Espresso Con Panna: Rich & Decadent

Espresso con Panna (Italian for “espresso with cream”)
This elegant classic is the perfect middle ground for espresso lovers who want something a little more indulgent than a straight shot, without the full milk commitment of a latte or cappuccino.
We start with our signature Espresso Roast—that bold, dark, caramelly intensity you know and love—pulled fresh and hot. Then we crown it with a generous, velvety dollop of sweetened whipped cream that slowly melts into the espresso below.
The result? A stunning contrast: the rich, roasty heat of the coffee meets the cool, luxurious sweetness of the cream.

If you enjoy bold espresso drinks, explore the full Starbucks Espresso Shot Menu to compare all espresso options and prices. For the difference between Blonde and Signature roast used in this drink, read our Blonde vs Signature Espresso guide.

What Is an Espresso Con Panna?

Con panna is one of the simplest drinks on the Starbucks menu: freshly pulled espresso shots topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, served in a small demitasse-style cup. The recipe has deep roots in European cafe culture — in Vienna a nearly identical drink is called a Franziskaner, and Italians have been topping espresso with cream for generations. There is no steamed milk, no syrup, and no foam; just two ingredients doing all the work.

Because it is so small and concentrated, the con panna drinks more like a dessert shot than a sipping coffee. The cream slowly melts into the hot espresso as you drink, so the flavor evolves from bold and roasty at the first sip to soft and sweet by the last.

Nutrition & Calories — Espresso Con Panna

Sizes and Prices Explained

Espresso con panna follows espresso sizing rather than the usual Tall/Grande/Venti scale. A Solo is a single shot ($3.65), a Doppio is two shots ($3.87), and Triple and Quad add a third and fourth shot ($4.08 and $4.41). Notice how little the price climbs per extra shot — going from a Solo to a Quad costs well under a dollar more, which makes the larger sizes the better value if you want a serious caffeine hit. For more value plays like this, see our guide on how to save money at Starbucks.

Caffeine and Calories

Caffeine scales directly with shots: 75mg for a Solo up to a hefty 300mg for a Quad — one of the strongest caffeine-per-ounce ratios on the entire menu. Calories, meanwhile, stay remarkably low at just 30–40, since espresso itself is nearly calorie-free and the whipped cream dollop is small. For anyone who wants an indulgent-tasting drink without a triple-digit calorie count, the con panna is hard to beat.

How to Customize It

• Blonde Espresso: swap the signature roast for a smoother, slightly citrusy shot with a bit more caffeine.
• Decaf: available in any size for the full flavor without the buzz.
• Extra whipped cream: ask for a heavy dollop if you like a creamier finish.
• Drizzle: a caramel or mocha drizzle over the cream turns it into a true mini dessert.
• A pump of syrup: vanilla or hazelnut under the cream adds sweetness without changing the size.

Con Panna vs. Macchiato vs. Latte

All three start with the same espresso shots — the topping is the difference. A traditional espresso macchiato is “marked” with a spoonful of milk foam, keeping it lean and sharp. The con panna swaps that foam for sweetened whipped cream, making it richer and dessert-like. A latte goes the other direction entirely, diluting the shots in steamed milk for a mild, creamy cup many times the size. If you love espresso flavor but want a touch of indulgence, the con panna is the sweet spot — and at under $4 for most sizes, it is cheaper than nearly every milk-based drink on the hot coffee menu.

Ordering Tips

Order it “for here” if your store has ceramic demitasse cups — the drink looks (and stays hot) better than in a paper cup. Drink it promptly: the whipped cream starts melting immediately, and the contrast between hot espresso and cool cream is the whole point. If you are caffeine-sensitive, stick with the Solo or order it half-decaf.

Explore More Espresso Drinks

Looking for similar drinks? Check out these guides:

• Starbucks Espresso Shot Guide (2026) — all sizes, roasts & prices
• Starbucks Hot Coffee Menu — full range of hot espresso drinks
• Starbucks Caffeine Chart 2026 — compare caffeine across all drinks
• Cheapest Drinks at Starbucks — budget-friendly espresso options
• Complete Starbucks Menu Prices 2026 — full drink & food guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an espresso con panna at Starbucks?

It is espresso shots topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream — “con panna” is Italian for “with cream.” There is no steamed milk or syrup in the standard recipe.

What does an espresso con panna taste like?

Intensely bold from the espresso with a cool, sweet contrast from the whipped cream — a dessert-like experience without milk or syrup.

How much is an espresso con panna at Starbucks?

Approximately $3.65 for a Solo, $3.87 for a Doppio, $4.08 for a Triple, and $4.41 for a Quad. Prices vary slightly by location.

Can I get an espresso con panna with Blonde Espresso?

Yes — Blonde makes it smoother and brighter with slightly more caffeine (~85mg vs 75mg per shot).

What is the difference between an espresso con panna and a macchiato?

A traditional espresso macchiato is topped with a spoonful of milk foam, while a con panna is topped with sweetened whipped cream. The con panna is sweeter and richer; the macchiato is leaner and more coffee-forward.

Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary by location. This website is not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation.