Einspanner coffee is a decadent and indulgent way to get your morning caffeine fix.

Einspanner Coffee

I don’t often leave home in the morning to go to the coffee shop. I enjoy the morning ritual of making a latte at home in my favorite mug using beans from my favorite coffee brand. Plus, not spending $5 to $8 every day for a fancy coffee shop drink has its appeal, too.
However, when I’m traveling, visiting local coffee shops is one of my favorite things to do. Einspanner coffee was one of my latest discoveries while in Europe, and I instantly knew I wanted to recreate this decadent drink once I got home.
What is Einspanner coffee?
Einspanner coffee is a Viennese coffee recipe that originated in Austria during the 19th century. It’s a simple, albeit indulgent drink comprised of strongly brewed espresso topped with a generous (emphasis on generous) amount of sweetened whipped cream. Similar to a Starbucks cold foam cold brew, an Einspanner coffee is not traditionally stirred together. Instead, the whipped cream and espresso remain separated, allowing the hot espresso to blend into the cream as it’s sipped.
This recipe has an unexpected origin: Einspanner is derived from the German word for “one-horse carriage,” which were prevalent in Vienna at the time of the drink’s invention. The drink was traditionally served in a tall glass with a single handle, and the generous amount of cream was supposed to help insulate the coffee and prevent the espresso from splashing out while being sipped in a bumpy carriage.
Today, the drink can be enjoyed at Viennese coffee houses in the United States and around the world. You can even order an Einspanner coffee from Starbucks, where it’s known as an espresso con panna (the Italian version of this type of coffee that’s served with a little less whipped cream). If you want yours Einspanner-style, just ask your barista for extra whip.
Einspanner Coffee Ingredients
- Espresso: For a great-tasting Einspanner recipe, choose high-quality espresso beans brewed in an espresso machine. If you don’t have a home espresso machine, don’t fret: You can make still make an Einspanner. Simply brew extra strong coffee in the place of espresso.
- Heavy whipping cream: While store-bought whipped cream can be used for Einspanner coffee, you’ll never want to go back once you make it with homemade whipped cream. Time to break out that stand mixer! (Although, if you prefer, a handheld mixer works just as well to whip cream.)
- Confectioners’ sugar: A small amount of confectioners’ sugar lightly sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize it.
- Vanilla extract: We love adding just a whisper of high-quality vanilla extract to whipped cream to give it a little depth and complexity.
- Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder is an optional but lovely garnish for Einspanner coffee. Just a light dusting adds a subtle chocolate flavor and aroma to this indulgent coffeehouse drink.
Directions
Step 1: Make the whipped cream
Combine the heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat them on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about three to four minutes. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and chill it until you’re ready to use it.
Editor’s Tip: We love the look of piped whipped cream on this Einspanner recipe. If you don’t have a pastry or piping bag, you can either frost with a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut, or simply spoon the whipped cream on top.
Step 2: Brew the espresso and top with whipped cream
Next, brew the espresso into a small mug. Then, carefully pipe the whipped cream over the top. Dust lightly with cocoa powder, if desired, and enjoy.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to be generous with the whipped cream. A traditional Einspanner coffee has a 1:1 ratio of cream to espresso! That said, we won’t judge you if you pile extra cream on top either.
Einspanner Coffee Variations
- Sweeten the espresso: Some Einspanner recipes brew the espresso over brown sugar (which would be similar in taste to a shaken espresso) for added sweetness.
- Add flavored syrups: If you add coffee syrups to your Starbucks order, you can do that here, too. Try a teaspoon or two of hazelnut, pistachio, Irish cream or cinnamon syrup in the espresso to jazz things up.
- Flavored whipped cream: While a classic Einspanner coffee uses plain whipped cream, you can adapt this recipe with your favorite flavored whipped cream if you wish. Coffee whipped cream or hazelnut whipped cream would both taste divine.
Einspanner Tips
What’s the best way to serve Einspanner coffee?
A traditional Einspanner coffee is served hot. Similar to an affogato, part of the pleasure comes from the contrasting temperatures of the hot espresso paired with the chilled whipped cream.
Can you serve Einspanner coffee iced?
Yes! An iced version of an Einspanner coffee has been trending on social media and has become especially popular in South Korea. To make an iced Einspanner coffee, put some ice in a glass then fill it with cold brew, leaving space for a generous cloud of whipped cream. (Remember, an Einspanner is made with more whipped cream than you might put on top of cold brew!) Dust it with cocoa powder and sip away.
You can also make an iced Einspanner latte: Fill up a 12-ounce glass with ice, then fill it halfway with your milk of choice. Top it with the brewed espresso, followed by the whipped cream and cocoa powder, if desired.
Can you use coffee instead of espresso for Einspanner coffee?
Yes, a strong brewed coffee can be used to make an Einspanner coffee if you don’t have access to an espresso maker. Brew an extra-strong cup of joe using a drip coffee maker or pour-over coffee maker, or invest in an affordable Moka pot. It’s one of our favorite ways to make espresso-style coffee on the stovetop.
Einspanner Coffee
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ounces brewed espresso (2 shots)
- Cocoa powder, for garnish, optional
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip; chill until ready to use.
- Pour espresso into a mug. Carefully pipe the whipped cream on top. Be generous; a traditional Einspanner coffee has a 1:1 ratio of cream to espresso. Dust lightly with cocoa powder, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
1 coffee: 451 calories, 43g fat (28g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.