If you are looking for a smooth and balanced coffee drink, then you need to try a Flat White. This coffee drink recipe is very easy to make and only requires two ingredients- espresso and milk.
What is a flat white? A flat white is smaller than a latte and larger than a cappuccino. This small, creamy drink is famous for its velvety layer of microfoam (a rich, creamy milk texture). Microfoam is when the small bubbles are so tiny they cannot be felt by a human palette. This drink is made by pouring a layer of steamed milk over a single or double shot of espresso. A Flat White is made using less milk than a traditional latte.
Related: Caramel Macchiato, Mocha, Americano, Affogato, Latte and Iced Latte.
Ingredients in a Flat White
- Espresso You can use any espresso. Ristretto shots are often used for this recipe. They are sweeter, more concentrated espresso made with less water.
- Milk Whole milk is recommended.
With so few ingredients, keep in mind the quality of ingredients will make a difference. I love to buy my coffee beans locally from a coffee shop that roasts them as I know they are fresh and high quality.
You can use a milk alternative instead of dairy milk if you like, but keep in mind it may not foam the same way dairy milk (which contains fat) does.
Directions
Brew two shots of espresso.
Steam the milk using a frothing wand, milk frother, or by heating on the stovetop and whisking. The goal is to thicken the milk but there should not be large bubbles. Give the pitcher (or other container) a few taps on the counter to remove excess air (bubbles) from the foam.
Add the fresh espresso to a mug, then pour the steamed milk into the espresso.
History
Both Australia and New Zealand claim to have invented the Flat White. Whether the Aussies or Kiwis get credit for this drink isn’t for us to judge, but it’s often recognized as an Australian invention. The Flat White became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and has made its way around the world as a favorite espresso drink since.
In the past ten years the Flat White has become more well known in the US and even made its way onto the Starbucks menu in 2015. It’s safe to say the Flat White has a place in global coffee culture. It’s important to for American’s to know that if you order a grande Flat White at Starbucks it’s very different from the authentic drink and will be more similar to a latte. An authentic Flat White is served in a small glass or mug since the ratio of coffee is a key to this recipe.
Best Home Espresso Makers
We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:
- Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it a year ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.
- Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But, this is a classic method that works great when done well.
- Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
- Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.
Variations
- Short Black A regular shot of espresso is a Short Black.
- Long Black A shot of espresso that is made larger with the addition of hot water.
Serving Suggestions
Need something sweet to go with your flat white? Try these recipes:
- Ricotta Cookies
- Butter Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Shortbread Cookies
- English Muffins
- Pumpkin Muffins
More Coffee Drinks to Try
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Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 1¼ cups milk
Equipment
- espresso maker
Instructions
- Brew two shots of espresso.
- Steam the milk using a frothing wand, milk frother, or by heating on the stovetop and whisking. The goal is to thicken the milk but there should not be large bubbles.
- Give the pitcher (or other container) a few taps on the counter to remove excess air (bubbles) from the foam.
- Add the fresh espresso to a mug, then pour the steamed milk into the espresso.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Love this drink
Flat whites are my favorite!
Yum! This looks SO good
Thank you so much for this recipe!