Feeling a little lost in front of a bustling cafe menu? You're not alone. This guide is your secret weapon. We'll walk you through the most popular and easy-to-order drinks you'll find in any great Australian cafe.

From the iconic flat white to delicious non-coffee options like a rich hot chocolate, you'll learn how to order your next drink with the confidence of a regular. We’ll cover the classic hot coffees, refreshing iced options, and cosy alternatives, so you’re ready for any craving, any day.

Understanding Australian Cafe Culture

Australia’s world-famous cafe culture is built on one thing: exceptional, espresso-based coffee. Unlike many countries where drip or filter coffee is the default, nearly every drink here begins with a shot of rich, freshly extracted espresso. This focus on quality is what makes the coffee so incredible, but it's also why the menu can seem daunting at first.

The good news is that ordering is simple once you know the lingo. Just tell the barista if you're dining in or taking away, your size (usually regular or large), and your drink. Customisations like asking for oat, almond, or soy milk are completely normal, so don't be shy.

The Milky Classics: Your Guide to the Perfect White Coffee

Most Australians love their coffee with milk. These three drinks are the pillars of every cafe menu and the perfect place to start.

Flat White

The quintessential Australian coffee. If you’re ever unsure what to get, order a Flat White. It’s a perfectly balanced drink made with a shot of espresso and topped with steamed milk that has a smooth, velvety texture. With only a thin layer of microfoam, it’s less frothy than other coffees, allowing the rich flavour of the beans to shine through beautifully.

Latte

A global favourite, the latte is one of the most popular orders in Australia. It’s similar to a flat white but is made with more steamed milk and has a thicker, more distinct layer of foam on top (about 1cm). Thanks to the higher milk-to-coffee ratio, it offers a milder, creamier taste. In many cafes, you'll see lattes traditionally served in a glass.

Cappuccino

A timeless classic. In Australia, a cappuccino holds true to its roots: one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part thick, airy foam. The defining feature here is the mandatory dusting of chocolate powder on top, making it a comforting and slightly more indulgent choice for those who love a bit of froth.

For the Purist: The Best Black Coffee Orders

If you prefer to taste the pure, unadulterated flavour of the coffee itself, these are your go-to orders.

Long Black

This is the standard-bearer for black coffee drinkers in Australia. A Long Black is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water. This technique preserves the rich, golden crema, which carries so much of the coffee's beautiful aroma. It's strong, full-bodied, and the best way to appreciate the unique character of a high-quality single origin.

Espresso

Sometimes called a "Short Black," an espresso is coffee in its purest form. It’s a single, concentrated shot of coffee served in a small cup, intense, aromatic, and over in a few satisfying sips. It’s the perfect choice when you need a quick and powerful caffeine kick.

Cool Down: The Most Popular Iced Coffee Orders

On a warm day, nothing beats an iced coffee. These are the most popular and foolproof cold drinks on any Australian menu.

Iced Latte

Arguably the most popular cold coffee drink, the Iced Latte is a simple, refreshing mix of espresso and cold milk, poured over ice. It’s the perfect canvas for customisation, ask for any milk you like or add a pump of vanilla or caramel syrup for extra sweetness.

Iced Long Black

The perfect summer alternative for black coffee lovers. An Iced Long Black is simply a double shot of espresso poured over cold water and ice. It’s crisp, refreshing, and delivers a clean, pure coffee flavour.

Cold Brew

Many specialty cafes now offer Cold Brew. It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. This slow process creates a coffee concentrate that is incredibly smooth, naturally sweet, and very low in acidity. Served over ice, it’s a deliciously mellow and refreshing choice.

Beyond the Bean: Delicious Non-Coffee Alternatives

Not in the mood for coffee? Australian cafes have you covered with a fantastic range of non-coffee options.

Chai Latte

A staple on every cafe menu, the Chai Latte is a warm and comforting hug in a mug. It’s made from a blend of black tea and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom, mixed with sweetened, steamed milk for a creamy, flavourful, and slightly spicy treat.

Hot Chocolate

You can never go wrong with a classic Hot Chocolate. Every cafe has its own take, but you can always count on a rich, creamy, and comforting drink made with quality chocolate powder and perfectly steamed milk. It’s a reliable and delicious choice for all ages.

Tea

Ordering tea is one of the simplest things you can do. Every cafe will have a selection of classics. You can easily order by name, whether you’re after an English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Peppermint, Chamomile, or Green Tea.

Summary On Easy Cafe Drink Orders

Ordering at an Australian cafe is simple once you know the popular classics. Your safest bets are a Flat White for a milky coffee, a Long Black for a black coffee, an Iced Latte for a cold drink, and a Chai Latte for a non-coffee alternative. Remember that customising your order is easy and completely normal, so you can always get your drink exactly how you like it. You can find all this amazing product on Coffee Hero Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans.

For a consistent supply of quality coffee for your home or business, contact us. Coffee Hero is your partner for residential and commercial coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy-to-Order Cafe Drinks

What Is the Most Popular Coffee Order in Australia?
The latte is widely considered the most popular coffee order across Australia, closely followed by the flat white and the cappuccino. These three milk-based classics form the backbone of most cafe orders.

What Is the Most Common Coffee to Order?
The most common coffees to order are milk-based. A latte, flat white, or cappuccino are the standard choices. If you prefer your coffee without milk, the long black is the most common and standard order.

What Is the Difference Between a Latte and a Flat White?
The main difference is the milk texture. A latte has more steamed milk and a thicker, distinct layer of foam on top (about 1cm). A flat white has a much thinner, velvety layer of microfoam that is fully integrated into the milk, giving it a smoother and creamier texture.

How Do You Order a Normal Coffee in Australia?
The concept of a "normal" coffee in Australia is espresso-based. To order what a local would consider a standard coffee, ask for a "flat white" if you want it with milk, or a "long black" if you want it black.

What Is a Piccolo Coffee?
A piccolo latte is a small but strong milky coffee. It's made with a shot of espresso in a small, 90ml latte glass, which is then topped up with steamed milk. It has a much stronger coffee-to-milk ratio than a regular latte.

What Is a Flat White vs Cappuccino?
A flat white is a smooth, velvety coffee with a very thin layer of microfoam. A cappuccino is much frothier, with a thick and airy layer of foam. The key difference in Australia is that a cappuccino is always finished with a sprinkle of chocolate powder, while a flat white is not.