Viennese Coffee – a recipe for coffee with whipped cream that never goes out of style

Viennese coffee is one of those coffee compositions that can turn an ordinary moment into a small ceremony. Aromatic espresso, gentle sweetness, velvety whipped cream and an elegance you can sense at first glance – this is the combination that has been delighting coffee lovers all over the world for decades!

Although today you can easily order it in many cafés, preparing it at home has its own unique charm. Viennese coffee is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail – choosing good specialty coffee, the right proportions and proper serving. In return, it offers an atmosphere reminiscent of a relaxing moment spent in a classic Viennese coffee house.

Summary:

1. Viennese coffee – what kind of coffee is it?
2. Viennese coffee – ingredients
3. Viennese coffee – step-by-step recipe
4. Different versions of Viennese coffee

Viennese coffee – what kind of coffee is it?

Viennese coffee, that is the classic coffee with whipped cream, is a drink that captivates primarily through its bold contrast. The leading role is played by expressive, intense espresso with a deep aroma, accompanied by a light, sweet and fluffy layer of whipped cream. No milk, no foam, no complicated proportions – but plenty of character. It is precisely this harmonious combination of two contrasting textures and flavours that makes Viennese coffee more than just an ordinary coffee – it is a small dessert in a cup and, for some, even a mood-boosting ritual.

Unlike latte or cappuccino, here the coffee remains distinct and dominant. The whipped cream is not mixed into the drink – it forms a separate layer that slowly blends with the coffee with each sip. The result is a contrast of temperatures, textures and flavours that makes Viennese coffee both intense and dessert-like.

The key characteristics of Viennese coffee:

• ✔️ flavour: clearly coffee-forward, balanced with creamy sweetness;
• ✔️ appearance: dark coffee topped with a light, fluffy cap of cream;
• ✔️ character: perfect for slow enjoyment, not for drinking on the go.

Although today it is considered a classic, it is worth remembering that Viennese coffee is also a symbol of coffee-house culture – one in which coffee is not just a beverage, but a pretext for conversation, creative work or simply being present in the moment.

A brief history of Viennese coffee

The history of Viennese coffee is inseparably linked to the coffee-house tradition of Vienna – a city that for centuries has been one of the most important points on the European coffee map. As early as the 17th century, Viennese cafés became meeting places for artists, intellectuals, politicians and merchants. The distinctive atmosphere of Viennese coffee houses continues to inspire lovers of slow, mindful coffee drinking to this day.

Interestingly, the term “Viennese coffee” has not always meant exactly the same thing. In Austria itself, Wiener Melange (also known simply as Melange or Vienna blend) is popular – a coffee similar to cappuccino, prepared with a milder brew, hot cream and milk foam. Outside Austria, especially in English- and French-speaking countries, the names Cafe Vienna or café viennois most often refer to espresso con panna, that is coffee topped with a layer of whipped cream.

It is precisely this latter version – intense coffee with whipped cream – that has become firmly established in international coffee culture as Viennese coffee. Over time, it began to be enriched with additions such as cocoa or dark chocolate, which further emphasised its dessert-like character. Regardless of the variation, the common denominator is always elegance, contrast of flavours and the pleasure that comes from drinking coffee unhurriedly.

Why is Viennese coffee so special?

What makes Viennese coffee stand out is not only its flavour, but also its composition and presentation. At first glance, it is simply coffee with whipped cream. But, as always, the devil is in the details. It is a perfect balance between strong, slightly bitter espresso and the sweetness of whipped cream. The bitterness and depth of well-brewed coffee meet the delicacy of cream, which does not dominate but gently completes the whole.

This is a coffee that appeals to the senses – the contrast of colours and layers attracts the eye even before the first sip, the aroma combines warm coffee with cool cream in an intriguing sensory composition, and the overall taste experience makes Viennese coffee feel closer to a dessert than to a classic coffee drink.

That is why Viennese coffee works so well as an afternoon ritual or an impressive drink served to guests. It is simple, yet not banal. Classic, yet full of character. And most importantly – easy to prepare at home, as long as you reach for good beans and the right accessories.

In the next part, we will move on to specifics: which ingredients to choose and what to pay attention to so that your Viennese coffee turns out exactly as it should!

Viennese coffee – ingredients

Although Viennese coffee is associated with elegance and a dessert-like character, the list of ingredients is surprisingly short. The key to success is not their number, but their quality and careful selection – these are what determine the flavour, aroma and final result in the cup.

Basic ingredients for Viennese coffee:

• ✔️ good coffee – ideally freshly roasted specialty coffee, prepared as espresso or another intense brew with a pronounced aroma;
• ✔️ whipping cream – preferably with a fat content of 30-36%, which becomes thick, fluffy and stable once whipped;
• ✔️ sugar (optional) – to gently sweeten the whipped cream, according to your preferences.

In the classic version, that is all you need. However, if you want to give your coffee a more dessert-like character, you can reach for additions such as cocoa, dark chocolate, cinnamon or vanilla. These accents are not obligatory, but they beautifully enhance the aroma of the coffee and make it easy to create your own variation of Viennese coffee.

In the next section, we will show you step by step how to prepare the perfect Viennese coffee at home using just these few ingredients.

Viennese coffee – step-by-step recipe

Preparing Viennese coffee is a simple, three-stage process that does not require barista-level skills – all you need is a little attention and good-quality ingredients. Below, we will guide you through the entire viennese coffee recipe step by step: from brewing the coffee, through perfectly whipped cream, to the final presentation of the finished drink.

Preparing the coffee

The foundation of any good Viennese coffee is an intense, aromatic brew. Most commonly, espresso is used, but you can just as easily choose other brewing methods – what matters is that the coffee is bold enough not to disappear beneath the layer of whipped cream.

The following methods work well for preparing the coffee:

• ✔️ Espresso machine – classic espresso with a concentrated flavour;
• ✔️ Moka pot – an intense, coffee-forward brew ideal for home preparation;
• ✔️ Pour-over methods – provided you use a higher coffee dose and less water.

If you do not have a professional espresso machine at home, take a look at the “Coffee brewers” category in our shop, where you will find equipment perfect for home brewing. And if you choose a moka pot, we recommend our practical guide: How to make coffee in a moka pot? A practical guide to help you brew the perfect stovetop coffee!

Proportions? Aim for around 30-40 ml of espresso or 120-150 ml of strong coffee. The more intense the brew, the better the final result.

Whipping and serving the cream

Whipped cream is the hallmark of Viennese coffee, so it is worth giving it a moment of attention. Well-chilled 30-36% cream works best – both the cream itself and the bowl used for whipping should be cold.

Whip the cream with a mixer or whisk for several dozen seconds until it becomes thick and fluffy, yet still creamy. Be careful not to overwhip it – the consistency should allow you to gently place it on top of the coffee.

If you enjoy sweeter notes, you can add a small amount of sugar or icing sugar, although the classic version of Viennese coffee often uses unsweetened whipped cream.

Combining the ingredients and serving Viennese coffee

When the coffee and the whipped cream are ready, it is time for the final stage – combining the ingredients and creating a drink that delights both with its flavour and its appearance.

As you can see, classic Viennese coffee does not require complicated techniques or specialist equipment – its strength lies in simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Intense coffee, fluffy whipped cream and proper presentation are enough to create a drink with a unique character, perfect both as an afternoon ritual and as an elegant dessert served to guests. Importantly, this viennese coffee recipe can be treated as a solid base for further experiments – by changing the additions, aromas or even the serving temperature. In the next section, we will show how to easily enrich classic Viennese coffee with new flavours and prepare it in several interesting variations.

Different versions of Viennese coffee

Although classic Viennese coffee delights with its simplicity, nothing prevents you from treating it as a starting point for coffee experiments. Changing a single addition, spice or serving temperature can give this drink a completely new character – perfectly suited to the season, mood or individual taste preferences.

Chocolate Viennese coffee

This option is perfect for those who enjoy coffee with a dessert-like twist. Simply add a small amount of dark chocolate (melted in warmed milk, or you can drop a piece of chocolate directly into the coffee) or cocoa to hot coffee, then finish everything with a classic cap of whipped cream. Chocolate beautifully enhances the depth of the coffee and gives it a more velvety, comforting character.

If this flavour direction appeals to you, be sure to check out our blog post: Mocha coffee – what is it and how to make it at home? The perfect homemade coffee with chocolate, where chocolate plays the leading role.

Viennese coffee with spices

Spices are a simple way to give Viennese coffee a more expressive, aromatic profile. Cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, or even a pinch of nutmeg, pair beautifully with whipped cream and highlight the natural notes of the coffee.

It is worth remembering that the final effect largely depends on the beans themselves – their acidity and bitterness. If you want to consciously choose coffee for such flavour experiments, we recommend this article: Coffee acidity and bitterness – how to choose the perfect beans for your taste.

Iced Viennese coffee

In summer, Viennese coffee also works wonderfully in a cooler version. Simply prepare strong coffee, chill it thoroughly, then serve it with ice cubes and a layer of lightly whipped, cold cream. This version retains the dessert-like character of the classic while offering a refreshing alternative for warm days.

As you can see, Viennese coffee offers enormous room for interpretation – from classic elegance, through chocolatey sweetness, to spiced or iced variations. Regardless of which version you choose, one thing remains unchanged: good coffee is always the best starting point!

Experiment, taste and find your favourite version of Viennese coffee – ideally starting with truly great beans.