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Deciphering Coffee Ordering in Australia

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by Lesley Mitchell (subscribe)
Author/lecturer/Intuitive/Natural Therapist/Artist/Soap-Maker/Chef. WEBS: www.RenascentBathBody.com.au or www.RenascentCollege.com Also find us under RenascentBathBody or RenascentCollege on eBay, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram
Published November 1st 2013
The insider's guide to getting perfect coffee everytime
Australians have embraced their coffee culture and we seem to take coffee more seriously than in many countries around the world.

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Beautiful Coffee Art.
Image: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons


We like to boast about our coffee being the best you can get anywhere in the world, and if this claim is going to be put to the test, we certainly need to know how to order one of our favourite beverages.

For the uninitiated, it can seem to be almost a language of its own. This coffee culture and not understanding the correct term for your coffee can result in great confusion. To assist you getting your java fix, here is a short introduction to Australian coffee names.

Contrary to what you can order in an American coffee shop, there is no such thing as a flat black as far as I am aware of in Australia and should an American order this in our coffee shops you may experience strange looks and glazed eyes, coupled with a quizzical expression.

Short Black = Single shot of espresso.
Long Black = Double espresso with hot water (This is usually made with 2/3rds espresso and 1/3 hot water). In some cafes, this may be referred to as an Americano.
Short Macchiatto = Espresso with a serving of froth
Cappuccino = 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 froth.
Latte = A cappuccino, but less froth. Generally served in a glass.
Flat White = Similar to the above Latte, but preferably without froth. Generally served in a cup.
Affogatto = A scoop of ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over and sipped through the ice cream.
Iced Latte = Cold espresso, milk and ice cubes, sometimes with ice cream and whipped cream, but generally just the coffee, milk and ice. Often you can vary the intensity of the coffee.
Iced Coffee = Cold espresso with milk, ice cream and whipped cream, sometimes with chocolate drizzled over the top and quite sweet. Often you can vary the intensity of the coffee.
Irish Coffee = Long black with whisky added and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Mocha = Any type of Coffee, served with a scoop of chocolate powder, Generally lattes or flat whites.

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Coffee with Whipped Cream & Irish Coffee.
Image: Lotus Head from www.pixelpusher.co.za / Wikimedia Commons


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Your Comment
Frappé outside Greece[edit]

Although a Café Frappé today is associated with the Greek instant coffee version, the rest of the world have during the last two decades embraced the espresso version, simply shaking a double espresso with 1/2 teaspoon white sugar (shaker 2/3 full of ice) and poured directly into a glass
by justi (score: 1|13) 3513 days ago
The affogato tour of Italy is on my bucket list!
by Michelle Coates (score: 2|529) 3515 days ago
I'll have a skinny flat white,extra hot please!
by lapke (score: 1|18) 3511 days ago
Can you explain what a Baby Cino is too please?
by soupson (score: 2|133) 3515 days ago
I want a name for a long black with some milk - the way I make it at home. Not as much milk as flat white, but more milk than macchiato. I usually order a long black with a small jug of milk on the side, but it would be nice to have a name for it. I don't actually need the jug -- I just pour it all in.
by annie (score: 0|9) 3513 days ago
Is there still such a coffee as Vienna Coffee? Black coffee with whipped cream on it.
by Anne-Marie Leon (score: 1|24) 3511 days ago
What about a double espresso?OR a soy latte for lactose intolerant people like me
by guyso (score: 0|5) 3510 days ago
A white long black ?
by steve (score: 0|5) 3512 days ago
An informative list but the correct spelling of AFFOGATO is as I've written it here. Also, an affogato is often served with a liquor of choice on the side. One can drink it separately but traditionally the liqueur is gradually poured into the coffee. Very nice with Kahlua!
by mafal (score: 0|5) 3510 days ago
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