Viennese melange: what is it, and how do you make it?

The Danish and Viennese versions, two very different drinks

It's important to distinguish here: what is sold in Denmark as "Wiener melange" in powder form, typically a mixture of coffee, cocoa, sugar, and cream powder, is not a Wiener melange in the traditional sense. It's an interpretation that originated in the Nordic market, taking its name from the original but little else.

The authentic Wiener melange contains neither cocoa, sugar, nor cream powder. It is coffee, milk, and foam, and nothing else.

Wiener melange recipe: how to make it yourself

A good Wiener melange doesn't require professional equipment, but it does require good ingredients and a little patience.

You will need:

• 1 cup of filter coffee or 1 shot of mild espresso (approx. 60-80 ml)
• 80-100 ml whole milk or low-fat milk
• A small coffee cup of approx. 150-200 ml

How to make it:

1. Brew a cup of filter coffee using your preferred method, or make a single shot of espresso and dilute it slightly with hot water.
2. Heat the milk to approx. 60-65°C and lightly froth it; you want a soft, creamy consistency, not stiff foam.
3. Pour the coffee into the cup, add the steamed milk, and finish with a layer of soft foam on top.
4. Serve immediately, preferably with a small glass of water on the side, as is customary in Vienna.

The key is to use coffee with a mild and rounded flavour profile. Avoid overly dark or heavily roasted beans; they can overpower the balance that makes Wiener melange so enjoyable.

Which coffee is best for a Wiener melange?

For a Wiener melange, we recommend a bean with softness, sweetness, and a certain roundness, not too intense, but still with character.

Our Campo das Vertentes from Brazilis a strong choice: it has a creamy, nutty profile that pairs beautifully with steamed milk without overpowering it. If you prefer a little more complexity, our Finca Ceylan from Guatemalais a good option; with its bright, well-balanced notes, it works surprisingly well for milder milk drinks.

See all our espresso beans

We roast all our beans in our own roastery in Copenhagen and always ship coffee roasted within the last 10 days. This is the kind of freshness that truly makes a difference in the cup and elevates even a simple Wiener melange into something memorable.