What is a piccolo coffee and why Aussies love it
Australia is globally recognised for its sophisticated coffee culture, and one of its standout contributions is the piccolo coffee. While it might be small in size, this coffee packs a punch in flavour and sophistication. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or new to the scene, understanding what is a piccolo coffee and why it’s so popular among Aussies can enhance your daily brew.
What is a piccolo coffee?
A piccolo coffee, often called a piccolo latte, is a small espresso-based drink made with a single ristretto shot and a small amount of steamed milk. It’s typically served in a 90ml glass (often called a demitasse glass).
“Piccolo” means “small” in Italian, and that’s exactly what you get — a small but mighty coffee with strong flavour and silky milk texture. Unlike a full-size latte, the piccolo lets the taste of the coffee shine through, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a milk coffee without too much milk.
The Australian roots of the piccolo
Despite its Italian-sounding name, the piccolo coffee originated in Australia. Baristas in Sydney and Melbourne started using the drink to sample new coffee blends with milk, without having to drink a full latte every time. Its small size and strong flavour quickly won over locals, and it soon appeared on menus nationwide.
In many ways, the piccolo reflects the core values of Australian coffee culture: quality, precision, and strong coffee done right.
How does a piccolo compare to other coffees?
If you’re used to ordering lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, you might be wondering how a piccolo compares. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Piccolo vs. Latte: A latte is served in a bigger cup, 200ml to 300ml, with more steamed milk. This makes it milder and creamier. A piccolo has less milk, so the boldness of the espresso will shine through.
- Piccolo vs. Flat white: A flat white (from Australia and New Zealand) has a similar strength but is bigger (about 150ml to 180ml).
- Piccolo vs. Cortado: A cortado, popular in Spain and Latin America, is very similar to a piccolo but often uses a double espresso shot instead of a ristretto. This makes it slightly stronger.
- Piccolo vs. Macchiato: A macchiato (or “short mac”) is an espresso with just a dash of milk, while a piccolo is more balanced with a higher milk-to-coffee ratio.
Why do Australians love piccolo coffee?
Australians have refined their taste to specialty coffee; they now drink high-quality beans and well-made drinks. A few reasons the Piccolo is a favorite among Australians are the following:
1. Strong yet smooth flavor
A piccolo is a good balance between espresso intensity and the smoothness of milk. This drink will bring out a very strong coffee flavor without being as bold as straight espresso.
2. Ideal for coffee tasting
Many coffee enthusiasts and baristas use the Piccolo latte when trying different beans. Given that this has less milk, the true characteristics of the coffee are not covered.
3. Less milk intake
For those who enjoy a little bit of milk in the coffee but do not prefer a lot of it, the best choice is the piccolo.
4. A super Mid-Day or late afternoon boost
This makes it the perfect coffee for an energy boost in the moment, without being too full of it, nor too much caffeine.
5. Great for specialty coffee shops
Australia’s café culture is built on the foundation of specialty, good-quality coffee. The Piccolo fits perfectly here because although it is a milk-based beverage, baristas can still present their coffee beans.
Making a perfect piccolo coffee at home
If you wish to have a piccolo coffee at home instead of wandering into your local café, there are a number of steps you can follow and equipment you can use. Here’s the list:
Equipment:
- An espresso machine (or a coffee machine that can pull a ristretto shot)
- A milk frother or steam wand
- A small 90ml to 120ml glass or cup
Ingredients:
- Freshly ground specialty espresso roast coffee beans (ideally of high quality)
- Milk (full cream, oat, almond, or any milk of your choice)
Method:
1. Pull a ristretto shot
- Grind your coffee beans finely.
- Use about 14-18g of coffee and extract a ristretto shot (about 15- 20ml).
- This should take around 20-25 seconds and produce a rich, concentrated shot.
2. Steam the milk
- Avoid overheating; the ideal temperature is around 55-65°C.
3. Assemble the piccolo
Serve in a small glass and enjoy!
- Medium to dark roast: These ensure a rich flavor that complements well with the milk well.
- Single origin vs. Blend: You can choose a single-origin one that brings forward unique flavors.
- Australian roasters: Support local roasters such as Proud Mary, Seven Seeds, or Single O for a high-quality piccolo experience.
Where to find the best piccolo coffee in Australia?
If you’re looking for an excellent Piccolo coffee in Australia, you’ll find plenty of options in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
- Melbourne: Market Lane Coffee, St. Ali, and Industry Beans.
- Brisbane: Coffee Anthology, Blackstar Coffee, and John Mills Himself.
- Perth: Pound Coffee, Micro Lote, and Humblebee Coffee.
Conclusion
The piccolo is a flavourful, balanced espresso drink that suits Australia’s quality-focused café scene perfectly. Whether you’re sipping one at your local or making one at home, it’s a fantastic way to experience rich coffee notes in just a few satisfying sips.