How to Make a Flat White¶
A flat white is made by combining espresso with a smaller amount of steamed milk than a latte, giving it a stronger coffee flavour and a thin, velvety layer of microfoam. A common guide is about 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk, often served in a smaller 5 to 8 ounce cup.
Basic ingredients¶
- 2 shots of espresso, or a strong concentrated coffee
- About 4 to 5 ounces of milk
- Optional sweetener, though many people drink it unsweetened
Method with an espresso machine¶
- Brew the espresso. Pull a double espresso into a small cup. See BBC Good Food's flat white recipe, Lavazza's guide, and Starbucks At Home.
- Steam the milk for microfoam. Steam the milk so it becomes silky and glossy, with very small bubbles rather than thick foam. See Five Senses Coffee, Barista Courses Australia, and this basic coffee skills video.
- Keep the foam thin. A flat white should have only a thin layer of foam, not the thicker cap you would expect on a cappuccino. See basic coffee skills video and Five Senses Coffee.
- Pour the milk into the espresso. Pour steadily so the milk integrates smoothly with the espresso and leaves a glossy surface. See BBC Good Food's flat white recipe and Starbucks At Home.
Method without an espresso machine¶
- Make strong coffee. Use a moka pot, AeroPress, or another concentrated brew method as an espresso substitute. See Methodical Coffee and Kev's Guide.
- Heat the milk. Warm the milk until hot but not boiling. See Methodical Coffee.
- Create a silky texture. Froth lightly with a handheld frother, whisk, or French press so the milk becomes smooth rather than very foamy. See Methodical Coffee.
- Combine and serve. Pour the milk into the coffee and aim for a smooth, flat surface with only a little foam on top. See The Cookie Rookie and Kev's Guide.
Quick tips¶
- Whole milk usually gives the best microfoam and the creamiest texture. See Methodical Coffee and Barista Courses Australia.
- Keep the milk temperature moderate, around 60 to 65 degrees Celsius, to avoid scalding and preserve sweetness. See Five Senses Coffee and this barista training video.
- If you want a more traditional flat white style, use less milk than a latte and focus on texture rather than lots of foam. See Lavazza's guide, Kev's Guide, and this basic coffee skills video.