Have you tried the new coffee that’s expected to give the flat white a run for its money?
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee, both in terms of the varieties available, as well as the different options and extras we add to them.
Now we’re excited to hear about a new arrival from Australia that is being called a game-changer.
M&S has unveiled its Magic Coffee – which is being hailed as the first new coffee to reach UK shores in almost 20 years. It is described as a cross between a flat white and a latte and is apparently known as ‘the barista’s choice’ Down Under.
We have yet to come under the spell of Magic Coffee, but the initial reports are promising.
Mirror reporter Danni Scott took up the challenge and compared the new Magic Coffee to a traditional flat white – and found the difference was like night and day.
She said: “From the first sip the difference is clear – the Magic is a very smooth coffee with little to no bitterness and not too much milk.”
She goes on to explain that it is the science behind the coffee that makes this revelation stand out.
She said: “The key difference isn't the milk but the coffee itself, with The Magic Coffee using a ristretto shot rather than an espresso. Ristretto means ‘restricted’ in Italian and this method uses less water and less extraction time, resulting in a less-bitter coffee.
“Personally, I found it was closer in flavour profile to a latte than a flat white,
but with the benefit of being a smaller drink. I was surprised by how much I liked the Magic Coffee considering my usual syrup and milk-filled choices.”
As we enjoy our favourite blends of coffee either at home, at work or relaxing in a coffee shop, it is easy to overlook the incredible amount of research, science and experimentation that goes into creating each cup of our favourite java.
Even before someone tries to come up with a new creation to wow the coffee world, a huge amount of work and innovation goes into growing and cultivating coffee beans, which have endured extreme weathers in recent years.
Packing and transportation methods also make a huge difference in terms of the quality of what reaches baristas and other coffee creatives, before it lands in front of us to enjoy.
Having put its test tubes into overdrive, M&S describes Magic Coffee as a ‘uniquely bold coffee, without the bitterness’ and points to the perfectly balanced ratio of coffee to ‘velvety steamed milk’. This, it says, is where the ‘magic’ happens.
While Danni feels the 'un-chic' name might give this new import an image problem, she believes the taste speaks for itself. She said: "Those that do try it are likely to be converted as there is very little to dislike about this drink.
"I can see this becoming a standard for many customers and maybe being adopted in the UK beyond M&S. I have no doubts that this will give the flat white, which has been in the UK since the early 00s, a run for its money – especially for casual or beginner coffee drinkers."
It’s certainly one we’re looking forward to trying. If you’ve already tried the Magic, we’d love to know what you think.