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How to make a flat white coffee
For coffee-lovers around the world, one of the most popular coffee drinks is the flat white. There is a lot of debate online around where exactly the flat white originated. Some say that the flat white is thought to have come from Sydney, Australia - a country known for its love for coffee - back in 1985 at the Moors Espresso Bar. Others will disagree, insisting that the flat white came from New Zealand.
Regardless of its origins, what we do know for sure is that the flat white has become a staple order in coffee shops, cafés and restaurants around the world. However, for those of us wanting to get our coffee fix from home, you may be wondering how do you make the perfect flat white?
Below, we will go through the differences between the main types of coffee-based beverages, as well as giving you a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect flat white from home.
What is a Flat White?
A flat white coffee combines a double shot of espresso with warm milk and is typically served in a wide cup, often presented with a beautiful pattern where the milk layers with the coffee, often known as ‘latte art’.
How to Make a Flat White
If you’re wondering how to make a flat white using a coffee machine, we can help you to brush up your barista skills from home in order to enjoy a proper flat white without having to leave the house.
To make an authentic flat white, a coffee machine is required, plus a milk frother.
You’ll need one part espresso, usually a double shot (60ml), to two parts milk, usually around 140ml.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Turn on your espresso machine and purge, before filling the portafilter with 18g freshly-ground coffee
- Step 2: Make your double espresso straight into your coffee cup
- Step 3: Measure your milk and pour into a stainless-steel jug
- Step 4: Steam your milk, finishing with a layer of micro foam around about 1/2-3/4in
- Step 5: Hold cup at an angle and pour a thin stream of milk over your espresso
- Step 6: When your cup is about ⅔ full, bring the jug closer to the surface to finish pouring the micro foam over the top of your coffee
- Step 7: Enjoy
Differences between flat white, latte and cappuccino
With so many different types of coffee drinks on the menu, it can be confusing to understand what sets them apart from one another. If you’ve found yourself feeling puzzled while reading the menu at the cafe, wondering what the difference between a flat white is, a latte and a cappuccino, hopefully this will help.
The three beverages are similar, in that they are made up of the same two key ingredients - espresso and milk.
However, the ratio and preparation of the milk makes the biggest difference.
Firstly, a latteis typically made up of the following:
- 1 x double shot of espresso (about 60ml)
- Somewhere between 170-230ml milk, steamed, plus around 1cm frothed milk on the top
A latte is usually served in a glass. The ratio of espresso to milk should be one part coffee to two parts milk.
A cappuccino is more similar to a flat white in terms of its quantities:
- 1 x single shot 30ml for cappuccino
- Around 150ml milk, frothed
- Optional: chocolate powder sprinkled on top
This frothy coffee drink is usually served in a more shallow cup.
