For many, the bold, intense flavour of coffee is an acquired taste. If you've tried coffee and found it too bitter, you're not alone. But the world of coffee is vast and varied, extending far beyond a simple black brew. 

This guide is for the Australian who's curious about coffee but hasn't found a drink they enjoy. We'll introduce you to gentle, flavourful, and sweet coffee options that might just change your mind. From milky lattes to chocolatey mochas, there's a perfect starting point waiting for you in just about any Aussie cafe.

Understanding Why You Might Not Like Coffee

If you've decided you don't like coffee, it's likely due to a past experience with a drink that was too bitter or acidic for your palate. These strong flavours often come from the type of coffee beans used, how dark they were roasted, or the brewing method. Many people's first taste of coffee is a bitter, over-brewed cup, which is enough to put anyone off.

However, it's important to know that not all coffee shares this taste profile. The Australian coffee scene, renowned for its quality and innovation, offers a massive range of flavours. Your journey is about finding a profile that suits you. 

For most beginners, this means starting with drinks that are milder, milkier, and a little bit sweeter. By choosing the right drink, you can sidestep the bitterness and discover the more pleasant side of coffee.

The Best Coffee Drinks to Start With

Navigating a cafe menu can be daunting when you're not sure what to order. The good news is that every Australian cafe has a lineup of drinks perfect for easing into the world of coffee. These beverages use milk, chocolate, and other flavours to soften the intensity of espresso, creating a more balanced and enjoyable experience for the newcomer.

1. Mocha

A mocha is the ideal entry point for anyone who loves hot chocolate

. It's made by combining a shot of espresso with chocolate powder or syrup, topped with steamed milk and a dusting of chocolate. 

The rich and familiar taste of chocolate is the star of the show, masking much of the coffee's bitterness. It’s a warm, comforting drink that feels more like a treat than a coffee. This makes it a fantastic sweet coffee drink for beginners and a reliable option you can find anywhere from Sydney to Adelaide.

2. Latte

A latte is perhaps the most popular coffee drink in Australia, and for good reason. It consists of a single shot of espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk, with a small layer of foam on top. 

The high milk-to-coffee ratio significantly dilutes the espresso's strength, resulting in a smooth, creamy, and very mild beverage. For those with a sweet tooth, adding a pump of vanilla or caramel syrup can make it even more palatable. A latte is one of the easiest coffee to drink for beginners and a perfect first step.

3. Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a close cousin to the latte but with a slightly different texture and composition. It's traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of airy foam, all finished with a sprinkle of chocolate powder. 

While the coffee flavour is a little more present than in a latte, the delightful foamy texture and the touch of chocolate make it another approachable and enjoyable choice for someone just starting their coffee journey.

4. Flat White

You can't talk about coffee in Australia without mentioning the flat white. This iconic local creation is similar to a latte but is defined by a very thin, velvety layer of steamed milk over a shot (or two) of espresso. 

It has a stronger coffee flavour than a latte but a well-made flat white is incredibly smooth and balanced, never harsh. Once you've tried a latte or mocha and are feeling a bit more adventurous, the flat white is the natural next step to experiencing a true taste of Australian cafe culture.

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans and Roast

The drink you order is only half the story; the coffee itself plays a huge role in the final taste. If you're brewing at home or choosing beans from a specialty cafe, a little knowledge can help you avoid the bitterness you dislike.

• Try a Light Roast: Many people are used to the intense, smoky taste of dark roasts. A light roast coffee, however, retains more of the bean's original flavours. It can be brighter, with fruity or floral notes and less bitterness.

• Explore Single Origin: Instead of a blend, try a single origin coffee. Beans from a specific country or region, like Ethiopia or Colombia, can have unique and surprising flavour profiles that taste nothing like "traditional" coffee.

• Look for Low Acid Coffee: If you find coffee too sharp or acidic, look for beans labelled as low acid. Certain roasting techniques can mellow out the acidity, creating a smoother and gentler cup, making low acid coffee Australia an excellent choice for sensitive palates.

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Tips for Ordering Your First Coffee in an Australian Cafe

Walking into a bustling cafe and ordering can be intimidating if you're unsure what to ask for. Here are a few simple tips to ensure you get a drink you'll enjoy.

Start with a single shot.

Most standard-sized milky coffees in Australia come with a single shot of espresso. You can always ask the barista to make your drink with just one shot to ensure the flavour remains mild.

Use alternative milks.

Milks like oat milk or almond milk have a natural sweetness that can round out the flavour of the coffee and reduce the need for added sugar. Oat milk, in particular, creates a wonderfully creamy texture.

Add a syrup.

Don't hesitate to ask for a pump of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup in your latte or cappuccino. The goal is to find a flavour combination that you genuinely like.

Chat with the barista.

Australian baristas are known for their expertise and passion. Let them know you're new to coffee and are looking for something mild and sweet. They can offer a personalised barista recommendation based on what they have available.

Summary On Finding Your Perfect Coffee

Finding a coffee you love when you don't like the traditional taste is entirely possible. The key is to start with drinks where the coffee flavour is not the main focus. Milky, sweet options like a mocha or a flavoured latte are excellent gateways. As you become more accustomed to the taste, you can explore classics like the cappuccino or the iconic Australian flat white. Remember that you can always customise your drink to suit your preference. As a consistent supplier of quality coffee, we know that the right beans and the right drink can turn anyone into a coffee lover.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee for Non-Coffee Drinkers

What Is a Good Coffee for Someone Who Doesn't Like Coffee?

A mocha or a flavoured latte is an excellent choice. The chocolate or syrup flavours are dominant, making the coffee taste very mild and sweet, which is ideal for someone who finds regular coffee too bitter.

What Is the Best Coffee to Try for the First Time?

A classic latte is often the best coffee to try first. It's smooth, creamy, and has a high ratio of milk to coffee, which provides a very gentle introduction to the flavour of espresso.

How Can I Start Liking Coffee?

Start with milky and sweet drinks. Gradually reduce the amount of milk and sugar over time as you get used to the taste. Also, try coffee made from high-quality, light roast beans, which can have surprisingly different and pleasant flavours compared to generic, dark-roasted coffee.

What Is the Sweetest Type of Coffee Drink?

The sweetest coffee drinks are typically flavoured lattes (like caramel or vanilla) and mochas. A caramel macchiato is another very sweet option, featuring vanilla syrup and a caramel drizzle.

What Coffee Is Good for Non-Coffee Drinkers?

Coffee drinks with lots of milk and added flavours are best. Beyond lattes and mochas, consider a cold brew with milk and syrup. Cold brew is naturally less acidic and smoother, making its coffee flavour more subtle and approachable.

Is Latte a Good First Coffee?

Yes, a latte is a perfect first coffee. The steamed milk mellows the intensity of the espresso, creating a balanced and easy-to-drink beverage that isn't overwhelmingly strong.

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