Australian coffee cheat sheet
Australians might be a relaxed bunch, but they have high expectations of their country’s coffee. Here's how to order the perfect cup of coffee Down Under.
In Australia, coffee is a serious, and particular, business – so much so that you’ll rarely hear someone just order a 'coffee'. And while there are many styles and sizes to choose from, you can easily order the perfect Aussie coffee by following these few simple steps:
1. Let the cashier know whether you’ll be drinking your coffee at the café or whether you’ll be sipping on the go. Ask for ‘take-away’ if you’d like your coffee in a paper cup.
2. Choose your size. Most cafés in Australia only offer two sizes – regular and large – though some offer additional sizes.
3. Pick your type of coffee.
Use the guide below to find your perfect brew.
Flat white
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The classic Aussie coffee creation, a flat white contains a single shot of espresso followed by a steamy pour of milk and a thin layer of foam. Order it ‘skinny’ if you want skim milk instead of full cream.
Travel tip
You'll find delicious coffee across the country, but only Melbourne is known as the 'Coffee Capital of Australia.' Some of the best cafés to visit are Brother Baba Budan and Industry Beans.
Long black
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If you often drink Americanos, a long black is a great Aussie alternative consisting of two shots of espresso poured into hot water.
Short black
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A short black is simple – just a single shot of espresso. In fact, this is the foundation of all other espresso coffee drinks.
Fun fact
More than 90 per cent of Australia's coffee shops and cafés are independently owned, which means that each is as unique as the next.
Ristretto
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One of the smallest coffees available, a ristretto is a simple espresso shot made with some serious skill. Less water passes through the finely-ground beans, offering a smoother and less bitter result.
Piccolo
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A popular order for anyone who wants a full dose of caffeine with less milk. Also known as a ¾ latte, a piccolo contains a full shot of espresso with much less milk.
Latte
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A latte is similar to a flat white, but has more foam and tends to taste milkier. When you dine in, it’s served in a glass cup rather than a ceramic mug.
Essentials
Most Australian cafés offer several types of milk for those who have taken dairy out of their diet. Alternatives to cow's milk include soy, almond and oat milk.
Cappuccino
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If you’re a coffee drinker with a sweet tooth, order a cappuccino. This coffee drink is essentially a latte, but in Australia, it’s topped with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Iced coffee
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Most Australian cafés offer iced coffee. Ordering an ‘iced latte’ will get you a glass of cold espresso, milk and ice cubes. If you order an ‘iced coffee,’ the barista might add a scoop of ice cream.
