The Coffee the Chinese Premier Drank with Entrepreneurs

On the morning of May 7th, while visiting Beijing’s innovation hub Zhongguancun, the Chinese Premier stopped by 3W Coffee on the city’s famous Startup Street. Surrounded by an excited crowd, he took time to chat with local entrepreneurs over a cup of coffee. What caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the meeting—but the coffee he actually ordered. Within the hour, it sold out. So what was this mysterious drink that drew such attention?

The Premier drank a Vanilla Cappuccino—an uncommon twist on the classic Italian drink, made with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. According to 3W staff, this special version wasn’t even on the menu yet, but quickly became known as the “Premier’s coffee.”

What Exactly Is a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a traditional Italian espresso-based drink known for its balance of rich espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Its name comes from the Capuchin monks, due to the drink’s color and foam resembling the brown robes and white hoods they wore. Over time, cappuccinos have become globally symbolic of café culture—especially in Europe and North America.

What’s in a Vanilla Cappuccino?

A standard cappuccino consists of a single shot (about 30ml) of espresso, around 150ml of steamed milk, and an equal amount of foamed milk. But the Vanilla Cappuccino adds an extra element: a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This gives the drink a sweet, creamy contrast to the bitter espresso. Toppings like chocolate powder or cinnamon are common, and latte art—such as the “3W” logo reportedly made for the Premier’s cup—has become a popular way to enhance presentation.

In this version, the drink is roughly 5 parts coffee and milk foam to 3 parts ice cream foam, with the vanilla ice cream providing a cool, smooth contrast. It’s often served with ice, making it refreshing—especially in summer.

How to Make a Vanilla Cappuccino at Home

Making a basic cappuccino requires only a few tools and ingredients:

• Ingredients: Instant coffee powder, 150cc whole milk, steel pitcher, coffee cup, semi-automatic espresso machine (or moka pot for espresso)
• Steps:
  1. Brew one shot (approx. 60cc) of standard espresso into the cup.
  2. Froth cold whole milk with a steam wand or whisk until it reaches about 65°C, creating a thick foam.
  3. Pour the steamed milk and foam into the cup in a 1:1 ratio with the espresso.
  4. Add optional flavorings like cinnamon or lemon zest. For the Vanilla Cappuccino, add a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream and top with malt powder or chocolate shavings. Optional latte art (like the “3W” logo) can be done for presentation.

Why the Premier’s Choice Matters

While many assume coffee preferences reflect personality, there’s no science behind it—just stereotype. Black coffee drinkers are often seen as conservative; latte fans as easygoing; cappuccino lovers as sociable and romantic. The Premier’s choice of a sweet, playful Vanilla Cappuccino may suggest an appreciation for balance, contrast—and maybe even a bit of fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coffee did the Chinese Premier drink at 3W Coffee?

The Premier drank a Vanilla Cappuccino, which is a cappuccino with a scoop of vanilla ice cream added. It was not on the regular menu but became an instant hit, selling out within an hour after his visit.

What is a cappuccino made of?

A cappuccino consists of a single shot of espresso (around 30ml), about 150ml of steamed milk, and an equal amount of milk foam. It traditionally has a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio and is often topped with chocolate or cinnamon powder.

What makes a Vanilla Cappuccino different?

A Vanilla Cappuccino includes a scoop of vanilla ice cream along with the usual espresso and steamed milk. This adds sweetness and a cool texture contrast, making it more dessert-like and refreshing.

What temperature should milk be for a cappuccino?

The milk for a cappuccino should be steamed to approximately 65°C. This temperature is ideal for creating stable microfoam suitable for latte art and ensures a smooth mouthfeel.

Can I make a Vanilla Cappuccino without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can use instant coffee or a moka pot to brew a strong coffee base instead of espresso. The rest of the process—frothing milk, adding ice cream, and topping—is the same.

Why did the Vanilla Cappuccino sell out so quickly?

Because it was identified as the “Premier’s coffee,” customers flocked to order it by name. The novelty and association with the high-profile visit caused it to sell out in under an hour at 3W Coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Cappuccino

For a classic cappuccino like the Premier’s Vanilla Cappuccino, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice. Designed specifically for espresso and milk drinks, it produces rich crema and a smooth, well-rounded profile with notes of caramel and dark chocolate. For a deeper, more intense option, the Commercial Blend offers a cost-effective, full-bodied espresso with strong crema, great for high-volume cafés. Both blends are optimized for milk drinks and deliver the structure needed for a balanced cappuccino. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.