Brewing Coffee In Austria: A Guide To Local Techniques

Coffee in Austria is more than just a drink – it's a cultural experience. Austrians take their coffee seriously, and there are many different types of coffee to choose from. In fact, ordering just a coffee will likely leave the waiter disgusted. From Kleiner Brauner (little brown one) to Großer Brauner (large brown one), and from the popular Melange (similar to a cappuccino) to the unique Kaisermelange (consisting of strong black coffee, an egg yolk, honey, and sometimes cognac), there's a coffee for every taste. And when ordering, remember that there's an etiquette and special language to follow. So, if you want to experience coffee like an Austrian, be prepared to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions surrounding this beloved beverage.

Coffee in Austria is a cultural experience, with a special language and etiquette

Austria's capital, Vienna, is famous for its coffee houses, some of which have been in existence for centuries. These coffee houses are known for their elegant and classical ambiance, and have played host to many historical figures, including poets, novelists, artists, philosophers, scientists, and revolutionaries. Café Central, for example, has welcomed Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin, and Adolf Hitler, among others. The coffee house culture in Vienna is so renowned that it has become a symbol of the city's history and traditions.

When visiting a coffee house in Austria, it is important to note the formal nature of the experience. You will be served at your table, and after your coffee, you will be offered a glass of water. Punctuality is highly valued in Austrian culture, so it is important to arrive on time for any social or business engagements. When greeting someone in a business setting, it is customary to introduce yourself with your full name, accompanied by a friendly but not too firm handshake. It is also important to note that religion and politics are not considered suitable topics for small talk.

Austria offers a wide range of coffee choices, from the classic espresso-based drinks to more unique preparations. Some popular coffee drinks in Austria include the Kaisermelange, which consists of strong black coffee, an egg yolk, honey, and sometimes a shot of cognac; the Einspänner, a mocha with whipped cream served in a glass; and the Fiaker, a strong black coffee with sugar, a shot of rum, and whipped cream, named after the famous horse-drawn carriages in Vienna. Whether you're looking for a cosy coffee house to relax and socialise or wanting to experience a piece of history, Austria's coffee culture offers a unique and memorable experience.

Coffee is consumed socially across generations and is linked to various occasions

Coffee in Austria is a cultural experience that spans generations and is linked to various occasions. It is more than just a morning ritual; it is an integral part of social gatherings and family get-togethers. Coffee is also consumed during social outings, with younger Austrians, particularly those aged 25-34, enjoying coffee as part of their social activities.

The art of ordering coffee in Austria is quite intricate, and one must be specific when placing an order. Austrians take their coffee seriously, and simply ordering "coffee" might leave the waiter disgusted. There are several different types of coffee, including Kleiner Brauner and Großer Brauner, which refer to a small or large cup of black coffee with a bit of milk, typically steamed like espresso rather than filtered. Melange, often considered the king of coffee, is similar to an Italian cappuccino and is consumed throughout the day. Milchkaffee, or Café latte, is another popular choice, consisting of espresso and steamed or frothed milk.

For those with a sweet tooth, there's the Einspänner, a strong black coffee served in a glass with a dash of whipped cream, or the Fiaker, named after the famous horse-and-carriages in Vienna, which includes strong black coffee, lots of sugar, a shot of rum, and whipped cream. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Kaisermelange, which consists of strong black coffee, an egg yolk, and honey, with a shot of cognac added in Vienna.

Coffee is typically served with a glass of water, symbolising the customer's value. This custom dates back to the Orient, where coffee and water were rare and precious. The spoon used to stir the coffee is placed on the edges of the water glass, adding to the ritual of coffee consumption in Austria.

There are a dozen coffee variations, with specific names and ingredients

Coffee is a cultural experience in Austria, with a dozen coffee variations, specific names, and unique ingredients. Coffee is typically served with a glass of water, and a spoon to stir the coffee is placed on the edges of the water glass. Here are some of the coffee variations you can order in Austria:

Kleiner Brauner and Großer Brauner

This translates to "little brown one" or "large brown one". It is similar to ordinary coffee, black with a bit of milk, but it is not filtered. Instead, the milk is steamed, like an espresso.

Melange

Considered the "king of coffee", Melange is a mix of frothed milk and steamed coffee, similar to the Italian cappuccino. However, unlike its Italian counterpart, Melange is consumed at any time of the day.

Milchkaffee or Café Latte

A large coffee with frothed milk, Milchkaffee, has been around for a long time. It has gained popularity recently, possibly due to its Italian name, Café Latte, which sounds fancier than its German name.

Einspänner

Einspänner is strong, black coffee typically served in a high glass with a dash of whipped cream.

Fiaker

Fiaker is named after the famous horse-and-carriages in Vienna. It is strong, black coffee served in a glass with lots of sugar, a shot of Austrian rum, and whipped cream on top.

Kaisermelange

Kaisermelange, or "The Emperor's Melange", consists of strong black coffee, an egg yolk, and honey. The egg yolk is mixed with honey in a cup, and while stirring, the strong black coffee is slowly added. In Vienna, a shot of cognac is also included in the mix.

These are just a few examples of the diverse coffee variations found in Austria, each with its unique name and ingredients. Ordering simply "coffee" might leave the waiter confused, as Austrians take their coffee culture seriously!

Coffee is served with a glass of water, symbolising the customer's value

Coffee is an integral part of Austrian culture, with a variety of coffee drinks available in the country's cafes. When ordering coffee in Austria, it is customary to specify the type of coffee desired, as simply ordering "coffee" might leave the waiter disgusted. There is no such thing as "Austrian coffee", and the coffee beans used are often the key to a great cup of coffee.

In Austria, coffee is typically served with a glass of water, a piece of chocolate, and some sugar on the side. This tradition is said to symbolise the customer's value and dates back to the Orient, where coffee and water were considered precious items. The custom shows the guest how much they are valued, and the water is not meant to dilute the coffee or aid digestion. The spoon used to stir the coffee is also placed on the edges of the water glass, adding to the unique presentation.

The coffee and water tradition is particularly associated with Viennese coffee houses, which are known for their laid-back atmosphere. Patrons often enjoy their coffee with a newspaper or in the company of a friend, savouring the experience. The coffee itself can vary, with options like Kleiner Brauner and Großer Brauner, which are similar to ordinary coffee with a bit of milk, and Melange, a mix of frothed milk and steamed coffee similar to a cappuccino.

Other popular coffee drinks in Austria include strong black coffee variations like Schwarzer or Mokka, which is typically consumed with sugar, and Kurzer or Espresso, the Austrian term for a "short one" that has been replaced by the international espresso on most menus. For those with a sweet tooth, there's Eiskaffee, a cold coffee with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and whipped cream, and Kapuziner, black coffee with a shot of liquid cream. These drinks showcase the creativity and variety that Austrian coffee culture has to offer.

Coffee is made with different equipment, from espresso machines to instant coffee

Espresso Machine

If you're using an espresso machine, it's important to start with fresh, quality coffee beans and clean equipment. Grind your coffee beans just before brewing, and use the correct dose for your desired drink – a typical double shot uses around 18 grams of coffee. Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the filter basket and tamp it down with a tamper. Lock the portafilter into the machine carefully, then start pulling your shot. For a regular cup of coffee, you can add hot water to your espresso to create an Americano.

Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is made by dissolving pre-brewed coffee in water, so there is less room for variation in taste. However, you can experiment with different ratios of coffee powder to water to find your preferred strength. One suggestion is to start with a small amount of cold water to dissolve the coffee powder, then add hot water to prevent burning the coffee. You can also add milk before or after the water, depending on your preference.

In Austria, coffee is often made with commercial espresso machines, but instant coffee is also popular, particularly Nescafé. Some unique Austrian coffee drinks include Kaisermelange (strong black coffee with an egg yolk, honey, and cognac), Fiaker (strong black coffee with sugar, rum, and whipped cream), and Kaffee Baileys (black coffee topped with Baileys, whipped cream, and cocoa powder).

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