Einspänner
 An Einspänner at Demel in Vienna | |
| Type | Beverage |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Austria |
| Region or state | Vienna |
| Main ingredients | Espresso, whipped cream |
An Einspänner is a Viennese coffee drink consisting of espresso ("Mocca" in Viennese terminology[1]) topped with whipped cream.[2] It is traditionally served in a glass rather than a mug or a coffee cup.
History
Origins
In German, an "Einspänner" is a kind of carriage pulled by a single horse (one-horse carriage). The drink's name refers to the carriages that were common in Vienna in the 19th century, as it was intended for the drivers.[3] Whipped cream was used to insulate the coffee on cold days, keeping it warm for as long as possible. The Einspänner also found popularity beyond carriage drivers and quickly became a staple of Vienna's coffee houses.[4]
Modern day
In the 2020s, the Viennese Einspänner was cited as a precursor for cream-topped drinks in South Korea's coffee scene, including not just espresso but also iced coffee and matcha lattes. Korean-style coffee shops have also popularized the Einspänner and its derivatives in the United States.[5][6]
References
- ^ Kretschmer 2006, p. 11.
- ^ "From Melange to Einspänner: Austrian coffee at a glance". Österreich Institut. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ Lintakoon, Sarah (1 August 2024). "Einspänner: The Austrian Coffee Drink With A Decadent Backstory". Tasting Table. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ "Quirks of Viennese Cuisine". Wien.info. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ Makalintal, Bettina (2 October 2024). "The Cold Foam-ification of Fun Coffee Drinks". Eater. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ Rawls, Nava (11 July 2025). "Bay Area cafés can't stop topping drinks with thick, luscious cream". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
Sources
- Kretschmer, Helmut (2006). Kapuziner, Einspänner, Schalerl Gold: zur Geschichte der Wiener Kaffeehäuser [Capuchin, Einspänner, Schalerl Gold: the history of Viennese coffee houses] (in German). Wiener Stadt- u. Landesarchiv (Magistratsabt. 8). ISBN 978-3-902069-98-6. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
