Coffee drinks are receiving a delightful twist across Australia, where beverages are increasingly topped with rich creams and foams that resemble layers of frosting. From lemon myrtle cream on coffee to decadent strawberry-lychee foam on matcha, it seems every café is getting creative, resulting in flavors that dance on the palate and visuals that please the eye.
<h2>Coffee Creations Taking Australia by Storm</h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">This trend is notably prominent in various cities, with unique offerings like the iced latte topped with maple cold foam at Toasted Carine in Perth and chilled oolong tea adorned with raspberry cream at Le Bajo in Melbourne. These stunning toppings significantly differ from the traditional steamed milk typically found on cappuccinos and flat whites, presenting a playful, cake-like exuberance.</p>
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<figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-9ktzqp"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span><span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">The sea salt maple iced latte from Toasted Carine in Perth</span></figcaption>
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">These toppings often consist of heavy cream or a mixture of cream and milk, flavored with various syrups, creating a decadent layer that adorns iced drinks rather than mixing in. Ben Bicknell, co-host of the *It’s Just Coffee!* podcast, notes how this results in a thicker and richer appearance for the beverages.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Driving the excitement around this trend is the Mont Blanc, a standout drink at Melbourne's Good Measure café. This drink features filter coffee swirled with a generous amount of orange-zested, nutmeg-infused cream, forming almost a third of the beverage. Since its launch in late 2021, it has consistently ranked as a top-order item.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Rohan Cooke, also co-hosting *It’s Just Coffee!*, claims that the Mont Blanc is a game-changer for Australian cafés, sparking various adaptations and even replicas across the country. Locations in Sydney, Canberra, and the Gold Coast are buzzing with discussions about where to indulge in similar versions, while Adelaide’s Mascavado offers a creative take with matcha cheesecake cream.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Despite the surge in replicas, the original Mont Blanc remains in high demand, with Good Measure selling over 1,000 on weekends alone. Co-owner Brandon Jo shares that his inspiration stemmed from a drink he tried in Seoul, which was also named Mont Blanc but differs vastly in preparation and presentation.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The Good Measure version features batch-brewed filter coffee combined with dark sugar syrup and meticulously aerated pure cream, topped with freshly grated orange zest, offering a fragrant experience that captures attention the moment it’s served.</p>
<figure id="a1de8415-cd82-43cd-b489-3bd57648817a" data-spacefinder-role="showcase" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-5h0uf4">
<figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-9ktzqp"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span><span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Coffees like the Mont Blanc feature a ‘thicker, richer, more dessert-like layer’ of foam.</span> Photograph: Ellen Smith/The Guardian</figcaption>
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<figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-fd61eq"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span><span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">The Mont Blanc has been a top-selling order since Good Measure opened in Melbourne in late 2021.</span> Photograph: Ellen Smith/The Guardian</figcaption>
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">This trend of creamy toppings crosses into the barista competition sphere, according to Bora Jin, manager at Sydney's Ona café. Jo suggests the influence of bubble tea culture, which often incorporates various foams. Bicknell also highlights the impact of Japanese and Korean cafés where coffee serves as one component of a more elaborate drink rather than as the sole focus.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The concept of cream-topped coffee is not a recent development. Bicknell points out that it has historical roots, such as the classic Einspänner from 19th-century Vienna and Vietnam’s cà phê trứng, known for its sweet, creamy egg foam.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Marie David, café owner in Brisbane, has embraced Good Measure's creation after trying it multiple times during a Melbourne visit. At her Lola’s Coffee Bar locations, she has introduced a tribute version featuring various inventive foams, including pistachio and peanut creams.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Her menu offers a four-layer banana bread matcha enhanced with a spiced-fruit foam. Initially, some guests were hesitant to order these unique drinks. Now, however, David has noticed the increasing prevalence of foams across cafés, indicating a shift in customer preference towards more distinctive beverages.</p>
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<figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-9ktzqp"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span><span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">‘Cafe owners now understand that people look for more unique drinks’: the banana bread matcha from Lola’s Coffee Bar in Brisbane</span></figcaption>
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">David explains that some of her foams may not necessarily sit atop the beverages but rather contribute vibrant color to the candy-striped lines of matcha, coffee, and other flavors, enticing customers to capture the moment on camera.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Jin emphasizes the role of social media in propelling this trend, noting that attracting Gen Z and younger customers is challenging without such visually appealing options on the menu.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Interestingly, these impressive foam creations provide a practical solution amidst challenges like ongoing matcha shortages, as they can stretch existing supplies. Jo points out that fluctuating coffee prices have significantly compressed profit margins.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Bicknell concurs, stating that it is often more profitable for venues to serve beer than to painstakingly craft a beverage like a flat white for a modest price. Despite numerous social media tutorials for recreating the Mont Blanc at home, the ambiance of a café is hard to replicate in one's kitchen. Who really wants to dedicate time to recreating complex foams at home?</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Ultimately, Bicknell observes that the willingness to pay $9 to $12 for an indulgent and unique drink is growing, indicating that these foamy beverages are more than just a passing trend; they represent an adaptive strategy for cafés striving to sustain themselves in challenging times.</p>
<h2>Key Takeaways</h2>
<ul>
<li>Cafés across Australia are increasingly featuring extravagant cream and foam toppings on coffee drinks.</li>
<li>The Mont Blanc at Good Measure has become a sensation, leading to numerous adaptations nationwide.</li>
<li>Social media plays a significant role in driving awareness and demand for visually appealing drinks.</li>
<li>The trend blends influences from bubble tea culture and historical cream coffee traditions.</li>
<li>Unique drink offerings are becoming essential for attracting younger customers.</li>
<li>Cafés are utilizing inventive foams to stretch resources amid fluctuating ingredient costs.</li>
</ul>
<h2>FAQ</h2>
<h3>What is the Mont Blanc?</h3>
<p>The Mont Blanc is a popular coffee drink featuring filter coffee topped with a rich cream that has nuances of orange zest and nutmeg.</p>
<h3>Where can I find Mont Blanc replicas?</h3>
<p>Replicas of the Mont Blanc can be found in cafes throughout Sydney, Canberra, the Gold Coast, and Adelaide.</p>
<h3>Why are coffee foams trending?</h3>
<p>Coffee foams are trending due to their visually appealing nature and their ability to attract younger customers, especially on social media.</p>
<h3>How does the trend influence café menu offerings?</h3>
<p>Cafés are increasingly diversifying their menus with unique drinks that feature elaborate toppings and foams to stand out in a competitive market.</p>
<h3>Are these drinks more expensive?</h3>
<p>Yes, many foamy coffee drinks are priced higher due to their unique ingredients and the perceived indulgence they provide.</p>
