Authentic Viennese Stirred Iced Coffee (Eiskaffee) Recipe: A Creamy Delight at Home

When the summer heat descends, a delightful ritual unfolds in the venerable coffee houses of Vienna: the demand for perfectly crafted iced coffees soars. There’s something uniquely refreshing and indulgent about a traditional Viennese iced coffee, known locally as “Eiskaffee,” that transports you straight to the heart of Austria’s rich coffee culture. But what if you could capture that authentic coffeehouse feeling right in your own kitchen? This recipe for a stirred Viennese iced coffee is your secret weapon, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-quality cold brew in mere minutes.

This exquisite beverage isn’t just a coffee; it’s a dessert in a glass. Its signature creamy, luxurious consistency is achieved by a simple yet ingenious technique: stirring rich vanilla ice cream directly into freshly brewed coffee. The result is a velvety smooth, subtly sweet, and wonderfully invigorating drink that’s perfect for any warm day or as a special treat.

The stirred version is indeed one of the most beloved and traditional ways to prepare Eiskaffee, showcasing the elegant simplicity that Vienna’s coffee culture is famous for. While the basic concept is universal, the Viennese method emphasizes quality ingredients and a specific preparation technique that truly sets it apart.

Beyond the classic stirred Eiskaffee, you’ll find other delightful iced coffee variations in Vienna, each with its own charm. The unstirred iced coffee, for instance, often features a double espresso shot carefully poured over vanilla ice cream, creating beautiful layers of dark coffee and pale ice cream. Then there’s the popular iced latte, a milder option made with a single espresso shot, a touch of sweetened syrup, and a generous amount of cold milk, perfect for those who prefer a less intense coffee flavor. Each offers a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, ice-cold caffeinated drink, but the stirred Eiskaffee remains a timeless classic for its unique texture and rich flavor.

🥘 Ingredients for Your Homemade Viennese Stirred Iced Coffee

Crafting this exquisite drink requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of Viennese Eiskaffee lies in its straightforwardness, allowing each component to shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Espresso: A double shot of freshly brewed espresso is traditional. The rich, concentrated flavor of espresso is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the ice cream. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong, dark-roast coffee brewed with a Moka pot, Aeropress, or even a French press will work beautifully. Ensure it’s black and robust.
• Ice Cubes: Essential for cooling the coffee quickly and maintaining its chill without excessive dilution.
• Cold Water: Used to “extend” the espresso, diluting it slightly to create the perfect base for the ice cream mixture. Using ice-cold water further aids in temperature control.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: This is the star ingredient that gives the Eiskaffee its signature creamy texture and sweet flavor. Opt for a high-quality vanilla ice cream, whether homemade for that extra touch of luxury or a premium store-bought brand for convenience. The richer the ice cream, the creamier your drink will be.
• Whipped Cream: (For garnishing) A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is the traditional crowning glory of Viennese Eiskaffee. It adds an extra layer of richness and makes the drink feel truly special.

See the full recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Viennese Iced Coffee

Preparing this decadent stirred iced coffee is surprisingly simple, requiring only a few steps. Follow these instructions to achieve that perfect creamy consistency and authentic Viennese taste:

Step 1: Brew Espresso onto Ice
To ensure your coffee cools rapidly and maintains its strength, place 4-6 ice cubes into a metal pot or a heat-proof glass. Brew a double shot of espresso (approximately 120 ml) directly over these ice cubes. Brewing hot coffee directly onto ice helps to “shock” cool the coffee, preserving its rich flavor and preventing it from becoming watered down as the ice melts. If using strong brewed coffee instead of espresso, ensure it’s freshly made and hot before pouring over the ice.

Step 2: Extend with Cold Water
Once the espresso is brewed over the ice, add approximately 1 cup of ice-cold water directly into the metal pot with the coffee and remaining ice. This step extends the espresso, making it the perfect base for mixing with the ice cream. Stir gently to combine and set the mixture aside to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled.

Step 3: The Creamy Stir
Take a tall mixing bowl and add 2-3 generous scoops of your chosen vanilla ice cream. Carefully pour the prepared, chilled coffee mixture into the bowl with the ice cream. Now, using an electric hand mixer, combine the two for about 15 seconds. The goal is to break down the ice cream and fully incorporate it into the coffee, creating a luscious, frothy, and homogenous creamy mixture. This quick blending process is what gives “stirred” Eiskaffee its characteristic thick and smooth texture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your creamy coffee-ice-cream mixture reaches the desired consistency, transfer it immediately into a tall serving glass. The final touch, and arguably the most iconic, is a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. For a lighter or dairy-free option, cold milk foam (see instructions below) is a fantastic alternative. You can also add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dessert drink!

It’s done! As you can see, you can prepare this exquisite dessert drink in no time at all. It’s a true taste of Viennese elegance, perfect for a sunny afternoon or as a sophisticated after-dinner treat. Enjoy every creamy, coffee-infused sip!

🥜 Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional preparation of a Viennese iced coffee calls for a double espresso, don’t let that limit your creativity or your ability to enjoy this delightful drink. There are several fantastic substitutions and variations you can explore:

• Coffee Base: If an espresso machine isn’t readily available, you can certainly use strong black coffee brewed in a Moka pot, Aeropress, or even a French press. Just ensure it’s concentrated enough to stand up to the ice cream. Cold brew coffee is another excellent option; it provides a smoother, less acidic coffee flavor, which can offer a slightly different but equally delicious taste profile.
• Ice Cream Flavors: While vanilla is traditional, feel free to experiment! Chocolate ice cream would create a rich chocolate iced coffee, while hazelnut or even a caramel swirl ice cream could add intriguing new dimensions of flavor.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Options: For those with dietary restrictions, high-quality dairy-free vanilla ice cream (almond, coconut, or oat-based) can be used. For the whipped cream, opt for a coconut cream whip or a store-bought vegan whipped topping.
• Sweeteners: If your coffee or ice cream isn’t sweet enough, a touch of simple syrup, maple syrup, or a natural sweetener can be added to the coffee before stirring in the ice cream.

☕️ Exploring Different Methods of Preparing Iced Coffee

The world of iced coffee is vast and varied, with each method offering a unique experience. While the stirred Viennese Eiskaffee holds a special place, here are a few other popular ways to enjoy a cold coffee beverage:

• Stirred Iced Coffee (Original Viennese Eiskaffee): As detailed in this post, this method involves blending strong coffee with vanilla ice cream to create a uniformly creamy and frothy drink. It’s a dessert and a coffee all in one, beloved for its rich texture.
• Unstirred Iced Coffee: This alternative preparation skips the blending step. Instead, scoops of vanilla ice cream are placed in a glass, and freshly brewed, chilled espresso is carefully poured over them. This creates a beautiful visual effect with distinct layers of dark coffee and light ice cream, offering a different textural experience with each sip.
• Iced Coffee with Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (12-24 hours). The resulting concentrate is less acidic, smoother, and naturally sweeter than hot-brewed coffee. When served over ice, often with a splash of milk or simple syrup, it makes for an incredibly refreshing and easy-drinking iced coffee.
• Iced Latte: A creamy and milky option, the iced latte is typically made with a single shot of espresso, a generous amount of cold milk (dairy or non-dairy), and often sweetened with flavored syrups (like vanilla or caramel). It’s a milder coffee experience, perfect for those who enjoy the balance of coffee and milk.
• Italian Iced Coffee (Affogato-style): While not typically stirred like the Viennese version, Italian iced coffee often refers to an “Affogato,” where a scoop of vanilla gelato (or ice cream) is “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso. It’s a delightful contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, designed to be eaten with a spoon.
• Chocolate Iced Coffee: For chocolate lovers, simply swap out the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream in the stirred Eiskaffee recipe. This creates a rich, indulgent mocha-like treat that’s perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Your Eiskaffee

To prepare the perfect stirred Viennese iced coffee, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. These items ensure efficient preparation and the best possible result:

• Tall Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining the coffee and ice cream with your hand mixer. A tall bowl helps prevent splattering.
• Electric Hand Mixer: This is key for achieving the signature creamy, frothy texture of stirred Eiskaffee. It quickly breaks down the ice cream and incorporates it into the coffee.
• Metal Pitcher: Ideal for brewing espresso directly onto ice. Its cold surface helps to rapidly chill the hot coffee, preserving its flavor.
• Ice Cream Scoop: For easily portioning out your vanilla ice cream.
• Tall Drinking Glass: For elegant serving of your finished Eiskaffee.

🌡 Storage Recommendations

This delightful Viennese stirred iced coffee is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Its creamy consistency and refreshing coolness are at their peak right after blending. Leaving the ready-mixed iced coffee to sit for a long time, even in the fridge, will cause the ice cream to fully melt and separate, losing its frothy texture and refreshing effect. The coffee will also warm up, diminishing the overall experience.

If you wish to prepare ahead, you can brew and chill your strong coffee or espresso base a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy, simply combine it with fresh ice cream and whipped cream according to the recipe.

🥛 How to Create Perfect Cold Milk Foam

Cold milk foam is a fantastic, lighter alternative to whipped cream for garnishing your Eiskaffee or any iced coffee drink. It adds a beautiful texture and a creamy finish without the added richness of cream. Here are three simple possibilities to create it:

Variant 1: The Cocktail Shaker Method
If you have a cocktail shaker at hand, this is a quick and effective method. Pour cold milk into the shaker, add a few ice cubes, and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes. The ice helps to aerate and chill the milk simultaneously, resulting in a stable foam. Once frothed, carefully pour the foamy milk onto your drink, holding back the liquid milk with a spoon if you only want the foam.

Variant 2: The Manual Shake Method (Milk Container)
This method requires no special equipment. Take your milk container directly out of the fridge (ensure it’s at least half full to allow for proper agitation). Shake it well for 1-2 minutes, using strong, quick movements. The air incorporated through shaking will create a lovely foam. Carefully open the container and spoon out the foam that has collected at the top.

Variant 3: Using an Electric Milk Frother
For consistent and effortless foam, an electric milk frother is your best friend. These handy devices, whether handheld wands or automatic jugs, are designed to create both hot and cold foam. Simply pour cold milk into the jug or use the wand in a glass of cold milk, and froth until a thick, airy foam forms. It’s quick, clean, and yields excellent results.

🇦🇹 A Deep Dive into Viennese Coffee House Culture

The tradition of Viennese coffeehouse culture is more than just a culinary habit; it is a way of life, characterized by a truly special, almost timeless atmosphere. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, these coffee houses serve as extended living rooms for many Viennese residents and visitors alike. Typical features that define a traditional Viennese coffeehouse include elegant marble tables where coffee is meticulously served, iconic Thonet chairs, cozy booths, and dedicated newspaper tables offering a wide selection of local and international papers. The interior decoration often harks back to the style of historicism, creating an opulent yet comfortable setting.

As the saying goes, a coffeehouse is a place “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is on the bill.” This encapsulates the essence of the experience: a place where one can linger for hours, read, write, converse, or simply observe, without feeling rushed. It’s a sanctuary of contemplation and social interaction, a unique blend of public space and private retreat.

The history of the Viennese coffeehouse traces back to the end of the 17th century, closely linked to the Turkish siege of Vienna. Legend has it that the first Viennese coffeehouse was founded by an Armenian spy named Deodato, who was entrusted by the Viennese court with the preparation of coffee beans left behind by the retreating Ottoman army. Initially a curiosity, coffee houses quickly gained popularity. By 1720, Kramer’s coffee house on the Graben made history as the first to also offer newspapers to its patrons, cementing its role as a hub for information and intellectual exchange.

From 1803 to 1813, Viennese coffee makers faced severe challenges due to Napoleon’s Continental Blockade on trade with England. The duty on coffee beans became so prohibitively high that they were almost impossible to afford. When Austria joined the trade blockade in 1808, many Viennese coffee houses teetered on the brink of ruin. During this difficult period, however, they were permitted for the first time to serve wine and hot food, diversifying their offerings and helping them survive. With the eventual end of the trade embargo, coffee once again flowed freely. Initially reserved exclusively for men, a significant social shift occurred in 1856 when women were finally permitted entry, transforming coffee houses into truly inclusive public spaces. They evolved into vital centers of transnational literary communication and played a not insignificant role in political discourse and intellectual movements.

To preserve and promote this invaluable cultural heritage, the Club of Viennese Coffeehouse Owners was founded in 1956. This association comprises both traditional and innovative coffeehouses across Vienna, working together to safeguard their unique traditions. One of its most important tasks is the promotion of cultural projects within the coffee houses themselves, fostering an environment where arts and intellect can thrive. Regular joint training courses and excursions are undertaken by members to deepen their professional knowledge of coffee preparation and service, and to cultivate a sense of community. The Club acts as a central point of contact for all those interested in Vienna’s enduring coffee culture, ensuring its vibrant legacy continues for generations to come.

Source: unesco.at

✈️ 8 Famous Traditional Viennese Coffee Houses to Visit

When in Vienna, a visit to at least one of its legendary coffee houses is an absolute must. Each establishment carries centuries of history, unique stories, and a distinct charm. Here are eight of the most famous and beloved traditional Viennese coffee houses:

• Café Diglas: A family-run establishment known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious pastries, and live classical music. It retains much of its original Belle Époque charm.
• Café Landtmann: One of Vienna’s most elegant and well-known coffee houses, popular with politicians and artists. It’s famed for its grand interior and classic Viennese hospitality, located on the Ringstrasse.
• Café Central: Perhaps the most iconic, this coffee house was once a meeting point for intellectuals like Freud, Trotsky, and Schnitzler. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it a popular tourist destination.
• Café Hawelka: A legendary, bohemian spot that has been a magnet for artists and writers since its opening. It’s known for its unpretentious, timeless interior and its famous “Buchteln” (sweet rolls).
• Café Sperl: A beautifully preserved historic coffee house with billiard tables, marble tops, and velvet sofas, offering a glimpse into the late 19th-century Viennese lifestyle.
• Café “Alt Wien”: Known for its rustic, traditional charm and often lively atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals for its authentic Viennese experience and solid, traditional cuisine.
• Café Westend: A spacious, elegant coffee house near Westbahnhof, known for its grand, classic Viennese interior and comfortable seating, perfect for reading or conversation.
• Café Schwarzenberg: The oldest grand coffee house on the Ringstrasse, offering a sophisticated setting with traditional Viennese specialties and a piano bar in the evenings.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback means a lot! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I won’t miss it.

📖 Recipe Card: Viennese Stirred Iced Coffee

Best Iced Coffee – Traditional Viennese Stirred Iced Coffee (Eiskaffee)

By Nora

Indulge in the authentic Viennese coffeehouse experience right at home with this incredibly easy and delicious stirred iced coffee recipe. Made with just four ingredients, this yummy beverage achieves its signature creamy consistency by blending rich vanilla ice cream directly into the coffee. Perfect for a refreshing treat!

5 from 203 votes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Save RecipeSaved!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Drinks, Beverage

Cuisine Austrian, Viennese

Servings 2 Servings

Calories 274 kcal

Equipment

• Tall mixing bowl
• Electric Handmixer
• Metal pitcher
• Ice cream scoop
• Tall Glass for serving

Ingredients

• ½ cup Espresso or strong black coffee
• 6 Ice cubes
• 1 cup Cold water
• 4 Scoops Vanilla ice cream homemade or store-bought premium quality

Garnish

• Whipped Cream or cold milk foam

Instructions

• To cool the coffee rapidly and preserve its rich flavor, place 4-6 ice cubes into a metal pot (or a heat-proof container). Brew a double espresso shot (about 120 ml) directly over the ice cubes in the pot.
  ½ cup Espresso, 6 Ice cubes
• Then, add 1 cup of ice-cold water directly into the metal pot with the espresso and ice. Stir gently to combine and set aside to ensure the coffee base is thoroughly chilled.
  1 cup Cold water
• In a tall mixing bowl, add 4-6 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Pour the prepared, chilled coffee mixture into the bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, blend the two for about 15 seconds until the ice cream is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy, and frothy mixture.
  4 Scoops Vanilla ice cream
• Immediately transfer the creamy mixture into a serving glass. Garnish generously with freshly whipped cream or a dollop of cold milk foam (see tips above for making foam). Serve chilled and enjoy!

Never miss a recipe!Sign up and let me spoil you weekly with a delicious homemade recipe!

Keyword best homemade iced coffee, best iced coffee, stirred iced coffee, viennese coffee, Eiskaffee

Like this recipe?Mention @combinegoodflavors or tag #combinegoodflavors!

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 0.1mg

⛑️ Food Safety Guidelines

Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any food or beverage, even simple ones like iced coffee. Please keep these general guidelines in mind:

• When dealing with any ingredients that require cooking (not applicable for this specific recipe, but good general knowledge), cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
• Always use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling any raw meat or poultry.
• Do not leave perishable food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods (generally no more than two hours). This iced coffee is best consumed immediately for both quality and safety.
• Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using high heat.
• If you are heating oils, use those with high smoking points to avoid the formation of harmful compounds.
• Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes.

For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please check the official guidelines from the Safe Food Handling – FDA.