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Coffee lovers are constantly searching for inventive and flavourful concoctions that expand the possibilities of what a cup of joe can be. The "Magic" coffee drink is one such invention that has been causing a stir in the coffee industry.
Often referred to as the coffee capital of the world, Melbourne, Australia, is the birthplace of Magic coffee, which is well-known for its unique preparation and distinctive flavour. Magic Coffee is a secret beverage that is unknown outside of Victoria. Melbourne's baristas and coffee lovers know and adore the beverage, and it is served in the majority of the city's cafes by merely requesting "magic."
In this blog, we explore the fascinating history of magic coffee, its unique ingredients, the reasons behind its widespread appeal among coffee lovers, and how to make Magic coffee at home.
Let's start by answering the following question: What is magic coffee? To put it simply, a Magic is a 4-ounce cup of double ristretto shot with steamed milk added. With a rich, creamy flavour and a velvety texture, it's basically a smaller, stronger, but less bitter latte.
The ristretto, a more flavourful and concentrated form of espresso, is used in The Magic Coffee. The water filtration method, which gives the two coffee shots distinct flavour profiles, is the main difference between espresso and ristretto. Because ristretto uses less water, the sweeter, fruitier flavours can take centre stage, and there is no space for bitterness to seep into the shot, whereas espresso offers a blend of fruity flavours with underlying darker, bitter notes. What makes a Magic Coffee so magical is this! A ristretto can be made with an espresso coffee maker, but you'll need to pay careful attention to detail.
Though it tastes far stronger, Magic is comparable to the well-known flat white by combining ristretto with steamed milk. With the right beans and coffee equipment in Melbourne, you can make it by yourself as well. Continue reading to learn the techniques for making Magic Coffee at home.
There is some mystery surrounding the Magic coffee's origins. Some claim it originated in New Zealand, while others say it was first made by a barista in a cafe in Melbourne.
However, there is more precise information regarding Melbourne. Located in the centre of Melbourne's busy central business district, Brother Buba Budan is a café renowned for its creative coffee-making methods. It was here that the magic coffee was first created by talented baristas who wanted to make a uniquely different drink.
What, then, is so unique about a Magic coffee? It's the ideal ratio of creaminess to strength to start. The steamed milk adds a balanced hint of sweetness and a creamy texture, while the double shot of espresso gives it a powerful, robust flavour. You get all the deliciousness of a latte with a stronger coffee kick because it's served in a smaller cup that's comparable to a 3/4 latte.
Another factor contributing to the Magic's widespread appeal in Melbourne is the city's coffee culture. Coffee-making has a long history in Melbourne, and baristas there take their work very seriously. This is demonstrated by the fact that it takes a skilful hand to do it perfectly. The barista's artistic skill is evident in the Magic, which includes flawless ristretto shots and a smooth milk texture.
Unlike latte milk, magic coffee milk is not steam-cooked to the same temperature. It must be silky milk. Only a tiny amount of microfoam should be present. The milk must have a texture that is somewhat similar to a flat white. When we say that the milk must be silky, we don't mean regular steamed milk. The term "silky" refers to the milk's mouthful, while "steamed milk" can refer to milk that has been steamed to produce thick layers of foam.
You can recreate the Magic of coffee in the comfort of your own home with a few essential tools, good coffee, and a passion for quality.
Start with coffee beans that have been roasted to your preferred level of flavour. Always choose the best quality coffee beans in Melbourne for the perfect taste. The most common beans for magic coffee are those that have hints of chocolate, nuts, or berries. Make sure you use freshly ground coffee beans for every brew by grinding your coffee as needed.
Make sure your coffee grinds are the right size and that your standard espresso and ristretto shots are made according to the recipe by adjusting the settings on your grinder. Another option is to set up your espresso maker to make ristretto shots.
You have to first make a double espresso shot before you can use your espresso machine to extract a double ristretto shot. Add as many coffee grinds to your portafilter as you would for a typical espresso shot, and use a double basket.
You will be left with a shot that contains less water and coffee than a typical double espresso if you cut the shot when it reaches the halfway point of the extraction. Just like this, you made a delicious double ristretto.
You can use whole milk for the steamed milk, which will make it incredibly smooth and creamy, or you can use a non-dairy substitute if you prefer. To get the ideal amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam for a flat white, begin steaming and texture the milk just a little bit.
Determining how much milk you need in your pitcher jug to fill the cup three-quarters of the way may require some trial and error. For the ideal magic coffee, make sure the milk has a silky texture.
The exciting part is about to begin: pouring your coffee. Fill your cup three-quarters of the way up with coffee, then slowly pour in the milk. That's it! Your three-quarter, double ristretto flat white magic coffee is prepared.
Naturally, you can experiment a little when you make your own Magic coffee at home. The possibilities are endless. You could try it with a regular espresso base or with a ristretto shot that has more milk or less water.
Magic Coffee can be described as a whole experience. With its rich flavour and smooth texture, it actually is a magical beverage. Whether you're enjoying one at your local café or crafting your own at home, you must try Magic coffee at least once.
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