Australians just love a high-quality cup of coffee. It’s woven into the fabric of our culture and sits high among other Aussie staples: the barbie, the surfboard and Vegemite toast.
In the country’s capitals, coffee culture defines the make-up of high streets and laneways, with teeming cafés on every corner.
And for the people who make these cities home, it’s both a pleasure and an obsession.
While there’s long been a rivalry between the coffee cultures of Sydney and Melbourne, the truth is they’re both home to some of the finest cafés – and finest coffee – in the world.
The same is increasingly true up and down Australia and particularly in the urban heartlands: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Perth.
But while it’s a natural part of Australian life these days, it took a little bit of time to catch on. While the first espresso machines arrived on these shores in the 1950s, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that coffee culture truly began to take hold.
McCrindle conducted research in 2022 that found 75% of Australians now drink at least one cup every day, it’s fair to say coffee plays a huge role in how the country works and plays.
Nespresso's contribution to coffee in Austalia
Nespresso launched in Australia in 1996, just as the diverse and dynamic coffee culture was starting to grow. Since then, Australians have embraced self-serve coffee, with many of us now having coffee machines at home. Our coffee pods have become everyday essentials, not just in homes, but also in hotels, waiting rooms, receptions, workplaces, schools and many other places.
Perhaps our most important contributions to the thriving coffee industry in Australia though, is through our sustainability and recycling efforts.
To make it as easy as possible for all Nespresso customers to return their used capsules, Nespresso has created a nationwide recycling program. There are currently four ways to recycle your used Nespresso aluminium coffee capsules in Australia. Every single Nespresso coffee capsule that is recycled via our national recycling program goes on to have a second life. The coffee is transformed into compost, while the aluminium is recycled into new aluminium products, such as bikes and pens.
We also have a partnership with Greening Australia, with a collective commitment to plant 36,000 trees and shrubs as part of the Great Southern Landscapes program.
Most popular coffees in Australia
There’s no doubt that Australians like a milky coffee. Research by Nespresso shows that more than 90% of coffee drinkers prefer to enjoy it with milk.
That’s reflected in the most popular coffee options, with the majority of them boasting a silky-smooth milky finish.
Here’s a guide to Australia’s favourite coffee styles and the best coffee blends to use for your preferred coffee.
Flat white
Thought to be an Australian original (though New Zealand has also laid a claim), the flat white is the quintessential Aussie morning coffee. Made with a single or double shot espresso and with only a thin, flat layer of foam left on top, this is a velvety drink that allows the full-bodied flavours of the coffee to fully shine through.
Recipe: A flat white is also among the easiest coffees to make – especially when using a Nespresso machine with a milk frother. Here’s how.
Recommended Nespresso pods for a flat white: One of the flat white’s other appeals is its versatility. With its mainly milky body, it lends itself to a host of different coffee pods. Try Australia’s favourite pod, Arpeggio in the Original range or Bianco Piccolo in the Vertuo range.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino is one of the most famous coffee options in the world, thanks to its romantic associations with Italian coffee bars – and now, Australian coffee culture. In the Southern Hemisphere it’s taken on a whole new life, providing Aussies with one of their favourite coffees, comprising equal parts espresso shot, steamed milk and foam and finished with a generous sprinkling of cocoa powder.
Recipe: The key to a cappuccino is in the pour: to achieve that equal-parts blend of coffee and milk, you want to hold back the foam until the end. Here’s how.
Recommended Nespresso pods for a cappuccino: While the beautifully balanced Livanto is a great option from our Original range, try Orafio from our Vertuo range.
Mocha
Who says you can’t have too much of a good thing? The mocha perfectly combines all that’s delicious about coffee and hot chocolate, contrasting the rich, slightly bitter flavours of an espresso shot with the sweetness of cocoa. No surprise it’s one of Australia’s favourite coffee options.
Recipe: For an interesting, delicate take on the mocha, try our Rosewater Mocha recipe. Or for a more classic take, try our Hazelnut Mocha recipe.
Recommended Nespresso pods for a mocha: To create a well-balanced mocha, use a Nespresso capsule that will complement that sticky chocolate taste: the complex Istanbul Espresso from the Original range is ideal thanks to its almond notes and touch of fruitiness, as well as Nocciola to make our Hazelnut Mocha recipe. And from the Vertuo range, try Altissio.
Long black
Not to be confused with the milder Americano, where more water is added, the long black combines a single or double espresso shot with 100–200 ml of hot water. It’s important to add the water first, then the coffee to retain the beautiful crema and the strong, often complex, flavours. It’s long been a favourite with Australians who want a full cup of coffee.
Recipe: Creating a lovely, smooth long black may seem straightforward, but it can take several attempts to master. Our guide could help.
Recommended Nespresso pods for a long black: For a truly indulgent experience, opt for a single origin blend. Costa Rica is a sweet, malty blend from the lush mountainsides of Central America, while Stockholm Lungo is beloved for its malty flavour with a hint of rich bitterness.
Iced coffee
Nothing quite spells ‘Australian summer’ like an iced coffee. And making one is as simple as mixing an espresso single or double shot with a handful of ice, cold foamed milk, or even helpings of ice cream. Whichever way you prefer it, iced coffee is an Australian favourite and the ultimate refreshment on a sizzling day.
Recipe: Why not try our Original Salted Caramel Iced Latte or Vertuo Salted Caramel Iced Latte recipes. They’re cold, light, sweet and refreshing. What’s not to love?.
Recommended Nespresso pods for a iced coffee: Nespresso releases bespoke iced coffee capsules each summer. But if you are like us and enjoy iced coffee all year round, we recommend using Ristretto from our original range and Altissio from our Vertuo range. Or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, pick Scuro to make our Original Salted Caramel Iced Latte recipe or Double Espresso Chiaro to make our Vertuo Salted Caramel Iced Latte recipe.
