Like the people who drink it, the Flat White coffee is fiercely independent and adventurous. Baristas and coffee lovers all over the world have unique versions of this velvety drink, but here we’ll describe the traditional way of making Flat Whites.
At its heart, a Flat White consists of one-third espresso or ristretto (single or double shot), and two-thirds steamed milk. The milk in Flat Whites is served with a thin layer (0.5 cm) of velvety microfoam on top, creating a creamy texture without overwhelming the rich espresso.
This careful balance of espresso and milk lets the coffee's robust flavors shine through. It also differentiates the Flat White from cappuccinos, which have a thick foam.
Want more than a taste of the Flat White? Grab a mug and join us as we explore the origin, recipe, and characteristics of the Flat White coffee.
What Is Flat White Coffee?
A Flat White coffee is a popular espresso-based milky drink that originated from Australia and New Zealand. It’s a delightful blend of rich, lightly steamed milk and a shot of espresso, typically served in a small, ceramic cup.
Flat Whites are a fan favorite for those who appreciate a more pronounced coffee taste in their milky beverages.
The 1:2 ratio of the Flat White and less milk frothing defines the Flat White, but coffee aficionados like to play around with everything else. Some serve it as a single espresso shot in a small 6 oz cup. Others experiment with various beans and roasts to vary the taste.
The goal is to find a Flat White coffee recipe that delights your palate and calms the soul. For something even bolder and more adventurous, try a Flat White with one of the Bones Coffee flavored dark roasts.
Where Did the Name “Flat White” Come From?
The name ‘Flat White’ is believed to come from the drink’s method of preparation, where the milk is steamed to create a ‘flat,’ creamy texture, and then combined with the ‘white’ foam on top.
However, New Zealander Fraser McInnes claims naming rights to the Flat White. Fraser says he accidentally invented the Flat White while trying to make a cappuccino with low-fat milk that just wouldn't froth properly.
In a moment of honesty with his customer, he presented the less-than-perfect beverage with apologies, “Sorry, it’s a Flat White!”
Regardless of where the Flat White originated or why it’s called “flat,” the basic ingredients of a Flat White coffee are:
- A shot of espresso
- Steamed milk
- A thin layer of microfoam
The Flat White coffee is visually appealing, with a smooth, glossy finish on top. The espresso shot forms the base of the drink, providing a robust, full-bodied flavor. The steamed milk is then poured over the espresso, creating a harmonious blend of the two.
The thin layer of microfoam on top adds a rich, velvety texture and a slightly sweet taste, making the Flat White a truly indulgent coffee experience.
Every coffee lover should try this dream brew at least once and savor the Flat White’s unique simplicity and balance.
The Unique Characteristics of Flat White Coffee
If you’ve been around the coffee world for some time, you know there’s a huge difference between a Flat White and its espresso-based cousins.
This is not the usual coffee snobbery—in terms of milk texture and drink size, a Flat White stands out from the latte, macchiato, or cappuccino. While the others have a thick layer of milk foam, a Flat White keeps it to about 5 mm (0.25 inch).
In the lands Down Under, Flat Whites are served in smaller, 5 to 6-ounce cups and with emphasis on a light microfoam milk texture. A strong, slightly acidic coffee flavor is preferred to help cut through the richness of the milk and maintain bold coffee overtones.
The light microfoam consistency required for a Flat White can be difficult for inexperienced baristas and coffee lovers to achieve. Paradoxically, that’s one reason why the Flat White is a coffee shop favorite because it lets baristas show off their skills.
Size of a Flat White Coffee
The size of Flat White coffees is usually smaller than other coffee drinks. It’s typically served in a 6 oz cup, which helps maintain the perfect coffee-to-milk ratio.
This is in contrast to a latte, which is often served in larger cups and has more milk, diluting the coffee flavor.
The smaller serving size of a Flat White enhances the intensity of the coffee flavor. It allows the robust notes of the espresso shot to shine through more vividly than in larger milk-based espresso drinks resulting in a concentrated hit of coffee with a silky milky finish.
Here’s a quick comparison of a Flat White with other popular coffee drinks:
There’s a bit of flexibility with the Flat White. For example, the American version comes in a larger cup with a double espresso and more milk, bringing it closer to the latte in size. What’s constant is that the Flat White will always be served in ceramic cups, no matter the size.
Best Coffee Beans for a Flat White Coffee
Traditionally, a Flat White is made using dark roast coffee beans. This is because dark roasts typically have a strong, robust flavor that can stand up to the richness of the steamed milk used in a Flat White.
The most commonly used dark roast beans for Flat Whites are Arabica and Robusta varieties, each offering a unique flavor profile.
- Arabica Beans: Known for their sweet, delicate flavor and higher acidity, Arabica beans are often used in Flat Whites to create a balanced, nuanced cup of coffee.
- Robusta Beans: These beans are known for their strong, bitter flavor and lower acidity. They create a bold, intense coffee experience.
While dark roasts are traditional for any decent coffee shop, you can experiment with different types of beans to find the flavor profile that suits your palate best. For instance, a medium roast can offer a more balanced flavor, with less bitterness than a dark roast.
The key to a great Flat White is balance. The coffee should complement the milk, not overpower it. Try different roasts and bean varieties until you find one that gives you the best recipe.
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Texture of a Flat White Coffee
When you take a sip of a well-made Flat White, you’ll first notice its velvety, creamy texture. A perfectly made cup will retain this consistency throughout, not just at the top.
The milk and coffee should also blend seamlessly to create a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Less experienced people might suffer from the separation of the milk, coffee, and froth, but don’t give up. A good Flat White should have these characteristics:
- Balance: The texture of a Flat White is all about balance. The microfoam and espresso should blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious texture that’s neither too milky nor too strong.
- Creaminess: Despite its strong coffee flavor, a Flat White is remarkably creamy. This is due to the high proportion of microfoam in the drink.
- Thickness: A Flat White is thicker than a latte or cappuccino due to the higher proportion of coffee to milk. This results in a denser, richer texture.
However, don’t confuse the Flat White with a latte. Although some baristas go as far as creating latte art on a Flat White, this drink is very distinct from a latte.
In fact, the Flat White is considered part of the “third wave” of coffee shops, which emphasizes the quality of coffee and the nuanced flavors between different brews. By comparison, lattes belong to the second wave of espresso-based specialty coffee drinks.
The Taste and Strength of Flat White Coffee
Since a Flat White typically has a higher proportion of coffee to milk compared to a latte, its coffee flavor is more pronounced.
A Flat White is made with a single or double shot of espresso or ristretto, while a latte usually contains a single shot.
Secondly, a cappuccino is traditionally equal parts espresso, warm milk, and milk foam. This means that while the amount of espresso in a cappuccino is similar to a Flat White, the larger volume of milk foam can dilute the coffee flavor.
Here’s a simple comparison table to illustrate the differences:
The flavor of a Flat White is distinctly rich and intense, characterized primarily by a strong espresso base that carries a deep, robust coffee taste.
This espresso dominance ensures that each sip is boldly aromatic, with subtle nuances ranging from chocolatey to slightly nutty, depending on the beans used. It’s the perfect coffee for coffee lovers who aren’t afraid of who they are!
How to Make a Flat White Coffee: The Original Recipe
Making a Flat White requires precision and attention to detail, as the balance between espresso and milk is key to achieving the perfect drink. Here’s how you can make a Flat White:
1.Prepare the espresso:
- Start with high-quality coffee beans, preferably a medium roast to balance flavor and acidity.
- Grind the beans to a fine espresso grind.
- Use an espresso machine to pull one or two shots of espresso (30–60ml) into a warm cup. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, make it two ristretto shots.
2.Steam the milk:
- While the espresso is brewing, pour cold, fresh milk (full fat is preferred for better texture) into a metal steaming jug.
- Use the steam wand of your espresso machine to steam the milk. Aim to create a smooth and velvety microfoam rather than a stiff froth. Place the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and keep it at a slight angle to create a swirling motion. This incorporates air into the milk evenly without creating large bubbles.
- Continue steaming until the milk reaches a temperature of about 60-65 degrees Celsius (140-150 degrees Fahrenheit). It should have increased in volume slightly and gotten a shiny appearance similar to wet paint.
3.Combine and serve:
- First, swirl your freshly brewed espresso to mix the crema.
- Then, slowly pour the steamed milk into the center of the espresso. Pour from a low height and gradually raise the jug as the cup fills. Aim to integrate the milk with the espresso gently while retaining the microfoam on top.
- Finish by swirling the last bit of microfoam on top to create a smooth, flat surface.
You may not make the best Flat White on your first try but don’t give up. Practice and attention to the quality of both the espresso and the milk will help you perfect your Flat White.
Summary
We’ve explored the velvety texture and complex, bold flavors of the Flat White coffee. In particular, we’ve gone back to its disputed origins, unique characteristics, and how it compares to other popular coffee drinks, such as the caffè latte and cappuccino.
We hope this guide has done more than just enrich your coffee knowledge. With any luck, we have inspired you to try making your own Flat White as you experiment with more specialty coffee brews.
Keep exploring, keep tasting, and most importantly, keep brewing! Remember to subscribe to the Bones Coffee Club to receive bundles of different coffee flavors at your convenience.
