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Magic Coffee Recipe

By the Lavazza Team 2–3 minutes

Known for its unique preparation and distinct taste, the Magic coffee is a coffee order that originated in Melbourne, Australia - a city often called the coffee capital of the world. The Magic Coffee is a secret drink, in many places unknown outside of the state of Victoria. The drink is known and loved by baristas and coffee aficionados in Melbourne, and can be ordered in most local cafes by simply asking for 'a magic.'

What is Magic Coffee?

The Magic Coffee uses a more concentrated and flavoursome form of espresso – the ristretto. The main difference between espresso and ristretto is the water filtration process, which gives the two coffee shots different flavour profiles. While espresso offers a combination of fruity flavours with underlying darker, bitter notes, ristretto uses less water, allowing the sweeter, fruity flavours to dominate, without room for bitterness to filter into the shot. This is what makes a Magic Coffee - so magic! You can use an espresso coffee machine to extract a ristretto, but you’ll need to watch it closely.

By combining ristretto with steamed milk, Magic is similar to the famous flat white, though it’s much stronger in taste. To find out how to make Magic Coffee at home, keep on reading to discover our recipe.

Equipment

To make a Magic Coffee at home, you will simply need the following equipment:

  • Coffee grinder
  • Tamper
  • Espresso machine
  • Milk steamer
  • Small coffee cup (160 ml)

Ingredients

For our Magic Coffee recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Fresh coffee beans – we recommend a high-quality, single-origin bean for your ristretto 
  • Milk
  • Filtered water

Preparation

  • Step 1. Grind enough coffee beans to yield around 18-20 grams of coffee, and make your grind size fine.
  • Step 2. Turn on your coffee machine and let it preheat to ensure consistent temperature during the extraction and tamp your coffee grinds evenly and firmly.
  • Step 3. Using your espresso machine, begin the espresso extraction process, aiming for a total extraction time of about 20-25 seconds, to yield about 35-40 ml of rich, concentrated coffee.
  • Step 4. Steam your milk of choice using your milk frother, and aim for a flat white style texture, with a smooth microfoam finish and minimal foam.
  • Step 5. Pour your double ristretto shot into your coffee cup and gently add your steamed milk, allowing it to blend with the coffee.
  • Step 6. Enjoy your first ever homemade Magic Coffee!

Tips and other variations

Once you’ve mastered making Magic, you can try several variations of your new favourite drink.

Iced Magic Coffee

Prepare a double ristretto and let it cool. Pour over ice and add cold milk for a refreshing twist.

Flavoured Magic Coffee:

Add a flavoured syrup, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, to the coffee before adding the steamed milk.

Magic Mocha

Mix a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into the double ristretto before adding the steamed milk for a chocolatey treat.


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