Australian coffee cheat sheet

In Australia, coffee is a serious, and particular, business – so much so that you’ll rarely hear someone just order a 'coffee'. And while there are many styles and sizes to choose from, you can easily order the perfect Aussie coffee by following these few simple steps: 

1. Let the cashier know whether you’ll be drinking your coffee at the café or whether you’ll be sipping on the go. Ask for ‘take-away’ if you’d like your coffee in a paper cup.

2. Choose your size. Most cafés in Australia only offer two sizes – regular and large – though some offer additional sizes.

3. Pick your type of coffee.

Use the guide below to find your perfect brew.

Flat white

The classic Aussie coffee creation, a flat white contains a single shot of espresso followed by a steamy pour of milk and a thin layer of foam. Order it ‘skinny’ if you want skim milk instead of full cream. 

Long black

If you often drink Americanos, a long black is a great Aussie alternative consisting of two shots of espresso poured into hot water.

Short black

A short black is simple – just a single shot of espresso. In fact, this is the foundation of all other espresso coffee drinks.

Ristretto

One of the smallest coffees available, a ristretto is a simple espresso shot made with some serious skill. Less water passes through the finely-ground beans, offering a smoother and less bitter result. 

Piccolo

A popular order for anyone who wants a full dose of caffeine with less milk. Also known as a ¾ latte, a piccolo contains a full shot of espresso with much less milk.

Latte

A latte is similar to a flat white, but has more foam and tends to taste milkier. When you dine in, it’s served in a glass cup rather than a ceramic mug.

Cappuccino

If you’re a coffee drinker with a sweet tooth, order a cappuccino. This coffee drink is essentially a latte, but in Australia, it’s topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. 

Iced coffee

Most Australian cafés offer iced coffee. Ordering an ‘iced latte’ will get you a glass of cold espresso, milk and ice cubes. If you order an ‘iced coffee,’ the barista might add a scoop of ice cream.