International Coffee Drinks
Viennese Einspänner
Quick answer
Cold cream whips more readily. Stop when it holds soft peaks that can sit on the coffee but still settle slightly; stiff cream is harder to spoon and changes the texture. The icing sugar sweetens the topping, so taste it before adding more.
Key takeaways
- Combine espresso and hot water in a heatproof glass, then spoon the cream over the surface.
- Whip the cream only until it forms soft peaks that hold on a spoon.
- The hot water lengthens the espresso before the cream is added.
Ingredients
- 60 ml espresso
- 30 ml hot water
- 50 ml whipping cream
- 1 tsp icing sugar.
Method
- Whip the cream with the sugar to soft peaks.
- Combine espresso and hot water in a heatproof glass and spoon the cream on top.
Pour the coffee base first
Combine espresso and hot water in a heatproof glass, then spoon the cream over the surface. The hot coffee warms the underside of the cream as you sip. Serve soon after assembling so the topping remains distinct.
An Einspänner is designed to be sipped through or stirred into its cream cap. If you want the cream blended directly into espresso instead, compare espresso con panna.
Whip and hold the cream
Whip the cream only until it forms soft peaks that hold on a spoon. If it becomes stiff, it will be difficult to layer over the coffee. Keep the bowl and cream cold while whipping, and prepare the topping close to serving time so it does not lose its shape.
Adjust the coffee base
The hot water lengthens the espresso before the cream is added. Stir the coffee and water together, then spoon the cream on top without mixing it in. The cream gradually softens the coffee as you sip, so taste the first sip before deciding whether you want to stir.
Use a heatproof glass or cup and leave room at the rim. For another espresso topped with cream, see espresso con panna, which uses no hot-water addition.
Keep the cream separate until serving
Do not stir the cream into the coffee before it reaches the table. The contrast between hot coffee and cool cream is part of the drink’s texture. If you are making more than one serving, whip the cream in a chilled bowl and spoon it onto each cup just before serving.
A tip for serving
Let the cream form a soft layer. Sip the warm coffee through the cool cream, or stir briefly for an evenly creamy drink.