Mastering the Balance: The Art of Brewing the Perfect Flat White

The Flat White Coffee is an espresso-based delight, hailing from Australia and New Zealand, and is a favorite among many for its balanced combination of strong coffee and velvety milk.

What is a Flat White

A Flat White Coffee is a coffee beverage that has grown in popularity globally, and is known for its precise ratio of espresso to steamed milk, resulting in a well-balanced, creamy coffee beverage with a robust espresso punch. It’s less frothy than a traditional cappuccino.

The Allure of the Flat White

The Flat White is an espresso-based drink that includes a double shot of espresso and a similar amount of steamed milk. The result is a creamy, smooth coffee beverage that’s not as milky as a latte nor as strong as an espresso.

Coffee Grind Size For A Flat White

A medium-fine grind is recommended for the espresso base of a Flat White. This allows for a full-flavored espresso extraction to hold its own against the steamed milk.

Coffee Roast Recommendation For A Flat White

A medium to dark roast is often preferred for Flat Whites. These roasts bring out the bold and rich flavors of the coffee that can stand up against the milk.

Crafting the Perfect Flat White at Home

Ingredients

• Freshly ground coffee beans (for espresso)
• Fresh whole milk

How to Make a Flat White

1. Brew a double shot of espresso using your espresso machine.
2. While the espresso is brewing, steam your milk. You’re aiming for a velvety texture with tiny, uniform bubbles.
3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, maintaining a good balance between the coffee and milk.
4. Enjoy your homemade Flat White.

Savouring the Flat White Experience

Aroma

The aroma of a Flat White is a beautiful fusion of the rich and robust scent of espresso with the creamy, comforting aroma of steamed milk.

Taste

The Flat White delivers a coffee-forward flavor, with the robustness of the espresso complemented by the creamy, velvety steamed milk.

Sensation

The sensation of drinking a Flat White is a harmonious balance between the strength of espresso and the smoothness of milk. Each sip delivers a comforting warmth and a pleasing palate of flavors.

Barista Tips and Variations for Flat White

• Larger Flat White: For those who want a larger serving! It’s crucial to maintain the ratio of coffee to milk to ensure that the distinctive flavor and texture of the drink are not lost. While the standard flat white recipe calls for a single shot of espresso and about 150ml of steamed milk, those who want a larger serving should scale up both ingredients proportionally.

• Flat Mocha: For a sweet twist, add a spoonful of chocolate syrup to the espresso before adding the milk.

• Flat White Over Ice: Instead of steaming the milk, chill it in the refrigerator until it’s very cold. Make your espresso shot as normal, then pour it over a glass full of ice cubes. Finally, pour your cold milk over the top. You’ll still get the strong coffee flavor of a flat white but with a refreshing, chilled twist.

• Caramel Flat White: To make this, add a spoonful of caramel syrup to your espresso before adding the milk. This caramel flat white is perfect for those who like their coffee sweet but not overly so. As with the flat mocha, using high-quality caramel syrup can make a significant difference to the overall flavor of the drink.

• Coconut Flat White: This variation is perfect for those who are looking for a dairy-free alternative. Replace the regular milk with coconut milk. The natural sweetness and slight nuttiness of the coconut milk pair perfectly with the rich, robust espresso, giving a tropical twist to your flat white. It’s also a great way to make the flat white vegan-friendly.

• Flat White with Honey and Cinnamon: Add a warm and sweet twist to your flat white by using honey and cinnamon. Mix a spoonful of honey into your hot espresso before adding the milk. After pouring the milk, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the top. The honey adds a delicate sweetness, while the cinnamon gives it a warming spice that’s particularly comforting on cold days.

Nutritional Information

An average-sized Flat White contains around 120 calories, 7g of fat, 11g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein.

FAQs – Flat White Coffee Recipe

What’s the Difference Between a Flat White and a Latte?

The main difference between a Flat White and a Latte lies in the ratio of coffee to milk and the texture of the milk used. A Flat White typically uses a 1:5 ratio of coffee to milk, making it stronger and less milky than a latte.

Lattes use more milk, resulting in a creamier and milder coffee taste. The texture of the milk also varies. In a Flat White, the milk is steamed to ‘microfoam’ consistency, which gives it a velvety and glossy texture. On the other hand, a latte has more frothed milk, resulting in a lighter, airier texture on top. Also, a latte is typically served in a larger cup than a flat white, contributing to the difference in taste, strength, and experience.

Can I Use Plant-Based Milk for a Flat White?

Yes, you can use plant-based milk for a Flat White, but remember that different types of milk will froth differently and may alter the taste and texture slightly. For example, almond milk and oat milk can create a nice, creamy froth, but they may not achieve the same microfoam consistency as dairy milk.

Soy milk can froth well, but it has a distinctive taste that can significantly alter the flavor profile of your Flat White. Therefore, while you can experiment with plant-based kinds of milk, be aware that it may take some trial and error to achieve a plant-based Flat White that you enjoy.

What Is the Best Type of Coffee for a Flat White?

The best type of coffee for a Flat White is a robust, full-bodied coffee, preferably a medium to dark roast, as this works well to balance the milk and create a strong coffee flavor.

Espresso blends with a good amount of Arabica beans are often favored due to their balanced acidity and sweetness. The espresso shot should be well-extracted to provide a robust flavor that matches the milk. Lastly, the quality of the coffee matters – freshly roasted and ground coffee will always give a more flavorful and aromatic Flat White.

Why Is It Called a “Flat White”?

The term “Flat White” is believed to have originated in Australia or New Zealand in the 1970s or 80s, although both countries lay claim to its invention. The “flat” in the name refers to the milk’s texture, which should be smooth, velvety, and ‘flat’ – without the large, fluffy bubbles that you’d find in a cappuccino’s foam.

The ‘white’ part of the name is due to the drink’s color once the milk has been added to the espresso. The resulting drink is a harmonious blend of espresso and milk, neither too strong like an espresso nor too milky like a latte.

Wrapping Up Embracing the Charm of the Flat White

The Flat White, with its harmonious balance of strong espresso and creamy milk, offers a coffee experience that is both robust and velvety. Perfect for those who enjoy the intensity of espresso but appreciate the smoothness that milk brings, the Flat White is a testament to the beautiful diversity in the world of coffee. Brewing it at home brings the joy of crafting this balanced marvel right at your fingertips. Enjoy the journey and cherish each sip of your homemade Flat White.

Check out our article about coffee drinks to find a ton of new recipes you haven’t heard of.