Have you ever heard someone order a ‘Magic’ and wondered, what is a magic coffee? You are not alone, especially if you don’t live in Melbourne. It is said to have magical properties that set it apart from other types of coffee. But what exactly is Magic Coffee, and how do you make it at home? In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all your questions about Magic Coffee!
What is Magic Coffee?
If you have a friend from Melbourne and heard them order a Magic coffee, don’t worry they aren’t losing the plot! Magic coffee is synonymous to the streets of Melbourne, and you won’t find it in many other places. If you haven’t tried one yet you are definitely missing out.
Just like anyone visiting Melbourne should check out the MCG, Tennis or art galleries, they should also get a Magic coffee. Partly for the novelty of being able to order a Magic coffee and not get weird looks from the barista. But also, because it’s a well balanced coffee, with a bit of kick to wake you up!
A Magic Coffee is made in a 160ml cup or glass, with a double ristretto shot (first half of espresso shot), topped up with silky milk. Given the double ristretto shot and relatively small cup or glass a Magic coffee has a good coffee to milk ratio. This makes it extremely easy to drink and one of my favourite coffees.
Double Ristretto
A ristretto is a type of espresso shot that is made with a smaller amount of water. This results in a more intense flavour since there is less water to extract the coffee grounds. Ristrettos are often served in small cups, which makes them perfect for when you want a quick caffeine fix.
Usually a ristretto is 20ml, while a shot of espresso is 30ml. The final 10ml of an espresso shot usually contains the bitterness, making a ristretto taste a lot sweeter.
A double ristretto is made using two shots of ristretto, often around 40ml. It has a stronger flavour and less caffeine than a double shot of espresso. Ristrettos are popular among coffee aficionados for their intense flavour and rich aroma. They are also required to make a magic coffee.
Steamed Milk
Steamed milk is a type of milk that is heated in order to create a creamy, foamy texture. It is often used in coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. The addition of steamed milk can add richness and complexity to a beverage.
For the Melbourne Magic Coffee you want your milk to have a similar texture to what would be used in a flat white. That is a silky milk texture with only a small amount of foam on top of the milk and ristretto. The silky milk texture is great for latte art, although it will depend on the amount of milk in the drink.
Cup
The cup size is extremely important to ensure you keep the coffee to milk ratio just right. It is best to serve a Melbourne Magic in a 160ml glass. This is a perfect size for the ristretto shots (40ml) and the silky milk of roughly 120ml to be combined and make a sweet tasting drink!
Magic Coffee vs Piccolo
Magic Coffee is a Melbourne specialty. It is made with espresso, steamed milk, and velvety microfoam. Magic Coffee has a rich chocolate flavour and a thick crema on top. The caffeine content is about the same as a regular cup of coffee. Magic Coffee can only really be found in Melbourne.
The Piccolo Latte is a small latte made with less milk than a regular latte. The milk is steamed to create microfoam, which gives the coffee a velvety texture. Piccolo Lattes have a strong espresso flavour and are usually served with a dollop of foam on top. The caffeine content in a Piccolo Latte is about half of what you would find in a Magic Coffee.
So, what’s the difference between a Magic Coffee and Piccolo Latte? Magic Coffee has more chocolate flavour and less espresso flavour. Piccolo Latte has more espresso flavour and less milk. The Magic Melbourne coffee has more caffeine than the piccolo latte. Magic Coffee is richer and creamier, while Piccolo Latte is lighter and more refreshing.
If you’re looking for a rich, chocolatey coffee, Magic Coffee is the way to go. If you want a light and refreshing coffee with a strong espresso flavour, Piccolo Latte is your best bet. Whichever coffee you choose, you’ll be getting a delicious cup of caffeine goodness!
Magic Coffee vs Flat White
Magic coffee is a Melbourne specialty. It is made with espresso and steamed milk, which gives it a creamy texture. Magic coffee usually has more caffeine than a flat white, and it also has more calories.
Flat white is made with espresso and milk, but the milk is not steamed. This gives the flat white a thinner texture. Flat white has less caffeine than magic coffee, but it also has fewer calories.
So, which one should you choose? If you’re looking for a creamy coffee with a lot of caffeine, go for magic coffee. If you’re looking for a lighter coffee with fewer calories, go for flat white.
How To Order a Magic Coffee
If you are in Melbourne you should have a pretty easy time ordering one, just ask for a ‘magic’ the next time you go to order. I would be very surprised if the barista didn’t know what drink you were referring to.
If for some reason they don’t know what a ‘magic’ is, or you live outside of Melbourne, then you can ask for a double ristretto flat white, with less milk. This way the barista should be able to create a ‘magic’ for you. Make sure they hear you when you say double ristretto shot too, you definitely don’t want a single shot espresso based drink.
How to make a Magic Coffee
Now you know what a Melbourne Magic is, I am sure you are eager to try and make one of your own. The important requirements for a ‘Magic’ are espresso and milk, the best of which will be an individually acquired taste. We have you covered with all the equipment/ingredients you will need and tips on how to make a delicious ‘Magic’ below.
What do I need to make a Melbourne Magic Coffee at home?
You will need the following items to make a ‘Magic’:
- An espresso machine
- Coffee Beans & Grinder of your choice (Or already ground coffee)
- Milk of your choice
- A milk frother/steamer (If your espresso machine doesn’t have one)
- Cup, glass or mug of your choice
Remember, you often get what you pay for, so if you are looking to take your home coffee game seriously a good coffee machine is worth the investment. You can check out top machines here, and see if any meet your tastes.
Magic recipe/instructions
Now you have all the ingredients and equipment ready to go, you should be all set to brew a ‘Magic’. Follow the steps below for a quick guide on how to make one but feel free to experiment along the way.
- Grind your coffee beans. You should look for a fine texture
- Insert your coffee grind into a portafilter basket (select a single basket)
- You want to extract a double ristretto shot, which is about 30g (you can have your glass on a scale to help with this measurement)
- Next, you will need to steam your milk. Remember this is being used to top up your glass, so you shouldn’t need too much milk and you don’t want it to be too frothy
- Pour your milk into the glass with your double shot of ristretto, to top it up
- Sit back and enjoy your freshly brewed ‘Magic’!
Now that you know all about Magic Coffee, it’s time to try it for yourself! Follow the steps above to make the perfect cup of Magic Coffee at home. You’ll be glad you did! It iis said to have a range of benefits, including improved mental clarity and focus, increased energy levels, and even weight loss.
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy way to start your day, Magic Coffee is the perfect choice! Try it today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Thanks for reading!
FAQ’s
How should I store Magic Coffee beans?
Magic Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
How much Magic Coffee should I drink per day?
It is recommended that you drink no more than two cups of Magic Coffee per day. Drinking too much Magic Coffee can lead to side effects such as anxiety and insomnia. If you are new to drinking Magic Coffee, it is best to start with one cup per day and increase your intake gradually.
Are there any side effects of drinking Magic Coffee?
Drinking too much Magic Coffee can lead to side effects such as anxiety and insomnia. It is best to start with one cup per day and increase your intake gradually. If you experience any adverse effects, please discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
