Overview of a Flat White
A flat white is a small, strong coffee drink that has gained global popularity. It was first created in the 1980s in either Australia or New Zealand. While both countries claim to have invented it, the truth is that the flat white reflects both cultures’ deep love for high-quality coffee. The drink is now a staple in coffee shops around the world.
The flat white stands out for its bold espresso flavor and silky texture. It is made with a double shot of espresso and topped with a small amount of steamed milk that has a smooth, velvety microfoam. Unlike a cappuccino, which has a thick foam layer, or a latte, which has more milk, the flat white balances strong coffee taste with a creamy finish.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
To make a flat white at home with an espresso machine, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients
- Freshly roasted coffee beans (preferably a medium roast)
- Cold whole milk (for better texture and taste)
Tools
- Espresso machine with a steam wand
- Coffee grinder (burr grinder preferred)
- Milk frothing jug (stainless steel, 12-20 oz)
- Digital scale (optional but helpful)
- Tamper (fits your portafilter size)
- Thermometer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a flat white involves three key stages: pulling a double shot of espresso, steaming milk to make microfoam, and pouring the milk correctly. Each step is important to get the right taste and texture.
1. Pulling the Double Shot of Espresso
Grind your beans: Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. Aim for a fine grind similar to table salt.
Measure and dose: Weigh out 18-20 grams of ground coffee for a double shot.
Tamp evenly: Place the coffee into your portafilter and tamp it down firmly with even pressure.
Lock and pull: Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine and start your shot. The double shot should take 25-30 seconds and yield about 36-40 ml (or about 1.2 to 1.4 oz) of espresso.
You’re looking for a rich, balanced shot with crema on top. If it’s too fast or too slow, adjust your grind size.
2. Steaming the Milk to Create Microfoam
Microfoam is what makes the flat white special. It should be glossy, smooth, and free of large bubbles.
Pour cold whole milk into your frothing jug, filling it to just below the spout (around 5-6 oz for one drink).
Purge the steam wand to remove water.
Position the wand: Submerge the steam tip just below the milk surface and angle the jug slightly.
Start steaming: Turn on the steam and listen. You should hear a gentle hissing sound. This means air is being incorporated slowly.
Lower the jug slightly to keep the tip near the surface for the first 3-5 seconds. This introduces small amounts of air.
Submerge and swirl: After aeration, submerge the wand deeper to heat and texture the milk. You want a whirlpool effect inside the jug.
Monitor temperature: Stop steaming when the jug feels too hot to touch (around 130-150°F or 55-65°C).
Wipe and purge: Clean the steam wand and purge again.
Tap and swirl: Gently tap the jug on the counter and swirl the milk to remove any remaining bubbles.
3. Pouring the Milk Over the Espresso
This step requires a little technique but is key to the drink’s smooth texture.
Swirl your espresso shot to mix the crema evenly.
Tilt your cup slightly and start pouring the milk from a few inches above.
Pour slowly and steadily, aiming for the center of the espresso.
Lower the jug as you pour and move it closer to the surface once the cup is half full.
Finish the pour with a gentle wiggle if you’d like to create latte art, or just top it off smoothly.
The final drink should have a light crema color with a consistent texture. The milk should blend with the espresso without separating.
Tips for Perfecting the Flat White
Making the perfect flat white takes practice. Here are a few pro tips:
Use fresh, good-quality beans: Coffee flavor is at its peak within 2-3 weeks of roasting.
Dial in your grind: Too fine and your espresso will be bitter; too coarse and it will taste weak.
Tamp consistently: Uneven tamping can lead to uneven extraction.
Use cold whole milk: It creates the best texture for microfoam.
Don’t rush steaming: Take your time to introduce air slowly and evenly.
Avoid overheating: Milk over 160°F loses its sweetness and creates a burnt flavor.
Practice your pour: It helps build muscle memory and improves presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced baristas can run into issues. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
Over-aerating the milk: Creates big bubbles and a dry foam that doesn’t mix well.
Under-aerating: Results in flat, watery milk without texture.
Using too much milk: A flat white should be around 5-6 oz total, not as big as a latte.
Overheating the milk: Burnt milk loses sweetness and ruins the drink.
Wrong espresso ratio: One shot or too much milk changes the drink profile. Stick with two shots.
Additional Insights
Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino
While these three drinks look similar, they have key differences:
Flat White: 2 shots espresso, 4 oz steamed milk, thin layer of microfoam.
Latte: 1 or 2 shots espresso, 6-8 oz steamed milk, thicker foam.
Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (around 1/3 each).
The flat white has the strongest coffee flavor of the three due to its lower milk content and double shot base.
Serving Size and Cup Recommendations
Flat whites are traditionally served in a 5-6 oz ceramic cup. A tulip-style or rounded cup helps contain the foam and enhances the visual presentation. Pre-warming the cup helps maintain temperature.
Avoid oversized cups, as they throw off the espresso-to-milk ratio. You want every sip to taste balanced.
Conclusion
Making a flat white with an espresso machine at home is both an art and a science. It’s a simple drink in appearance, but getting the right espresso shot and perfectly textured milk takes care and practice. With fresh beans, the right tools, and attention to detail, you can create a café-quality flat white in your own kitchen.
The key is balance. When done right, a flat white is smooth, rich, and full of flavor—a perfect coffee experience in a small cup. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your barista skills, keep practicing, tasting, and adjusting until you hit the sweet spot. Enjoy your flat white!
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