Journey through the most common types of coffee available in Australian Cafes

Australia is a nation known for its coffee culture, and the café scene down under is truly remarkable.

While it's a land famous for its flat whites, there's so much more to explore when it comes to coffee in Australian cafes.

From traditional espresso-based drinks to innovative and unique creations, there's a wide variety to suit every coffee lover's taste. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the most common types of coffee available in Australian cafes.

Espresso - Short Black
Espresso is the foundation of many coffee drinks in Australia. It's a concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. A good espresso is the benchmark for quality coffee, and you'll find it on the menu of virtually every cafe in the country.

Flat White
The flat white is perhaps the most iconic Australian coffee creation. It consists of a shot of espresso mixed with steamed milk, creating a smooth and velvety coffee with a minimal layer of microfoam. It's the go-to choice for many Australians and an essential part of the coffee culture.

Latte
A latte is similar to a flat white but has a little more steamed milk, resulting in a creamier, milder flavor. It's topped with a thin layer of microfoam, often with a latte art design. Lattes are perfect for those who enjoy a balanced coffee-milk ratio.

Cappuccino
Cappuccinos are known for their frothy, airy milk foam. They consist of a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a generous layer of thick, creamy foam on top. You can often sprinkle cocoa or cinnamon on the foam for an extra touch of flavor.

Long Black
The long black is an Australian take on Americano coffee. It's made by adding a shot of espresso to a cup of hot water. The result is a strong coffee with a rich and bold flavor. It's a great option for those who enjoy a straightforward coffee without milk.

Piccolo Latte
The piccolo latte is a small coffee with a big taste. It's essentially a ristretto (an even more concentrated shot of espresso) mixed with steamed milk, resulting in a strong and flavorful coffee that's a bit smaller in size.

Mocha
If you have a sweet tooth, the mocha might be your go-to choice. It combines a shot of espresso with hot chocolate and steamed milk, creating a delightful and indulgent coffee experience. Some cafes even garnish it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Macchiato
A macchiato is a simple yet bold coffee. It's a shot of espresso "stained" or "marked" with a small amount of frothy milk. This results in a concentrated coffee flavor with just a hint of creaminess.

Affogato
Affogato is a delightful dessert-like coffee. It's made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, makes it a delightful treat.


Australian cafes offer a diverse array of coffee options, making it a coffee lover's paradise. Whether you're a fan of the classic flat white, a chocolate lover drawn to mochas, or someone who enjoys the simplicity of a long black, there's a coffee to suit your tastes in the land down under. So, the next time you're in Australia, be sure to explore the rich tapestry of coffee available in the local cafes and enjoy the unique coffee culture this beautiful country has to offer.