Ever had cravings for something sweet and smooth with a rich coffee kick? Well, let me introduce you to a real flavor gem: Viennese coffee.
Ever had cravings for something sweet and smooth with a rich coffee kick? Well, let me introduce you to a real flavor gem: Viennese coffee.
This popular coffee drink marries old-world charm with modern-day indulgence. I would go as far as to say it’s a dessert and coffee rolled into one!
Keep reading because this unique Viennese coffee recipe is gonna be on repeat in your kitchen.
Overview: What Is Viennese Coffee?
No other European city has embraced café culture quite like Vienna. The Austrian capital is famous for its elegant coffeehouses, many dating back centuries. At the heart of this time-honored tradition lies Viennese coffee.
Also known as einspänner, this coffee got its name from the city’s one-horse-drawn carriages, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. In line with Austrian/German culinary tradition, this coffee celebrates the marriage of coffee, chocolate and cream, giving it a strong mocha vibe.
At its core, this beverage boasts a base of espresso or strong-brewed coffee and chocolate. Instead of steamed milk (like in a mocha or marocchino), a thick dollop of lighter-than-air whipped cream follows. These ingredients layer to perfection in tall coffee glasses. In Austria, your barista will most likely serve this coffee with a glass of cold water to cleanse the palate.
Other than being sweet, this coffee is also about balance. Sweet, whipped cream tempers the smoky coffee and deep chocolate notes wonderfully. Think of it as the espresso version of hot chocolate but with way higher caffeine levels.
Naturally, Viennese cafés serve this coffee with sweet treats. The famous sachertorte, (a special Viennese chocolate torte) is best matched. So, too, are marmorgugelhupf (marble cake) and apfelstrudel (apple-filled pastry).
\But things don’t stop on the sweet side. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not enjoy this sweet coffee after a savory meal of wiener schnitzel (veal cutlets) or Viennese goulash? I mean, nobody is going to stop you!
Coffee Culture in Vienna
In Vienna, coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a social ritual. Locals and tourists gather in ornate coffeehouses to sip coffee, socialize or simply watch the world go by. In fact, coffee in Austria goes back centuries.
Legend has it that after the siege of 1683, the retreating Turkish army left bags of coffee beans at the gate. Curious, the Viennese took these coffee beans, brewed them and surprise, surprise, loved it!
By the 1700s, coffeehouses were all over Vienna. These cafés were social hubs for meeting friends, debating politics and more.
In fact, Vienna is the birthplace of “European coffeehouse society.” Intellectuals, artists and musicians would gather to discuss ideas of the day or just chill.
Importantly, each cup was a moment to savor, served with a glass of water on the side. This little tradition continues today.
Interestingly, Vienna’s ornate coffee houses also gave birth to unique coffee preparations. The melange (Austrian cappuccino), verlängerter (Austrian espresso) and großer/kleiner brauner (drip coffee) are popular.
So, too, is einspänner, the chocolate-laced Viennese coffee recipe covered here. Other unique Austrian coffee recipes include Austrian mazagran (rum-spiked iced coffee), different from Portuguese mazagran. I must also mention the curious kaisermelange (honeyed black coffee with egg yolk).
To this day, the unhurried, elegant atmosphere is what makes Viennese coffee culture so special. In Italy, some espresso bars might emphasize speed. In Paris, the opposite is true; cafés have gone all in for the chic, laid-back cafe au lait scene. But in Vienna, coffee houses are more like the Orient Express – full-on luxury!
19th-century institutions like Café Demel, Café Central and Café Sacher are still going strong. This timeless, elegant coffee culture is what makes Vienna stand out as one of Europe’s top coffee capitals.
Best Coffee Beans for Viennese Coffee
When making this Viennese coffee recipe, you want coffee beans that can hold their own against the richness of whipped cream. However, the smooth, creamy sweetness of whipped cream should still come through to balance the drink. Because of this, your coffee’s origin and roast will matter.
In addition, consider grinding your beans fresh. The aroma and flavor of freshly ground coffee are unmatched.
Also, don’t forget to aim for a fine grind if you’re pulling espresso shots or making stovetop espresso. In contrast, opt for coarser grind settings if you’re using the French press method.
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
High-quality beans through direct trade
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Easy on the stomach
Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn
Medium roast
Here are some of my top coffee bean recommendations:
Italian Espresso Blends
A high-quality Italian or Brazilian espresso blend is a great choice for this Viennese coffee recipe. These beans are smooth, rich and well-balanced but lively enough to bring your coffee to life. In fact, these characteristics make these coffees perfect for layering with cream.
In this regard, Italian blends are ideal. They boast pronounced dark cocoa and smoky flavor notes needed for this Viennese coffee recipe.
Medium-Dark Roast Coffee Beans
You could also try making Viennese coffee with medium-dark roasts. This profile suits those who prefer things a tad bit lighter.
The beans offer a velvety smoothness without overpowering the whipped cream. Again, look for beans with natural chocolate, caramel or nutty flavors. These notes complement this coffee’s creamy layers well but still have enough oomph to come through.
Central American coffees from Guatemala and Costa Rica are good choices. So, too, are South American beans from Colombia and Brazil.
Viennese Roast Coffee Beans
Viennese roast falls right between a medium and dark roast profile. It gives you a nice balance of brightness and oily, deep-roasted flavors.
More than anything, these coffee beans guarantee an authentic Viennese coffee experience. They also have enough body to stand up to the blank slate that is heavy cream. As such, the subtle chocolate, caramel and nutty notes still come through, complimenting the dessert-like nature of the drink.
French Roast Coffee Beans
If you prefer a bolder, richer flavor, opt for a French roast. This profile brings out deep, earthy flavors with a hint of smokiness in your beans.
As it happens, Indonesian Sumatran beans have these characteristics. They’re famous for their smooth, buttery texture, low acidity and earthy, smoky undertones. The touch of smokiness really elevates the Viennese coffee experience. It also cuts through the sweetness of the cream.
How to Make Viennese Coffee
Now, to make a Viennese coffee recipe, straight from the old-world coffee culture of Vienna’s grand cafés! It’s not that difficult to master and will reward you with a rich, smooth and creamy taste experience.
Please note that I’ve added a few optional ingredients to the classic recipe.
To make one serving of this elegant and delicious Austrian coffee you’ll need:
Ingredients:
Double shot freshly brewed espresso and 6 ounces (180 milliliters) hot water or;
4 ounces (120 milliliters) strong dark coffee (a la Cubana) and 4 ounces (120 milliliters) hot water
6 ounces (120 milliliters) whipped cream, for topping
3 ounces (85 grams) molten semi-sweet dark chocolate
2 ounces (60 milliliters) Irish cream or chocolate liqueur (optional)
1 teaspoon powdered sugar, for the whipped cream
Dark chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
Espresso machine, stovetop espresso maker (moka pot) or French press
Electric hand mixer or whisk, for whipping
Glass bowl, for mixing
Tall coffee glass, for serving
Spoons, for mixing and serving
Method
Pull 6 ounces (180 milliliters) of hot water into a coffee cup from your espresso machine. Then, lock in your portafilter and brew two espresso shots directly into the hot water. In effect, you’ll be making a long black or americano.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, pour 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of hot water into a coffee cup. Then, brew 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of strong, dark coffee using a moka pot or French press.
Pour 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of this coffee into the hot water and set aside.Â
Now, gently melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler over medium-low heat. Remove your double boiler set up from the heat as soon as the chocolate has melted.
Alternatively, you could melt your chocolate in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it. Set aside.
You’re now ready to layer your Viennese coffee. Spoon the molten dark chocolate into a tall coffee glass. I use double-walled coffee cups to retain heat and show off this coffee’s beautiful layers. Alternatively, you could use coffee glasses.
Then, slowly pour your espresso or strong-brewed coffee mixture on top of your chocolate. Slowly stir to incorporate the hot coffee into the molten dark chocolate.
At this stage of the recipe, I sometimes add Irish cream or chocolate liqueur to make a delicious boozy coffee. But this is entirely optional, so do you!
Lastly, spoon the whipped cream onto the coffee and chocolate mixture. Do this slowly, ensuring that you show off its soft peaks. Add as little or as much as you like!
For that Viennese café touch, garnish with dark chocolate shavings and chocolate syrup. Alternatively, keep things simple with a dusting of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Enjoy! Sip on the rich espresso coffee through the layers of cream, letting the flavors blend on your palate.
Pro Tips
Accompany this coffee with a small glass of ice-cold water per Viennese café culture. Ice-cold water will cleanse your palate between sips.
Always use freshly brewed espresso or stovetop coffee. Because this coffee has minimal ingredients, the coffee quality makes a huge difference.
Always use chilled cream for Viennese coffee. Whipping cold cream helps it thicken faster and gives it that light, fluffy texture.
Go the extra mile with vanilla sugar. Vanilla sugar is popular in European desserts; it gives your whipped cream added sweetness and extra flavor. You can easily make this sugar at home by storing a whole vanilla bean in a jar of powdered sugar for a few days.
Final Thoughts on Viennese Coffee
And just like that, you’ve mastered an authentic Viennese coffee recipe!
This coffee isn’t just a coffee; it’s a sublime taste experience. Furthermore, it truly captures the essence of Viennese coffee culture – elegant, indulgent and perfect for slow sipping.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something special, or want to sip away a lazy weekend morning, skip the usual. Whip up this little taste of Austria and transport yourself to a grand café on Vienna’s Ringstraße!
Do you have your own Viennese coffee recipe that you’d like to share? Let’s start a discussion in the comments section!
Viennese Coffee FAQ
Viennese coffee or einspänner is a specialty coffee drink from Vienna, Austria. It consists of espresso with molten chocolate topped with whipped cream. Typically, this coffee comes served with a small glass of water on the side.
Viennese coffee is moderately strong. It’s an espresso-based drink, so, naturally, it has a robust flavor. However, the addition of whipped cream balances the coffee’s intensity.
Viennese coffee comes with a small glass of water on the side as a tradition reflecting Vienna’s historic café culture. Drinking water with this coffee also cleanses the palate of the heavy coffee, chocolate and whipped cream flavors.