Melange Coffee (Viennese Coffee)

What Is Melange Coffee (Viennese Coffee)?

A Melange is a traditional Viennese coffee drink that blends coffee with milk and foam, creating a smooth, approachable cup. It is often compared to cappuccino but uses a milder coffee base.

Key characteristics of a Viennese Melange include:

• Coffee Base – Typically brewed coffee or a single shot of espresso.
• Milk Ratio – Equal parts coffee and steamed milk.
• Foam Topping – Finished with a layer of milk foam.
• Flavor Profile – Creamy, mild, and less bitter than straight espresso.
• Cultural Role – A staple in Vienna’s famous coffeehouse tradition.

Together, these elements make the Melange a comforting drink that emphasizes balance over intensity.

Typical Caffeine Content in a Viennese Melange

The caffeine in a Melange depends on the coffee base used. Since it often uses a single espresso shot or a small portion of brewed coffee, the caffeine level is moderate.

Here’s the average breakdown:

• Espresso Base (30 ml / 1 fl oz) – 60–75 mg caffeine.
• Brewed Coffee Base (60–90 ml / 2–3 fl oz) – 70–90 mg caffeine.
• Milk Addition – Dilutes caffeine concentration without reducing total caffeine.
• Per Cup (6–8 fl oz serving) – 70–90 mg caffeine overall.
• Comparison – Similar to a cappuccino, lower than a large drip coffee.

This makes the Melange a moderate‑caffeine drink, ideal for those who want a gentle boost without the intensity of multiple espresso shots.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in a Melange

Not every Melange has the same caffeine content. Several factors can shift the numbers up or down:

• Coffee Type – Arabica beans have less caffeine than Robusta.
• Roast Level – Lighter roasts retain slightly more caffeine than darker roasts.
• Brew Strength – A stronger espresso shot increases caffeine.
• Serving Size – Larger cups with more coffee naturally contain more caffeine.
• Milk Ratio – More milk lowers caffeine concentration per sip, but not total caffeine.

These variables explain why a Melange at one café may feel stronger or weaker than at another.

Brewing Style and Serving Size: Impact on Caffeine

The preparation method plays a big role in how much caffeine ends up in your cup. Traditional Viennese cafés often use espresso, but some versions use brewed coffee.

Caffeine outcomes by style:

• Espresso‑Based Melange – 60–75 mg caffeine per cup.
• Brewed Coffee Melange – 70–90 mg caffeine per cup.
• Large Café Versions (10–12 fl oz) – Can reach 100–120 mg caffeine.
• Home Variations – Depend on bean type, grind, and brew strength.
• Instant Melange Mixes – Often lower in caffeine, 40–60 mg per serving.

In general, the Melange delivers less caffeine than a large drip coffee but more than a small latte made with weak brewed coffee.

Is Melange Coffee Considered a Strong Drink?

Strength can mean flavor intensity or caffeine content. The Melange is designed to be smooth and balanced rather than bold.

Here’s how it compares:

• Flavor Strength – Milder than cappuccino, creamier than black coffee.
• Caffeine Strength – Moderate, 70–90 mg per serving.
• Compared to Cappuccino – Nearly identical in caffeine, slightly creamier.
• Compared to Drip Coffee – Lower caffeine than an 8 oz drip (95–120 mg).
• Everyday Drinkability – Gentle enough for afternoon enjoyment.

Overall, the Melange is not considered a “strong” coffee. Instead, it’s a refined, moderate‑caffeine option that emphasizes balance and tradition.