Flat White

The Flat White is a popular coffee beverage consisting of a double shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and a thin, velvety layer of microfoam. It's stronger in coffee flavor than a latte but smoother than a cappuccino, offering a perfect balance between the robust espresso and creamy milk. The microfoam is key, creating a silky texture without the thick foam cap of a cappuccino. It is often finished with intricate latte art.
Flat White

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Flat White is a popular hot coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It is categorized alongside other espresso-based beverages like lattes and cappuccinos, distinguished by its higher coffee-to-milk ratio and velvety microfoam texture.

Serving

Served hot in a small, pre-warmed ceramic cup (about 5.5-8 oz), this is a non-alcoholic drink. The quality of the microfoam is often showcased with latte art.
Serving size
160-240 ml (5.5-8 oz)
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Ceramic Cup
Glass treatment
Pre-warmed cup

Backstory

The origin of the Flat White is a subject of debate between Australia and New Zealand, with both countries claiming its invention in the 1980s. It likely emerged from a widespread desire for a coffee with less foam than a traditional cappuccino. The name "flat" refers to the thin, smooth layer of microfoam that sits atop the drink.
Origin
Australia / New Zealand, 1980s.

Flat White

The name "Flat White" is globally recognized and does not have common alternative names. It directly describes the drink's characteristic thin, "flat" layer of velvety microfoam.
Original name
Flat White

Characteristics overview

The Flat White boasts a rich coffee aroma and flavor, balanced by the natural sweetness of steamed milk. Its defining characteristic is a velvety, silky smooth texture with no fizziness.
Flavor
Rich coffee, creamy, milky, slightly sweet
Aroma
Roasted coffee, warm milk
Taste balance
Balanced, bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Smooth, lingering coffee finish
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Rich brown, glossy white top, latte art
Texture
Velvety, silky, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
All-season, warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by the pleasant bitterness of the espresso and the rich creaminess of the milk. It has a low natural sweetness and no carbonation, offering a robust yet smooth coffee experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This classic drink requires just two core ingredients: a freshly pulled double shot of high-quality espresso and whole milk, which is steamed to a velvety microfoam.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz (double shot)
    Use high-quality, freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Whole milk provides the best texture and creaminess. For a dairy-free version, oat milk is a popular and effective substitute.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You will need an espresso machine with a steam wand to prepare a proper Flat White, along with a milk pitcher for steaming the milk to the correct texture.
  • Espresso machine with a steam wand for pulling espresso and steaming milk.
  • Coffee grinder for grinding fresh beans.
  • Milk pitcher for steaming the milk.

Instructions

The process involves pulling a fresh double espresso shot into a warm cup, steaming milk to a velvety microfoam consistency, and then carefully combining them with a controlled pour.
1. Grind your coffee beans and pull a double shot of espresso (about 60 ml or 2 oz) directly into a pre-warmed 160-240 ml ceramic cup.
2. Pour cold whole milk (about 120 ml or 4 oz) into a stainless steel milk pitcher.
3. Purge the steam wand on your espresso machine. Insert the tip of the wand just below the surface of the milk and begin steaming, introducing a small amount of air at the beginning to create microfoam.
4. Once slightly expanded, submerge the wand deeper to create a vortex and heat the milk to about 60-65°C (140-150°F). Aim for a velvety, silky texture with very fine bubbles, not thick foam.
5. Tap the pitcher on the counter to remove any large bubbles and swirl the milk to incorporate the foam, creating a glossy, paint-like texture.
6. Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso. Start by pouring from a height to mix the milk with the coffee, then lower the pitcher's spout close to the surface to create latte art. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The Flat White is traditionally garnished with latte art, which is poured using the steamed milk itself and showcases the quality of the microfoam. No other garnishes are needed.
  • Latte art, created by skillfully pouring the steamed milk into the espresso.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy. It can be easily adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by substituting whole milk with a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Flat White made with whole milk is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. Its sugar content comes naturally from the lactose in the milk, with no added sugars.
Calories
Averagely 120 kcal / 502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a morning starter or an afternoon treat, the Flat White is a versatile daily beverage suitable for any time you crave a well-balanced, creamy coffee.
  • Morning Coffee
  • Afternoon Pick-me-up
  • Daily Ritual
  • Coffee Shop Treat

Pairing suggestions

The Flat White pairs wonderfully with classic coffee shop fare. Its balanced profile complements buttery pastries like croissants, sweet treats like banana bread, or simple shortbread cookies without overpowering them.
  • Croissant
  • Banana Bread
  • Shortbread Cookies
  • Light Pastries

The Flat White: A Silky-Smooth Coffee Classic

The Flat White is a beloved espresso-based drink that strikes a perfect balance between strong coffee flavor and creamy, steamed milk. Originating from Oceania in the 1980s, its defining feature is the thin, velvety layer of microfoam, which creates a silky smooth texture. It is stronger than a latte and less foamy than a cappuccino, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the taste of coffee forward in their milky beverage. Served hot in a ceramic cup, it's a go-to for coffee lovers worldwide.

Similar Drinks

Cortado

A cortado has a similar ratio of espresso to milk but the milk is only lightly steamed with very little foam, creating a different texture. It's often served in a small glass.

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