Have you ever dreamed of sipping a luxurious cup of liquid decadence that feels like a warm, velvety hug for your soul? Well, let me introduce you to my latest caffeine obsession: the exquisite Viennese Kaisermelange.
A Viennese Coffee Kaisermelange is a delightful concoction that goes beyond the standard cup of coffee. With a base of rich espresso, it adds a teaspoon of sugar and a silky egg yolk to achieve an exceptionally creamy and sweet result.
This is Coffee Kaisermelange: a luxurious drink from Austria that I utterly adore. Sometimes I gild the lily and top it with whipped cream.
If I do, then that is my own version of this treat.
Ingredients
- Espresso: Rich, concentrated coffee delivering bold flavor and aroma.
- Sugar: Sweetens the drink, enhancing and balancing espresso’s bitterness.
- Egg yolk: Adds creaminess and smooth texture with rich nutrients.
- Honey or Rum (optional): Sweetens with natural notes or adds warmth.
- Whipped cream: Creamy topping offering indulgence and balance to strong coffee.
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon: Provides a flavorful garnish with a touch of spice.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 shot of espresso (about 1 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of honey or rum (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon, for garnish
How to Make this
1. Begin by brewing a fresh shot of espresso and pouring it into a large, heat-resistant glass or mug.
2. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the hot espresso, and stir until it completely dissolves.
3. In another small bowl, beat the egg yolk until it is smooth and somewhat frothy.
4. Should you wish, you can incorporate a tablespoon of honey or rum into the egg yolk before whisking it. Blend very well for a consistent texture before moving on to the next steps.
5. Pour the mixture of egg yolks and sugar very slowly into the warm sweet espresso, stirring to combine as you pour. It should come together smoothly, without clumps of egg. If it fails to come together, do not stir faster. Rather, pour more slowly and keep stirring. If it still fails, it may be too late, but if it’s not, just keep going.
6. Assess the taste and adjust the sweetness as necessary. You might find that more sugar or honey is to your liking.
7. After blending, add a big dollop of whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture. This adds the richness and balance the mixture needs to achieve its full-flavored potential.
8. Sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon over the whipped cream lightly for an aromatic ending.
9. Kaisermelange should be served right away in a fashionable mug or glass. The look of the serve is just as important as the taste, and the slightly transparent mug allows the drinker to see the beautifully layered beverage.
10. Savor a moment in our cafe with this indulgent Viennese coffee, a luscious mix of rich espresso, creamy egg yolk, and almost too many aromatic embellishments.
Equipment Needed
1. Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker
2. Large heat-resistant glass or mug
3. Teaspoon
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk or fork
6. Tablespoon (optional, if using honey or rum)
7. Spoon (for stirring)
8. Mug or glass (for serving)
9. Sifter or fine mesh strainer (optional, for sprinkling cocoa powder or cinnamon)
FAQ
- What is Viennese Coffee Kaisermelange?It is an age-old Austrian method of coffee preparation that involves mixing together espresso, sugar, and an egg yolk, usually with a touch of honey or rum, then topping it off with whipped cream, and either cocoa or cinnamon.
- Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?Indeed, if you lack espresso, a strongly brewed regular coffee can serve in its stead, albeit many classic recipes count on espresso for its depth of flavor.
- Is the use of rum mandatory?The addition of rum or honey is not necessary, and you can adjust either to your taste or leave it out altogether, if that is your preference.
- How should I incorporate the egg yolk?Sugar and egg yolk should be beaten together until the mixture resembles the cream. Then pour a small amount of espresso into the bowl and stir to combine.
- Is it safe to consume raw egg yolk in this drink?Using pasteurized eggs is advisable for minimizing the risk of any health problems that might come from eating raw egg yolk.
- Can I prepare this drink without sugar?Certainly, feel free to modify the sweetness level to suit your personal taste, or use a different sweetener, if you prefer.
- What is the best way to garnish this coffee?To achieve authenticity, this delightful beverage is best served topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Viennese Coffee Kaisermelange Recipe Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to sugar, you can use brown sugar or a sweetener like stevia.
For the vegan egg yolk: You can try a store-bought vegan egg substitute. If that’s not available to you, try whipping together 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour (gram flour) with 5 tablespoons of water in a blender until smooth, and then whisk in 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (for that golden egg color). Use that as your egg yolk in the recipes below. If you want to experiment with other forms of egg yolk, or if you prefer no egg yolk at all, use the recipes below.
For the egg white: Use aquafaba, the liquid leftover from a can of cooked chickpeas, or the following homemade version.
Memo: You can use any kind of chickpeas (or other beans) to make aquafaba; just keep in mind that the flavor and viscosity of the aquafaba will change depending on the kind of chickpeas (or other beans) you use.
Flavor note: If using a homemade aquafaba that’s flavored with smoked paprika, for example, don’t use it in a recipe unless you want your dish to be flavored with smoked paprika!
For honey or rum: Think about using maple syrup or a dash of vanilla extract.
For whipped cream: If you’d like to make a dairy-free alternative to whipped cream, use coconut whipped cream.
For cocoa powder or cinnamon: You could use nutmeg or grated chocolate for a different twist.
Pro Tips
1. Temperature Control: Make sure your espresso isn’t too hot when you mix in the egg yolk, or it may start to cook and create an undesirable texture. Allow the espresso to cool slightly if needed before adding the egg yolk mixture.
2. Whisking Technique: To achieve a silky texture when whisking the egg yolk, use a small balloon whisk or a fork and beat until it doubles in volume and becomes pale yellow and frothy. This step helps to integrate air, resulting in a lighter and richer flavor when combined with the espresso.
3. Rum Choice: If choosing to add rum, opt for a good quality dark rum that will complement the flavors of espresso and add depth to the drink. Alternatively, honey provides a floral sweetness without the alcohol.
4. Espresso Quality: Use freshly ground coffee and a quality espresso machine to brew your shot. The richer and more aromatic your espresso, the more pronounced the flavors in your Kaisermelange will be.
5. Whipped Cream Consistency: Whip the cream to soft peaks for a luxurious texture that blends well with the espresso. Homemade whipped cream typically tastes best compared to store-bought varieties, providing a fresher and richer taste.
Viennese Coffee Kaisermelange Recipe
My favorite Viennese Coffee Kaisermelange Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker
2. Large heat-resistant glass or mug
3. Teaspoon
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk or fork
6. Tablespoon (optional, if using honey or rum)
7. Spoon (for stirring)
8. Mug or glass (for serving)
9. Sifter or fine mesh strainer (optional, for sprinkling cocoa powder or cinnamon)
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso (about 1 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of honey or rum (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Begin by brewing a fresh shot of espresso and pouring it into a large, heat-resistant glass or mug.
2. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the hot espresso, and stir until it completely dissolves.
3. In another small bowl, beat the egg yolk until it is smooth and somewhat frothy.
4. Should you wish, you can incorporate a tablespoon of honey or rum into the egg yolk before whisking it. Blend very well for a consistent texture before moving on to the next steps.
5. Pour the mixture of egg yolks and sugar very slowly into the warm sweet espresso, stirring to combine as you pour. It should come together smoothly, without clumps of egg. If it fails to come together, do not stir faster. Rather, pour more slowly and keep stirring. If it still fails, it may be too late, but if it’s not, just keep going.
6. Assess the taste and adjust the sweetness as necessary. You might find that more sugar or honey is to your liking.
7. After blending, add a big dollop of whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture. This adds the richness and balance the mixture needs to achieve its full-flavored potential.
8. Sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon over the whipped cream lightly for an aromatic ending.
9. Kaisermelange should be served right away in a fashionable mug or glass. The look of the serve is just as important as the taste, and the slightly transparent mug allows the drinker to see the beautifully layered beverage.
10. Savor a moment in our cafe with this indulgent Viennese coffee, a luscious mix of rich espresso, creamy egg yolk, and almost too many aromatic embellishments.
