Leslie Massey
Coffee is a serious business in Austria, especially in Vienna, where coffee houses are known for their grandeur and elegance. The coffee house is an institution in the country, with a unique coffee culture that dates back to the end of the Siege of Vienna in 1683. The Viennese coffee scene offers a huge variety of coffee types, from the Kleiner Schwarzer (a single espresso in a small cup) to the Grosser brauner (a large black coffee). The country also has its own take on the cappuccino, which is made with coffee and whipped cream instead of frothed milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coffee Culture | Very prominent |
| Coffee Houses | Spacious yet intimate, plush seating, ornate |
| Waiters | Male, dressed in black-tie, addressed as Herr Ober |
| Coffee Served With | Glass of water, card games, pool tables, newspapers, warm meals, alcohol |
| Coffee Types | Kleiner Schwarzer, Grosser Schwarzer, Kleiner Brauer, Grosser Brauer, Verlangerter, Fiaker, Mazagran, Kurzer, Türkischer, Eiskaffee, Cappuccino, Melange, Kapuziner, Kaffee Verkehrt, Kaffee Baileys, Wiener Eiskaffee, Maria Theresia, Biedermeier, Haeferlkaffee, Zarenkaffee, Kosakenkaffee, Kaisermelange, Milchkaffee, Einspänner |
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What You'll Learn
Coffee house culture
Coffee first appeared in Austria in 1683, when Turkish invaders were forced to leave the country, leaving behind sacks of what appeared to be small brown pellets. The history of the Viennese coffee house is therefore closely linked to the end of the Siege of Vienna in the same year. The first coffee houses served a glass of water with every cup of coffee, an old Oriental custom, and they provided card games, pool tables, newspapers, warm meals, and alcohol. The coffee house became a symbol of a good quality of life across Europe.
There are many unique coffee types in Austria, with the most popular being the 'Melange', a large coffee with water, milk, foam, whipped cream, and cocoa powder. Another popular choice is the 'Kapuziner', a double shot of espresso and cream, served in an 'Einspänner' glass. The 'Verlängerter' is a diluted, weaker, larger version of the 'Grosser Brauner', typically served with milk. The 'Kleiner Schwarzer' is a single espresso in a small cup, and the 'Grosser Schwarzer' is a double espresso. The 'Kleiner Brauer' is similar to the Grosser Brauer, but served in a bigger cup. The 'Kurzer' is the Austrian term for a short espresso, although this is becoming less common, with the international term 'espresso' taking its place. The 'Türkischer' is a Turkish-style coffee, with coffee grounds boiled in water with sugar, served very hot, with the grains still in the cup.
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Coffee types and names
Coffee is a big deal in Austria, especially in Vienna, where coffee houses are institutions. So, it's no surprise that there are a huge variety of coffee types and a whole culture surrounding coffee drinking.
Kleiner Brauner and Grosser Brauner
The name 'Kleiner Brauner' means 'little brown' and is similar to an espresso, served in a small cup with milk or cream on the side. A 'Grosser Brauner' is the same but in a bigger cup.
Kleiner Schwarzer and Grosser Schwarzer
'Little black' and 'large black' are, respectively, a single and double espresso, served in a small cup.
Verlängerter
This is a diluted, larger version of the Grosser Brauner, served with milk. The name means 'extended one'.
Melange
One of the most popular coffee types in Austria, Melange is served in a large glass or cup with more water, and part milk and part foam. Whipped cream and cocoa powder are often added on top.
Kapuziner
A double shot of espresso and cream, Kapuziner is served in an Einspänner glass with plenty of whipped cream on top. The name comes from the word for a carriage driving system that leaves one hand free for holding a coffee.
Fiaker
Named after the famous horse-and-carriages in Vienna, Fiaker is strong black coffee served in a glass with lots of sugar, a shot of Austrian rum, and whipped cream.
Mazagran
A cold version of the Fiaker, Mazagran is served with ice, a shot of rum, and a bit of sugar.
Türkischer
Meaning 'Turkish one', this is Turkish-style coffee. Finely ground coffee is boiled for a long time in water with sugar and served very hot and strong, with the grains still in the cup.
Eiskaffee
Ideal for the summer, Eiskaffee is cold coffee with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and whipped cream.
Kaffee Baileys
Served in a glass, Kaffee Baileys is black coffee topped with fresh Baileys, whipped cream, and cocoa powder.
Maria Theresia
Named after the famous empress, this exclusive Viennese coffee is made from black coffee and orange liqueur.
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Coffee history
Coffee has a long and storied history in Austria, particularly in Vienna, where coffee houses have become an integral part of the city's culture and social scene. The story of how coffee came to Austria is shrouded in legend and folklore. According to one popular tale, coffee made its way to Vienna after the Austrians successfully repelled Turkish invaders during the Siege of Vienna in 1683. The retreating Turkish forces left behind bags of coffee beans, a delicacy unknown to the Austrians at the time.
A Polish soldier and diplomat, Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, who was familiar with Turkish culture, recognised the value of these beans. He is often credited with opening the first Viennese coffee house, called The Blue Bottle Inn (Hof zur Blauen Flasche), soon after the siege. However, this claim has been disputed, and some sources suggest that the first coffee house in Vienna was opened in 1685 by a tradesman named Johannes Theodat.
Regardless of the exact timeline, Vienna became the heartland of the European café movement. The Viennese coffee houses became popular gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and notable figures such as Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, and Arthur Schnitzler. These elegant establishments were seen as "extended living rooms" or second homes, where patrons could socialise, read newspapers, and discuss ideas. The unique atmosphere and sense of community fostered by these coffee houses contributed to their enduring appeal.
Over time, Vienna developed its own unique coffee culture, with a variety of coffee drinks and preparations that are now synonymous with the city. Traditional Viennese coffee houses offer patrons a range of coffee experiences, from the strong and bitter black coffee to the sweeter and more indulgent creations. Some popular Austrian coffee variations include the "Kaisermelange," which consists of strong black coffee, an egg yolk, honey, and a shot of cognac; the "Maria Theresia," named after the famous empress, which includes black coffee and orange liqueur; and the "Wiener Eiskaffee," a combination of double espresso and vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream.
The impact of Viennese coffee houses extended beyond just coffee consumption. In the 19th century, these establishments, along with the invention of modern newspapers, played a pivotal role in shaping modern society. They served as incubators for literary movements, artistic endeavours, and intellectual exchanges. The coffee house culture in Vienna is so significant that it has been recognised by UNESCO as a source of "intangible cultural heritage."
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$10
Coffee etiquette
Coffee is a serious affair in Austria, especially in Vienna, where coffee houses are an institution. The coffee house is a place to linger and spend whole afternoons, a home-away-from-home with an intimate yet spacious atmosphere.
When visiting a Viennese coffee house, it is important not to simply order 'coffee'. With a huge variety of coffee types and a long history of coffee culture, doing so is likely to elicit a disdainful response from the smartly dressed waiters. Coffee first came to Austria in 1683 when Turkish invaders were forced to leave the country, leaving behind sacks of what appeared to be small brown pellets. The first coffee houses already had several characteristics typical of a Viennese-style coffee house today, including serving a glass of water with every cup of coffee, an old Oriental custom of honouring guests.
When ordering coffee in Austria, it is customary to use the specific names for the different types of coffee. For example, a Kleiner Schwarzer is a single espresso in a small cup, while a Grosser Schwarzer is a double espresso, and a Grosser Brauner is a large 'big brown' coffee with milk. A Verlängerter is a diluted and weaker larger version of the Grosser Brauner, typically served with milk. A Kurzer or espresso is less commonly seen on menus these days, with the international espresso more commonly available. A Melange is one of the most popular types of coffee and is served in a large glass or cup with water, milk, and foam, and sometimes topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. A Kleiner Brauer is an espresso with hot milk and foam, served in a small cup.
In addition to the wide variety of coffee types, there are also many unique coffee-based drinks in Austria. A Fiaker is a coffee with a shot of Austrian rum and whipped cream, named after the famous horse-and-carriages in Vienna. A Mazagran is a cold version of the Fiaker, served with ice, a shot of rum, and a bit of sugar. A Kapuziner is a double shot of espresso and cream, served in an Einspänner glass with plenty of whipped cream. A Maria Theresia is an exclusive Viennese coffee variation, prepared with black coffee and orange liqueur, named after the famous empress.
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Regional coffee variations
Austria is famous for its coffee culture, particularly in the capital, Vienna. Coffee first appeared in the country in 1683 when Turkish invaders were forced to leave the city by the Polish Habsburg Army, leaving behind what appeared to be small brown pellets.
Today, there is a huge variety of coffee types in Austria, and the country has developed a whole culture around coffee drinking. The Viennese coffee house is an institution, with a long history and a distinctive style. The coffee houses are known for their elegant, spacious interiors, with plush seating, marble tables, wooden chairs, and mirrors. They are designed for customers to spend whole afternoons in, even if they only drink one coffee.
- Melange: One of the most popular Austrian coffee types, this is served in a large glass or cup with more water, and part milk and part foam. It is often served with whipped cream and cocoa powder on top.
- Kapuziner: A double shot of espresso and cream. This is a black coffee, served in an Einspänner glass with plenty of whipped cream on top.
- Kleiner Schwarzer: A single espresso in a small cup, also known as a 'little black'. It can be served short, with less water.
- Grosser Schwarzer: A 'large black', or double espresso.
- Kleiner Brauner: 'Little brown', similar to an espresso but served in a small cup with milk or cream on the side.
- Grosser Brauner: 'Big brown', the same as a Kleiner brauner but in a big cup.
- Verlängerter: A diluted, weaker, but larger version of the Grosser Brauner, typically served with milk. It means 'extended one'.
- Kaisermelange: Consists of strong black coffee, an egg yolk, and honey. The egg yolk is mixed with honey, and then the coffee is slowly added while stirring. In Vienna, a shot of cognac is also added.
- Maria Theresia: Named after the famous empress, this exclusive Viennese coffee is made from black coffee and orange liqueur.
- Fiaker: Named after the famous horse-and-carriages of Vienna, this is strong black coffee served in a glass with lots of sugar, a shot of Austrian rum, and whipped cream on top.
- Mazagran: A cold variation of the Fiaker, served with ice, a shot of rum, and a bit of sugar.
- Eiskaffee: Cold coffee with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and whipped cream, typically served in the summer months.
- Cappuccino: The Austrian version is a regional variation made from coffee and whipped cream rather than frothed milk.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many different types of coffee in Austria, including:
- Kleiner Schwarzer: a single espresso in a small cup
- Grosser Schwarzer: a double espresso
- Kleiner Brauner: an espresso served in a small cup with milk or cream on the side
- Grosser Brauner: the same as Kleiner Brauner but in a big cup
- Verlangerter: a diluted, weaker, larger version of Grosser Brauner
- Melange: a large cup of coffee with water, milk, and foam, topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder
- Kapuziner: a double shot of espresso and cream
- Fiaker: strong black coffee served in a glass with lots of sugar, a shot of Austrian rum, and whipped cream
- Mazagran: a cold Fiaker variation, served with ice, a shot of rum, and sugar
Austria, specifically Vienna, is known for its coffee drinking culture. The history of Viennese coffee house culture is closely linked to the end of the Siege of Vienna in 1683. The first coffee houses had several characteristics that are still typical of a Viennese-style coffee house today, such as serving a glass of water with every cup of coffee, providing card games and pool tables, and serving warm meals and alcohol. The coffee houses are spacious yet intimate, with plush seating, marble tables, and traditional wooden chairs. The waiters are traditionally male, dressed in black-tie, and addressed as Herr Ober.
Some unique coffee drinks in Austria include:
- Maria Theresia: black coffee with orange liqueur, named after the famous empress
- Kaffee Baileys: black coffee topped with Baileys, whipped cream, and cocoa powder
- Wiener Eiskaffee: a double espresso served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream
- Kosakenkaffee: a small black coffee mixed with liquid sugar, red wine, and vodka
