The Mont Blanc, a viral iced coffee from Melbourne, Australia, is taking social media by storm. Named after the highest peak in the Alps, it features a cold brew or espresso poured over ice, topped with a thick layer of whipped cream layered with honey and orange juice, and dusted with freshly grated orange zest and nutmeg.
What is the Mont Blanc?
The drink originated at Good Measure café in Melbourne in 2022, inspired by Dalgona Coffee, the cream-topped coffee from South Korea popular during lockdown. At its peak, Good Measure was reportedly serving hundreds of $8 Mont Blancs daily before the trend spread across Australia and globally.
Australia has a history of viral coffee culture, being the birthplace of the Flat White. A Sydney-based café owner claims to have introduced it in 1985, and now it's widely available at Starbucks, Costa, and independent coffee shops.
How to make a Mont Blanc
Ingredients for one serving: 60ml thickened cream, double espresso shot (medium roast), 1.5 tbsp orange juice, 1.5 tbsp honey or maple syrup, ice cubes, finely grated orange zest and powdered nutmeg.
Preparation requires more effort than the Espresso Bomb. The cream should be whipped to a firm but pourable consistency. Combine orange juice, cream, and honey (or agave syrup). Place ice cubes in a tumbler, pour cooled espresso over ice, then spoon or pour the cream mixture on top. Finish with orange zest and nutmeg.
Review and verdict
The drink was tasty but required adjustments. Using extra-thick cream resulted in a topping too stiff, requiring spooning rather than pouring. Less sweetener than recommended made the drink less balanced; the recipe's sweetness is needed to offset bitter coffee notes. Overall rating: 7 out of 10. The drink is rich and indulgent, suited for those who enjoy decadent flavours.
Coffee and orange complement each other, with citrus lifting darker roasted notes and nutmeg adding warmth. For a variation, try the Espresso Orange Juice trend: mix 150-180ml smooth orange juice with a hot double espresso, poured over a spoon to create layers. However, both coffee and orange juice are acidic and may cause reflux in prone individuals.
Purists argue adding orange to coffee is like pineapple on pizza—unforgivable—but the Mont Blanc offers a refreshing twist for adventurous coffee lovers.
