designed to force hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, producing a concentrated, rich coffee shot with a layer of cream on top. I used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Espresso Mug: This is a small, handled glass mug that holds 2-3 ounces and is used to serve espresso drinks. I used a thrifted glass espresso mug.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-04-15.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Warm golden-brown color with a creamy top
• Aroma: Sweet cream and cocoa
• Taste: Sweetened coffee flavor with spirituous brandy
• Finish: Noticeable sugary and bitter coffee notes
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “Thanks to the addition of the espresso, this might be the most coffee-forward cocktail I’ve really enjoyed, which is surprising because I don’t usually care for the taste. I’d never tried Advocaat before, and it seemed to do a great job of muting the espresso’s bitterness and hiding the brandy while adding a unique thick and rich mouthfeel. I would absolutely whip up the Il Bombardino again for my coffee lover friends who want something to warm them up on a cold winter night.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-04-15.
Il Bombardino
The Il Bombardino is a winter cocktail that is said to have been created in the mid-1900s by a bartender at a ski resort in Lombardia, Italy. Although the recipe has evolved over the years, this version published in the book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis is based on the most popular. It’s typically made in batches and served warm in small espresso cups, and it uses a homemade Dutch liqueur called Advocaat, brandy, whipped cream, and sometimes espresso.
Ingredients
Method
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Add Advocaat and brandy to a saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes while stirring until steaming.
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Pour mixture into four espresso cups.
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Top with espresso.
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Stir for 3-5 seconds.
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Garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
