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International Coffee Drinks

 

# Viennese Einspänner

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [International Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Einspanner Austrian Coffee Cream Hot Coffee

 

Active time: approximately 6 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## 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.

 

![Coffee in a glass with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/coffee-with-whipped-cream.avif)

Coffee in a glass with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

## 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](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/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](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/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.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee), see Wikipedia.

[Back to International Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

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