When you think about coffee, your mind probably first goes to Italy – as it should. Italy has some of the best coffee in the world and their coffee culture is dictating the trends all around the world. So it’s no wonder that, when Italians migrated to Australia, they brought their favorite drink with them. In most of Australia’s major cities, over 60% of people visit a coffee shop or cafe every month. And it’s not just any old coffee they are drinking: Starbucks had closed 61 out of 84 stores within eight years, so it’s safe to say that Australians are a bit picky. But where in Australia can you really get that perfect cup and what even is a perfect cup in the land down under?
Short and long black
If you like your coffee bitter and straight to the point, then you want to ask for a black. It is just coffee and water and if you are a coffee enthusiast, the simplicity will allow you to really taste all the different tones in the roast itself. This is a staple through all of Australia, and if you are looking for drip coffee, or an “Americano”, ask for a long black – it’s as close as you’ll get.
Flat white
This is Australia’s national coffee, and you won’t find it anywhere in the world, unless it came from an Aussie. If we face the facts, it’s far more milk than coffee: 8 parts milk and just 1 part coffee. But it’s not the ratio that makes the flat white, it’s the preparation. It starts with a shot of espresso, and then steamed, frothy milk is poured over it, giving it a very smooth texture. It’s not something that you drink in one sip, but rather a coffee that should be enjoyed with some good company and perhaps a snack on the side.
Magic
The magic was invented in Melbourne – which some call the capitol of Australian coffee. Firstly, the barista will make a simple ristretto – a “withheld” espresso, making it less acidic and smoother. There are great coffee suppliers in Melbourne that offer a variety of different blends, so that they can be chosen perfectly for the ristretto. Italy meets the Australia when steamed milk (a key component in many of Australia’s favorites) is added on top. Unless a non-Melbournian barista is very well educated about the coffee industry, they might not know the term and would require some explaining.
Macchiato
Expecting something milky and smooth? Not in Australia! A macchiato here is most similar to a short black – which is very different than what a macchiato means in most of the world. It is a shot of espresso with just a dash of milk added to it, but it is still very strong and bitter. If you order a long macchiato, some might think you want a double shot of coffee, others might make it with more milk, and some might just add hot water. If you’re not sure what the proper name is for the type of drink you want, it’s best to describe your preference to the barista and let them explain which coffee is the best for you.
Home-brewed coffee has also seen a big rise in Australia. Perth has seen the biggest rise, with 39% of households now owning a coffee machine. This might be because of its notoriously expensive cafes, but it can also just be that people want to dabble with making their own perfect cup in the morning.
And while it might seem logical that Sydney would take the crown as the place to find the best coffee, it is actually Melbourne that is in the lead, with 12% of its residents going café-hopping 16 times or more in a three-month period. However, 2014’s winner for the best coffee by the Good Food Guide was a coffee shop in Marrickville, and they say they’ve noticed a lot more beans being sold to customers to be ground at home. Perhaps in the near future, we will witness the fall of cafes and rise of the at-home brew, but for now, find a coffee shop near you and go have a cup of pick-me-up.
