Viennese coffee cultureis a unique phenomenon that has become an integral part of the Austrian capital. Vienna’s coffee houses are more than just places to drink coffee; they embody a lifestyle, history, and the art of socializing. In 2011, Viennese coffee traditions were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In this article, we will explore the origins and development of Viennese coffee culture, its distinctive traditions, and the role Julius has played and continues to play in this legendary phenomenon. Meinlis a Viennese coffee brand with over 160 years of history.
The origins of Viennese coffee culture
The arrival of coffee in Vienna is shrouded in legend. One popular story links it to the 1683 siege of Vienna: after the defeat of the Turkish army, residents allegedly found sacks of unknown beans and began experimenting with the drink. Although this story is largely mythologized, the fact remains: it was at the end of the 17th century that the first coffee houses opened in Vienna. According to historical records, the first Viennese coffee housewas opened in 1683 by the Polish merchant and translator George (Georg) Franz Kulczycki , who received permission from the city authorities to sell coffee. In 1685, the merchant Johann Dio also received a license to sell coffee. Tato ( Hovhannes Astvatsatur ). Thus began the Austrian coffee era.
By the early 18th century, Viennese aristocrats and citizens had already developed a taste for the new drink. By the mid-18th century, coffee had become an important part of city life, and coffeehouses a popular meeting place. The true heyday of Viennese coffeehouses, however, came in the second half of the 19th century. During this period, Vienna was undergoing rapid transformation: luxurious buildings were erected along the Ringstrasse (ring boulevard), and coffeehouses became an integral part of the cityscape, being immediately incorporated into the plans for new neighborhoods. The first of the famous coffeehouses on the Ringstrasse , Café Schwarzenberg , opened in 1867. Soon, similar establishments became numerous, and they turned into a real social institution.
Traditions and features of Viennese coffee houses
The Viennese coffeehouse is a unique world with its own customs and rituals. What makes it so special? First and foremost, the atmosphere: high ceilings, marble tables, curved wooden Thonet chairs , soft sofas, and subdued chandeliers. Customers are not rushed here—in fact, the coffeehouse is considered an “extended living room”for the Viennese. The renowned writer Stefan Zweig called the Viennese coffeehouse “an enlightenment center,” where anyone could, for a small fee, spend hours in conversation, reading newspapers, or playing chess. Austrian journalist Alfred Polgár jokingly described the coffeehouse as a place “where people need company in order to be alone. “
An integral element of Viennese coffee culture is the distinctive way coffee is served. Your order will always be served on a shiny chrome tray with a glass of cold water and a small spoonon a saucer. Why water? Historically, water was served so guests could rinse their spoons or dilute overly strong coffee. Over time, this gesture evolved into a sign of respect and quality: café owners emphasized that they used the highest quality pure water for their drinks. It is believed that this tradition took root after the 1873 World’s Fair in Vienna, when the city installed a new water supply with crystal-clear Alpine water. Since then, a glass of water with every cup of coffeehas become a distinctive seal of quality, spreading beyond Austria.
Another hallmark of a classic Viennese coffeehouse is the latest newspapers. Old-fashioned coffeehouses are famous for their racks filled with newspapers from various countries and eras. Guests can spend hours reading the latest papers or playing cards without the waiter bothering them with a new order. It’s no wonder UNESCO reports note: “Coffeehouses are places where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is included in the bill.” Simply put, the time spent by the guest is valued as much as the drink itself, and there’s no charge for sitting for hours—just for the cup of coffee.
Famous Viennese coffee drinks
When discussing Viennese coffee culture, it’s impossible not to mention the iconic coffee recipes that have made Vienna famous. The term “Viennese coffee”is often known as coffee topped with whipped cream. Indeed, one of the traditional drinks is black coffee served in a glass mug, generously topped with whipped cream (in Vienna, this drink is called Einspänner , or ”single-whip ” in Russian ). Legend has it that it was invented for horse-drawn carriage drivers: the thick cream kept the coffee hot longer while the coachman was riding in the cold. Another popular variation is the Viennese mélange ( Wiener) . Melange (also known as melange )is espresso thinned with a little hot water, mixed with hot milk, and topped with milk foam. Viennese melange is similar to cappuccino but milder in flavor, and is a favorite morning drink among the Viennese. Other names on the Viennese menu include kapuziner(a small shot of black coffee with a drop of cream, which gives it a ” kapuziner ” or brown color), brauner(brown – black coffee with a little cream or milk), franciskaner(coffee with milk, garnished with whipped cream), and even the flirty “Mozart,” which can be flavored with chocolate or liqueur. These drinks originated in Vienna and have found fans around the world.
Of course, coffee is inseparable from sweets. Viennese coffee houses gave the world the famous Sachertorte ,apple strudel , Esterházy torte , and other desserts. The combination of coffee and sweetshas become Vienna’s signature dish. But even if a guest doesn’t order a pastry, they might be served a tiny chocolate or candy with their coffee—a small token of appreciation that underscores their hospitality.
Julius Meinl : At the origins of Viennese traditions
The History of Julius Meinlis inextricably linked to Viennese coffee culture. The company was founded in 1862by Viennese entrepreneur Julius Meinl I. It was that year that he opened a small grocery store in the center of Vienna, where he began selling coffee and tea. At that time, coffee was usually sold as raw, green beans, and roasting was done at home in a frying pan—a labor-intensive and not always successful process. Julius Meinl pioneered industrial roasting: he was the first to offer consumers pre-roasted coffee, ready to grind and brew. This was groundbreaking—one could say Meinl created a new market segment. This allowed Viennese residents to purchase high-quality roasted coffee without having to roast it themselves, which immediately boosted the drink’s popularity.
Fifteen years later, in 1877, Julius Meinl made a breakthrough in roasting technology. He developed his own method that allowed beans to be roasted without exposure to coal gases. As a result, the coffee was free of the unpleasant burnt taste while retaining its full natural aroma—a revolutionary development for the 19th century. By the early 20th century, the Julius company Meinl became a veritable empire: in 1913, it was the largest coffee roaster in Austria-Hungary and the leading importer of coffee and tea in Central Europe. One can imagine the company’s influence on the region’s coffee industry: in fact, half of the cafes in Vienna were supplied with its coffee. It’s no coincidence that it’s said that every other Viennese coffee shop will offer you Julius coffee. Meinl. As of today, over 1,100 cafes in Vienna aloneoffer this brand’s coffee—an impressive presence in the birthplace of coffee.
From the very beginning Julius Meinl has established itself as an innovator and a guardian of quality. In 1924, the company created its recognizable logo– the silhouette of a boy wearing a red fez (a traditional Turkish headdress). This image commemorates the connection with the Ottoman Empire, through which coffee once came to Vienna. The logo was created by Austrian artist Josef Binder . The logo has undergone several updates (the most recent redesign in 2004 was by designer Matteo Thun), but remains a symbol of Viennese coffee culture, renowned far beyond Austria’s borders. When you see a boy wearing a fez on a coffee bag, it’s not just a company emblem; it’s a sign of a nearly century-old tradition uniting East and West in a cup of coffee.
The modern role of Julius Meinl
In our time Julius Meinl continues to be an ambassador of Viennese coffee culture. The company remains family-owned , with the fifth generation of founders now involved. Headquartered in Vienna, on Julius Street. Meinl-Gasse , where one of the company’s main roasteries has been operating since 1912. They adhere to the classic Viennese roast—a medium roast that reveals the coffee’s rich, balanced flavor. In 2005, Julius Meinl also opened a plant in the Italian city of Vicenza , specializing in darker, Italian roasts – thus the company combines Viennese traditions with global taste trends.
Today is Julius Meinl is much more than just a coffee producer. The brand positions itself as a guardian of culture and inspiration. It’s no wonder the company’s motto is ” How May I Serve You ? (“How can I serve you?”), reflecting a commitment to the highest level of service. For Julius Meinl is not only about selling beans, but also about creating a coffee shop atmosphere wherever it is located. The company trains baristas and partners in the principles of Viennese hospitality: whether it’s a cozy café, hotel, or restaurant, everyone can enjoy a cup of Julius coffee. Meinl should give special emotions and a feeling of belonging to the Viennese tradition.
One of the striking modern projects of Julius Meinl became a Pay promotion with a Poem. This global project, launched in 2014, united dozens of countries: on a certain day, guests of coffee shops that collaborate withJulius Meinl , you can pay for a cup of coffee with your own poem. The idea was born to inspire creativity and rekindle the spirit of poetry that has always permeated the walls of Viennese cafés. The campaign was a huge success – thousands of people around the world exchanged poems for coffee, and Julius Meinl has strengthened its brand image as one that values creativity and a culture of communication. This initiative pays tribute to the great poets and thinkers who once spent hours in Viennese coffee houses, composing their masterpieces over a cup of coffee.
Besides this, Julius Meinl regularly participates in cultural events. For example, in 2019, the company announced a joint initiative with the Austrian Embassy. The Year of Viennese Coffee Culture in Russia , held a series of events, master classes, and press conferences introducing Muscovites to Viennese coffee customs. At this year’s opening, the Austrian ambassador emphasized that Viennese coffee culture is a global phenomenon, andJulius’ mission Meinl is committed to spreading these traditions throughout the world. In doing so, the company has confirmed its status not only as a commercial brand but also as a cultural missionary.
Viennese coffee culture in an international context
Interest in Viennese coffee culture today extends far beyond Austria. Viennese-style coffee houses can be found in various corners of the world, from Paris to New York, where the leisurely ritual of sipping coffee with a glass of water and the morning newspaper is prized. In 2011, UNESCO recognition formalized this culture, emphasizing its uniqueness to humanity. This move attracted additional attention from tourists: Viennese coffee houses have become must-see attractionsalongside museums and the opera. Many historic cafés—such as Central , Landtmann , Sacher , and Hawelka —have become pilgrimage sites for connoisseurs of history and coffee.
Julius Company Meinl has made a significant contribution to the global spread of Viennese coffee traditions. While a century ago, its products once encompassed Austria-Hungary, today Julius coffee Meinl is sold in over 70 countries worldwide. The brand firmly holds a position as one of the leaders in premium coffee in Central and Eastern Europe, and is actively present in the US, Middle East, and Asian markets. From Prague to Shanghai, Moscow to Dubai ,Julius is the choice of many prestigious hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Meinl for its consistent quality and the Viennese spiritit brings. The brand is also well known in the CIS countries: for example, in Russia it has been operating since 2007 and has become one of the leaders in the HoReCa coffee segment , and in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries, Julius Meinl helps local establishments connect with centuries-old Viennese traditions.
The international recognition of Viennese coffee culture also extends to the professional sphere. Representatives of Julius Meinl participates in global coffee associations: for example, in 2020, Christina Meinl , a family representative, headed the World Specialty Coffee Association. Coffee (SCA), promoting sustainable development and coffee quality on a global scale. This confirms that the Viennese brand is not stuck in the past, but rather looks to the future, infusing its experience and values into the modern coffee industry.
Conclusion
Viennese coffee cultureis a harmonious blend of history, tradition, and the cozy pleasure of a cup of coffee. From its origins as a city café centuries ago, it has evolved into a cultural icon recognizable everywhere. Julius Meinl, having grown from a small Viennese shop to a global brand, has become the embodiment of this culture. For over 160 years, Julius Meinl carefully preserves and spreads Viennese coffee traditions, offering not just coffee, but an entire experience: that chrome tray, a glass of water, the aroma of freshly baked goods, and the feeling that time has slowed down.
For restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops around the world, cooperation with Julius Meinl is an opportunity to touch a legend and bring a touch of Viennese charmto your establishment. Guests served “Viennese coffee,” prepared according to the traditional guidelines, will inevitably feel like time travelers—to an era when a poet, a professor, and a composer could debate at the same table, while a waiter in a tuxedo carried a tray with a steaming cup and a fresh newspaper. Viennese coffee culture is alive and well, and Julius deserves no small credit for that. Meinl is a brand that year after year confirms its title as the world’s coffee ambassadorand inspires people to enjoy every moment spent with a cup of excellent coffee.
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