Coffee recipes · Make it at home
Einspänner is a Viennese-style coffee served under a thick layer of lightly sweetened whipped cream. You sip the hot coffee through the cool cream rather than stir it all in immediately.
Yield1 drink
Active time8–10 min
Coffee baseStrong coffee or espresso
Ingredients & equipment
- 1 double espresso or 100–130 ml strong brewed coffee
- 60–80 ml cold heavy whipping cream
- 1–2 teaspoons powdered sugar, to taste
- Optional: light cocoa dusting
- Heat-safe glass or mug and a whisk
How to make it
- Whip chilled heavy cream with the powdered sugar until thick but soft and spoonable. Avoid stiff, dry peaks.
- Brew the espresso or strong coffee into a heat-safe glass, leaving space above.
- Spoon the cream carefully over the hot coffee to form a thick layer.
- Dust with a little cocoa if desired and serve immediately. Sip through the cream rather than stirring right away.
Why does the cream float?
Cold whipped cream is thick and aerated. When spooned gently onto the coffee, it can sit above the liquid, creating the signature hot-cold contrast.
If you prefer an iced adaptation or want a larger milk drink, feel free to experiment—but call it a variation.
