Viennese Coffee vs Einspänner: History, Flavor & How to Enjoy It

Viennese coffee is a traditional coffee drink that originated in Vienna, Austria, in the late 17th century. Its origins trace back to the Battle of Vienna in 1683. During this battle, the Ottoman Empire’s army attacked Vienna, but the Austrian and allied forces successfully fought them off. Among the spoils of war, coffee beans were left behind. At first, they were about to be discarded, but a soldier named Franz Kolschitzky recognized their value and decided to open a coffeehouse. This led to the popularization of coffee in Austria, and the coffee with whipped cream was born.

The original name for Viennese coffee is “Einspänner”. “Einspänner” is a German word that means “coachman” or “horse pulling a carriage,” referring to how coachmen used to drink coffee. They would add whipped cream to their coffee to prevent it from spilling and to keep it warm while holding the cup with one hand. The term “Viennese coffee” is actually more commonly used in English-speaking countries, while in Vienna, it is generally known as “Einspänner.”

How to Make Viennese Coffee

Here’s how you can make a classic Viennese coffee:

1. Prepare the coffee: Start by brewing a strong cup of Americano. Viennese coffee is typically made with black coffee as the base.
2. Prepare the whipped cream: Whip cold heavy cream until it becomes fluffy. The whipped cream will be generously placed on top of the coffee.
3. Add cream to the coffee: Once the coffee is ready, gently spoon the whipped cream on top, ensuring that it does not mix with the coffee.

How to Drink and Taste Viennese Coffee

1. First taste: Begin by tasting the whipped cream alone. Then, tilt the cup to allow both the cream and coffee to enter your mouth at the same time. The cold cream and warm coffee, not yet mixed, create a unique and delightful experience.
2. Second taste: Over time, the cream will melt a little, mixing with the coffee. This creates a smooth and rich flavor that you can enjoy.
3. Third taste: As the cream fully blends with the coffee, it creates a taste similar to a café latte, offering a smooth and sweet flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Viennese coffee combines the creaminess of whipped cream and the bitterness of strong coffee, offering a dynamic and evolving taste experience. It’s important to never mix the cream into the coffee immediately. The fun lies in enjoying the changing flavors as the cream gradually blends with the coffee.

At Q.lab, we serve Viennese coffee under the name Mont Blanc. In French, “Mont Blanc” means “White Mountain,” which evokes the image of the snow-capped Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. Come visit our café and enjoy a delightful cup of Mont Blanc, our special Viennese coffee.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between Viennese Coffee and Einspänner?

There is no real difference. Einspänner is the original Austrian name, while “Viennese Coffee” is the name commonly used in English-speaking countries. Both refer to coffee served with a thick layer of whipped cream.

Q2: Why does Viennese Coffee include whipped cream?

Coachmen in Vienna originally added whipped cream to keep their coffee warm and prevent spills while driving carriages. Today, the cream creates a layered tasting experience from cold and sweet to smooth and rich.

Q3: What does an Einspänner taste like?

An Einspänner begins with cold, sweet whipped cream and warm strong coffee underneath. As the cream melts, the flavor becomes smooth, sweet, and latte-like, giving you multiple taste experiences in one cup.

Q4: Should you mix the cream into Viennese Coffee?

No — you should never mix the cream immediately. The beauty of Viennese Coffee is experiencing the evolving layers as the cream slowly blends with the coffee.

Q5: Where can I try Viennese Coffee in Calgary?

You can enjoy our unique version of Viennese Coffee — called Mont Blanc — at Q.lab, Chronicle Coffee’s café in Calgary.