What is a “Vienna”? Discovering a coffee classic

In case I haven’t made it clear before, I am a massive coffee hobbyist, both as a barista and at home. As such, I’m familiar with just about every style of espresso coffee that is drunk the world over. Many people ask me which drink is my favourite, having become a massive coffee snob in the process of my coffee journey. Recently, one drink in particular has stepped in and raced up my hierarchy of regular favs. You are either quite familiar with it or it has slipped by your radar until now. You may have even seen it written on the menu of your local café and shifted it into your blind spot.

It originates from the capital of Austria and is thus named after it, the peculiar, intriguing and surprisingly delicious Vienna.

This cream-based espresso drink is steeped in history with some variations that have branched from its evolution.

Perhaps I enjoy it due to its similar creativity and style to the almighty Mochaccino, my gateway into coffee and all-time favourite. A Vienna, across the board, consists of a double or even triple shot of espresso mixed with hot water into a smooth black coffee, then topped with whipped heavy cream and dusted generously with cocoa or chocolate powder. You may most often find it served in a tall glass with a handle, almost as if you may confuse it with Irish coffee instead!

The richness of the cream cuts perfectly through the intense coffee to make a mellow and smooth taste that has turned me over to straight coffee more and more. I now find myself highly recommending it to everyone, though I have seen it done in one too many different ways in each café I go to (certainly the wrong way anyway).

Certainly imagine yourself drinking one of these in the high times of classical music that heard the talent of such immortals as Mozart and Beethoven. If there’s any kind of food and drink that I love, it’s the kind that can make you time-travel with your taste-buds alone. Regardless, if you want to try something new in your understanding of coffee as you know it, order a classic Vienna and see if it sways your taste in new directions!

Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!

  • Daniel

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