Traditional Austrian Coffee Drinks

Walking into a traditional Viennese coffeehouse and ordering coffee is a different experience from anywhere else in the world. The menu features dozens of distinct preparations, each with its own history, character, and devoted following. Understanding these drinks is essential to appreciating Austrian coffee culture.

Understanding the Viennese Coffee Menu

The variety of coffee preparations in Vienna developed over centuries as coffeehouse owners experimented with different combinations of coffee, milk, cream, and other ingredients. Unlike modern coffee chains with standardized recipes, traditional Viennese coffees represent a genuine cultural heritage.

Every coffee in a traditional coffeehouse is served on a small silver tray accompanied by a glass of water. This tradition signals that you are welcome to stay as long as you wish and serves to cleanse your palate between sips.

The Classic Preparations

Wiener Melange

The Wiener Melange (Viennese Blend) is perhaps the most iconic Austrian coffee drink. Similar in concept to a cappuccino but distinctly different in execution, it consists of a single shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and a cap of milk foam. The proportions and preparation create a milder, creamier drink than its Italian cousin.

The name "Melange" comes from the French word for "mixture," reflecting the Habsburgs' cosmopolitan influences. A proper Melange should be served in a large cup, allowing you to appreciate the interplay between coffee and cream.

Kleiner/Grosser Brauner

The Brauner (meaning "brown one") is a simple but satisfying drink: espresso served with a small pitcher of cream on the side, allowing you to adjust the color and strength to your preference.

• Kleiner Brauner - A single espresso with cream on the side
• Grosser Brauner - A double espresso with cream on the side

This preparation gives you control over your coffee experience. Some prefer just a splash of cream, while others like to transform their coffee into a lighter beverage.

Kleiner/Grosser Schwarzer

For purists who want their coffee black, the Schwarzer ("black one") is the choice. This is simply espresso without any additions, allowing you to taste the full character of the coffee.

• Kleiner Schwarzer - A single shot of espresso
• Grosser Schwarzer - A double shot of espresso

Einspanner

The Einspanner is a beloved Viennese specialty: a strong black coffee served in a tall glass and topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream (Schlagobers). The name means "one-horse carriage," as this drink was supposedly favored by the drivers of Vienna's horse-drawn carriages, who needed a beverage that could be enjoyed with one hand while holding the reins with the other.

The whipped cream acts as an insulating layer, keeping the coffee hot while you drink it through the cream. The contrast between the hot, bitter coffee and the cool, sweet cream is a defining characteristic of this drink.

Specialty Preparations

Verlangerter

The Verlangerter ("extended") is an espresso diluted with hot water, similar to an Americano but with Viennese character. Available as either Kleiner or Grosser, this drink offers the flavor of espresso in a larger, less intense format.

Kapuziner

Predating the Italian cappuccino, the Kapuziner takes its name from the brown robes worn by Capuchin monks. It consists of black coffee with just a few drops of cream, creating a color similar to those monastic habits. This drink demonstrates that Viennese coffee culture developed its own milk-coffee traditions independent of Italy.

Franziskaner

Named after the lighter brown robes of Franciscan monks, the Franziskaner is a Melange topped with whipped cream instead of milk foam. It's essentially a more indulgent version of the Melange, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Maria Theresia

Named after the famous Habsburg empress, Maria Theresia is a luxurious preparation featuring black coffee with orange liqueur, topped with whipped cream and orange zest. This festive drink is often enjoyed during the holiday season but can be ordered year-round.

Fiaker

Another drink associated with Vienna's horse-carriage drivers (Fiaker), this coffee combines espresso with rum and is topped with whipped cream. Traditionally served in a glass, it was the warming beverage of choice for drivers waiting in the cold for their next fare.

Wiener Eiskaffee

Unlike the iced coffees popular elsewhere, Wiener Eiskaffee (Viennese Iced Coffee) is a dessert-like creation. Cold coffee is served in a tall glass with vanilla ice cream and topped with whipped cream. It's more of a coffee-flavored sundae than a refreshing cold drink, and it's absolutely delicious on a warm summer afternoon.

The Art of Ordering

When you sit down in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse, a waiter (Herr Ober) will approach your table. Here are some tips for ordering:

• Don't be intimidated by the formal atmosphere; staff are there to help
• If unsure, a Melange is always a safe and satisfying choice
• Feel free to ask the waiter for recommendations based on your preferences
• Your coffee will arrive with a glass of water on a silver tray
• You are welcome to stay as long as you like; refills of water are free

The Water Tradition

The glass of water served with every coffee is more than just a courtesy. This tradition serves several purposes:

• Palate cleansing - Water cleanses your palate between sips, allowing you to better appreciate the coffee's flavor
• Hospitality signal - The water indicates that you are welcome to stay and will be looked after
• Practical benefit - Coffee is dehydrating; the water helps balance this
• Quality indicator - Traditionally, fresh water was offered when it went flat, ensuring attentive service

Pairing with Pastries

No exploration of Viennese coffee would be complete without mentioning the pastries that accompany them. The classic pairings include:

• Sachertorte - The famous chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a Melange
• Apfelstrudel - Apple strudel with whipped cream is perfect alongside a Schwarzer
• Topfenstrudel - Sweet cheese strudel complements any coffee
• Gugelhupf - Ring-shaped cake is a traditional accompaniment

When ordering pastry with your coffee, don't hesitate to ask for "mit Schlag" (with whipped cream). Fresh Schlagobers is a Viennese speciality and elevates any dessert.

Bringing the Experience Home

While nothing replaces the atmosphere of a real Viennese coffeehouse, you can recreate some drinks at home. The key principles are:

• Use quality, medium-roast coffee beans
• Don't over-extract; Viennese coffee should be smooth, not bitter
• Use fresh, cold milk and steam it properly for foam-based drinks
• Real whipped cream (Schlagobers) is essential for authentic preparations
• Serve with a glass of water on the side

Most importantly, approach coffee as the Viennese do: as an experience to be savored, not rushed. Take your time, enjoy the moment, and let the coffee accompany your thoughts, conversation, or reading.