Viennese Einspänner Coffee Recipe
When visiting Vienna, it's important to note that Austrians have a deep appreciation for coffee, considering it an art form and a significant part of their cultural history.One of the most iconic Viennese coffee varieties is the Einspänner, a classic staple in Viennese coffee houses for decades.The name "Einspänner" originates from the single-horse-drawn carriage, which served as a traditional mode of transport in the past. This setup required only one hand to steer the carriage, leaving the other free to hold a cup of coffee.The thick layer of cream atop the hot coffee is said to act as an insulator, keeping the beverage warm and minimizing spills—a feature that made it especially popular among coachmen.Einspänner is simple to prepare at home, requiring only a few basic ingredients to enjoy this timeless coffee experience.
Ingredients
- Hot Espresso or strongly brewed coffee – ¼ cup or two shots
- Water – 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream – ¼ cup
- Sugar to taste
- Chocolate shaving or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the hot coffee on a serving glass and add sugar if desired. Stir in a little until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or mixer with a whisk attachment.
- Gently pour or pipe the whipped cream on top of the espresso. Typically, the ratio of coffee to whipped cream in an Ein spanner is 1:1. However, you can still add more whipped cream, depending on your preference.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top of the cream, if desired. Serve immediately.
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