There’s a reason that Melbourne is the coffee capital of Australia. Our cafe scene is brimming with endless choices, from ube matcha lattes to our famous locally invented Mont Blanc. If you’re ready to step outside your usual flat white comfort zone, here are some of the most unique, quirky, and downright genius drinks to shake up your next coffee (or matcha) order. Don’t forget to always thank your barista – they’re the ones bringing these magnificently creative drinks to life.
Mont Blanc from Good Measure
Starting off with a local favourite and star, the Mont Blanc! Created by the wonderful people at Good Measure, this creamy cold brew is now a staple in most coffee shops around Melbourne. It’s even had an international debut in England, Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region. For those of you that have been living under a rock or new to our coffee obsessed city, it’s a cold brew coffee, with whipped cream topped with grated orange and nutmeg. There are many places that do a fantastic Mont Blanc with their own spin but for this list we recommend the ol’reliable Good Measure in Carlton (there is just something about the OG).
Matcha Kult from Sneaker Laundry Lab
Created by the peeps over at Sneaker Laundry Lab, this drink is a crowd favourite. If you like Yakult, you’ll love this. The Matcha Kult combines the sweetness of the probiotic drink with the tangyness of matcha! Expect a ceremonial grade matcha latte topped with fluffy Yakult nitro foam.
Einspänner from In Btwn
This Viennese coffee has made its way into Melbourne, however In Btwn does it slightly differently. Inspired by the viral sensation from Seoul, the Einspänner is a double espresso with milk, vanilla and topped with their delicious signature cream blend. If you’d prefer, there’s also a matcha version. You’ll find this cafe/bar hybrid at Queen Victoria Market.
Magic from SAAZAA Coffee
Love an espresso that hits hard! Here’s another Melbourne-made specialty, the Magic. Now found in most cafes, this drink is a double ristretto (which is a sweeter and more concentrated espresso) poured with steamed milk in a 160ml cup. The idea is to ensure there’s an exact ratio of espresso to milk, for a much more concentrated caffeine hit. There are many places that do a great Magic but we recommend SAAZAA Coffee if you can’t make it into the CBD.
Kome Latte from Attaki
This drink is a crowd favourite, and was introduced over at Attaki! A Kome Latte is a great dairy-free alternative – it’s a coffee made with Japanese rice milk, topped with a rice cream foam that’s spherical like a dome.
Double Trouble Cups from Local Goods
Can’t choose between coffee or matcha? Well over at Local Goods they do this cool thing where you can order two drinks in one – with their double trouble cups! And yes they do have an excellent selection of matcha and coffee to choose from. Our favourites are their Brown Butter Cheesecake Latte and their sweet and creamy Strawberry Cloud Matcha.
Matcha Mont Blanc from Secondipity
As I said earlier in this article, there are many renditions of the Mont Blanc but if you’re a matcha lover this one’s for you! This reimagined Matcha Mont Blanc, is “usually” (not always) high quality ceremonial grade matcha topped with whipped cream infused with orange zest. Many places do a great Matcha Mont Blanc but we recommend Secondipity over at Collingwood for their delicious and creamy cold foam on top.
Mango Sticky Rice Matcha from Kata Kita
The Mango Sticky Rice Matcha from Kata Kita combines mango sticky rice and matcha into one delightful concoction. At the base of this viral drink, you’ll find a soft creamy sticky rice, with homemade mango puree. It’s layered with fresh milk and topped with matcha foam.
Honey Dalgona from Luka
Wander over to Luka, a cosy cafe in Carnegie, for this sweet drink. The Honey Dalgona is an iced milk topped with a coffee and honey-infused foam. The drink is finished with a crunchy piece of honeycomb.
Strawberry Cheesecake from Project Zero
Ever heard of coffee on tap? Well the fellows over at Project Zero specialise in just that, pre-batched specialty coffee. Instead of using flavoured syrups, and crazy concoctions they create the sweeter coffee flavour by fermenting their Strawberry Cheesecake coffee beans with dried strawberries and wine yeast before roasting.
Hanoi Dawn from Umee Cafe
Yes this is a coffee! It’s Vietnamese EGG coffee! The Hanoi Dawn is a buttery and salted drink that’s a must-try if you love the traditional iced milk coffee. Instead of milk, the coffee is paired with a rich, silky smooth whipped egg cream. You’ll find it at Umee Cafe on Little Collins Street.
Biscoff Cheese Latte from More Coffee
The specialty Biscoff Cheese Latte was made by Junnie, an award-winning barista. It’s an espresso shot, with milk, cheese foam on top and a sprinkle of Biscoff to finish it off. You’ll find this, and other creative drinks at More Coffee in Hawthorn.
Iced Ube Hazelnut Matcha from Dröm
There are plenty of renditions of matcha with ube foam! But this drink over at Dröm in Bayswater takes the cake. Their unique twist features premium matcha layered with fresh milk, topped with a velvety ube hazelnut cold foam, and beautifully finished with edible flowers.
Golden Gate Time from Brother Baba Budan
The Golden Gate Time is great for those who love a sweet touch to their brew. This indulgent drink blends the signature Golden Gate espresso concentrate from Seven Seeds with a smooth layer of honeycomb, brown sugar, cream and vanilla. Find it at Brother Baba Budan.
