Piccolo Coffee: The Small Drink with All the Greatness

1.  Piccolo Coffee, the Rising Star of Coffees

In the saturated universe of caffeinated beverages, a quiet revolution is brewing: Piccolo Coffee. This "mini-coffee" originating from Australia is conquering palates worldwide and for good reason. It embodies the perfect equilibrium between the power of an espresso and the smoothness of velvety milk. Why does this 90ml drink captivate both seasoned baristas and newcomers?

The problem? Too often, enthusiasts must choose between:

• An espresso too intense for sensitive palates
• A latte drowned in milk where coffee gets lost
• A cappuccino dominated by airy foam

The solution? The Piccolo offers a complete sensory experience in miniature: the complex aroma of specialty coffee, softened by just the right amount of creamy milk. Discover why this "small drink" deserves its place among the great classics.

The perfect balance of intensity and creaminess to revolutionize your coffee break

2. What Exactly is Piccolo Coffee?

Origin and Definition

Born in Australian coffee shops in the early 2000s, the Piccolo (meaning "small" in Italian) is a hybrid creation inspired by Italian traditions and the third-wave coffee movement. It consists of:

• 1 shot of espresso (30ml) extracted with precision
• 60-90ml of steamed milk (microfoam, not frothy)
• Served in a 90-120ml glass (typically transparent)

Why This Size Makes All the Difference

Unlike larger formats, the Piccolo preserves the coffee’s aromatic integrity through a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio (1:2 to 1:3). The result?

• Milk enhances flavors without masking them
• Ideal temperature (60-65°C) reveals complex notes
• Compact format enables concentrated, quick sipping

"The Piccolo is the art of concentrating coffee’s essence into one perfect sip."  Australian Barista Champion 

3. The 3 Strengths That Make Piccolo a "Great" Coffee

1. Mastered Intensity: Perfect Balance

The Piccolo solves the impossible equation for enthusiasts:

• Espresso: Too strong for some (pronounced acidity, bitterness)
• Latte: Too mild (diluted aromas)
  → The Piccolo: Offers accessible intensity where milk tempers acidity without killing subtle notes (hazelnut, caramel, red fruits depending on origin).

2. Creamy Without Excess: Velvety Texture

Thanks to microfoam milk (fine steaming technique), the Piccolo avoids cappuccino pitfalls:

• No thick foam that isolates coffee from milk
• Silky texture that coats the mouth
• Integrated milk (not floating) for perfect harmony

3. Speed & Practicality: The Coffee for Busy Schedules

• Express preparation: 2 minutes flat
• Portable format: Ideal for quick breaks
• Versatility: Enjoyed hot, plain, or with syrups (vanilla, caramel)

4. Piccolo vs. Other Coffees: The Size Duel

Comparison Table

Drink	Size	Coffee/Milk Ratio	Milk Texture	Dominant Taste
Piccolo	90-120ml	1:2 to 1:3	Microfoam	Balanced, rounded
Espresso	30ml	100% coffee	None	Intense, bitter
Macchiato	60ml	1:1	Light foam	Coffee-forward
Latte	200-300ml	1:3 to 1:5	Fine foam	Milk-dominant
Cortado	120-150ml	1:1	Smooth	Sweet but robust

What Makes Piccolo Unique

• Vs. latte: 2x less milk → coffee remains the star
• Vs. macchiato: More roundness → less aggressiveness
• Vs. cortado: Finer texture → more indulgent experience

"The Piccolo is the perfect middle ground everyone was searching for without naming it."  Revista Café

5. How to Prepare a Perfect Piccolo? (Recipe & Tips)

Required Equipment

• Espresso machine with steam wand
• Coffee grinder (for fresh grinding)
• Glass cup (90-120ml)
• Thermometer (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step

1. Dose coffee: 7-9g freshly ground beans (espresso type)
2. Extract espresso: 30ml in 25-30 seconds (90-95°C)
3. Steam milk:
• Use whole milk (creamier)
• Submerge steam wand just below surface until 60°C
• Avoid foam: aim for satin texture (no visible bubbles)
4. Assemble: Gently pour milk into espresso, keeping layers separate

Pro Tips

• Critical temperature: Never exceed 70°C (milk loses sweetness)
• Coffee quality: Opt for 100% arabica (fruity or chocolatey notes)
• Final touch: Dust with cocoa or cinnamon for visual appeal

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheated milk → burnt taste
• Excessive foam → "cappuccino" texture
• Under-extracted espresso → unpleasant acidity

6. Where and When to Enjoy a Piccolo?

Perfect Moments

• Morning: Lighter alternative to latte for a gentle wake-up
• Afternoon break: Energy without jitters (less caffeine than double espresso)
• Post-meal: Gourmet digestif that cleanses the palate

Trendy Places

• Specialty coffee shops: Look for establishments with professional espresso machines
• Third-wave cafés: Where baristas master microfoam milk art
• Cult addresses:
• Australia: St. Ali (Melbourne)
• United States: Blue Bottle Coffee (San Francisco), Joe Coffee (New York)
• Great Britain: Monmouth Coffee (London), Origin Coffee (Cornwall)
• France: KB CaféShop (Paris)
• Canada: Nemesis (Montreal)

"The Piccolo is the ultimate test for a barista: if they nail this, they nail everything." – World Barista Champion

7. Piccolo Coffee: A Trend Conquering the World

International Popularity

• Australia: Birthplace of Piccolo, featured in 90% of coffee shops
• Europe: Trending in Berlin, Stockholm, and Paris (+300% demand in 2023)
• Asia: Adopted in Tokyo and Seoul’s "slow coffee" cafés
• North America: Rising phenomenon in New York and Vancouver

8.  Why Piccolo Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

Piccolo Coffee isn’t just a fleeting fad it’s a revolution in caffeinated living. In just 90ml, it concentrates everything we expect from a great coffee:

• The intensity of premium espresso
• The roundness of precisely crafted milk
• The practicality of quick consumption
• The experience of a sensory tasting

Whether you’re a purist or a novice, the Piccolo offers an ideal gateway into specialty coffee. Its versatility makes it the perfect companion for your days: energizing in the morning, comforting in the afternoon, sophisticated in the evening.