Flat white coffee: What is it? Plus make one at home.

Combine the strength of espresso, with creamy steamed milk and you have a flat white coffee. But hang on a minute, isn’t that a latte, or a cappuccino or.. well the list goes on.

If you have tasted a flat white and cappuccino and latte you will know the differences. Otherwise, you are in for a real treat when you sip your first. Either way, I’m here to tell you about flat whites, how they differ from other coffees and to give you an easy recipe so you can make your own.

What is a flat white

Flat white coffee is a delicious drink that has a rich and creamy flavor. It’s made with a shot or two of espresso, so the coffee itself is strong, but the addition of milk steamed to produce a micro foam makes it smooth and mellow. It is usually made with espresso and steamed milk in a ratio of 1 part coffee to 2 parts milk.

Although it is hotly debated, the flat white comes from either Australia or New Zealand – both countries claim it as their own. It’s the new kid on the block in America, still lagging behind latte and cappuccino.

I love flat white coffees and if you haven’t tried one, I really think you should. It’s a bit like a latte and a bit like a cappuccino. But, well, it’s completely different to both. If that doesn’t make sense, track one down – or better yet, try my recipe – you will not be disappointed.

Made with 1-2 shots of espresso and micro foamed milk, a flat white is a strong, but creamy coffee. A flat white coffee has equal amounts of coffee and milk.

Flat white vs latte

What is a latte?

First created in America, lattes have gone on to become one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world. It seems like every time I am in a coffee shop there is a new flavor latte on the menu. If you’re like me, that’s a call to action – if it’s there and its new I have to try it!

Like a flat white, a latte is made with espresso and steamed milk. But its more complicated the ratio of coffee to milk is 1/3 coffee and 2/3 milk. Latte starts with a shot, or two, of espresso. Then twice as much milk, steamed or frothed. With some lighter milk foam layered on top.

Differences between flat white and latte

While they are both made with espresso and milk, flat whites and lattes taste very different. Flat white coffees have equally quantities of milk and coffee, while lattes have twice as much milk as coffee.

Flat whites are for you if you prefer your drink to taste more strongly of coffee.

But that’s not the only difference. The milk in a flat white is steamed to create a rich and creamy texture. Lattes also rely on steamed milk, but not a micro foam. The milk in a latte is steamed to create a frothy foam, which is poured to allow some of the froth to be layered on top.

Lattes are for you if you prefer the taste of a more milky drink. with the coffee coming through to give background depth and flavor.

Flat white vs cappuccino

What is a cappuccino?

Originating in the land of espresso, the cappuccino is all Italian. But, it has wowed the world and is popular everywhere, especially in America.

So what’s in it? Here we go again, a cappuccino is made with a shot, or two of espresso and steamed milk. The ratio of coffee to milk is 1/3 coffee and 2/3 milk. Sound familiar?

Cappuccinos claim to fame is the way the milk is prepared: It is steamed so that one part is steamed to create a frothy foam – like a latte. While the other part is steamed to create a micro foam.

Differences between flat white and cappuccino

With equal measures of coffee and milk, flat whites have a stronger coffee flavor than the more milky cappuccino.

Cappuccinos don’t just have more milk, they have frothed and micro foamed milk. This gives a longer richer drink, with pleasant changes of texture.

But why not make your cappuccinos with 2 shots of espresso. That way you get deep strong coffee flavor coming through the luscious rich creamy milk.

Count me in!

Summary: flat white vs latte vs cappuccino

	Flat White	Latte	Cappuccino
Coffee	2 shots Espresso	2 shots Espresso	2 shots Espresso
Milk	80g Steamed milk	200g steamed milk 2g Foamed milk	40g Steamed milk 40g Foamed milk
Taste	Strong deep coffee with smooth milk.	Milky flavor with lees coffee flavor	creamy milk with some coffee flavor.

Best coffee beans for flat white coffee

Flat whites rely on a great coffee base to balance the creaminess of the milk. So it makes sense to buy the best quality freshest espresso beans you can find.

As with all coffees, if you are prepared to grind the beans yourself, you will get the freshest coffee taste. Grind the beans just before you want to use them, and you will maximize the flavors and aromas of your finished flat white coffee.

I know you may not always want the hassle of grinding beans. Sometimes I just want to make a coffee, so on those times I use the best pre-ground coffee I can get, and it’s not necessarily the most expensive.

To help you choose coffee, I have listed some of my favorite espresso beans and pre-ground:

Peet’s Coffee, Major Dickason’s Blend

Its dark roast, but not as bitter as many coffees, plus it’s got amazing flavors and aromas that have tones of sweet earth, chocolate and exotic spices.

Just too good to ignore. Major Dickason’s Blend has been around forever, but it’s as good as ever. Even better you can get it as beans, pre-ground and even decaf.

San Francisco Bay Coffee French Roast Whole Bean

Another amazing brand driven by quality. Made from 100% arabica beans sourced from Central and South America. Flavors and aromas of Cinnamon and Dark Chocolatewith a smoky finish. The bonus is- its also available as whole beans and pre-ground.

Kicking Horse Coffee, Cliff Hanger Espresso, Medium Roast, Whole Bean

I thought this list couldn’t get any better, but I was wrong. This Kicking Horse Coffee is a medium roast, so less bitter but with warm deep milk chocolate, blackcurrant and brown sugar notes. Plus its certified organic, fairtrade and kosher.

Grinding coffee for a flat white

If you want to make a perfect flat white you need to start by brewing a perfect espresso. To achieve that it’s important to grind beans to a fine texture. Too coarse and the coffee will not be fully extracted in the brewing process. That will result in weak and watery coffee.

The key is to find the Goldilocks zone: not too coarse, not too fine, but just right. This takes some experimentation, but once you find the right grind for your espresso machine and beans, everything will fall into place and you can enjoy great coffee just the way you want it.

Brewing coffee for flat white coffee

The most important thing you can do within the brewing process to improve the flavor of your coffee  is to use filtered water. Water in the faucet is generally OK to drink, but you may notice some tastes and aromas. Similarly bottled mineral water will have a distinctive taste and maybe an aroma. Neither of these is ideal for coffee. That’s why I only use water filtered before use.

There are lots of ways you can filter water, from a jug with replaceable filters, through to systems that a plumber can install direct into your water system. Both work well, just remember to ensure the filters are changed at least at the recommended intervals.

Brewing with an espresso machine

With an espresso machine, its just a matter of getting used to handling your machine. That varies from one machine to another, but you can usually change the grind size of the coffee beans, the amount of coffee you use in each brew, and on some machines, you can change the water temperature.

Preheat your machine and portafilter before brewing. This will help ensure that your coffee is brewed at the correct temperature.

Fill your portafilter with coffee grounds and tamp them down firmly but evenly, using about 30 pounds of pressure. Brew for about 25 seconds, then stop the flow of coffee by lifting the portafilter off the machine head immediately after brewing completes (don’t let it run through).

Serve immediately or pour into a thermal carafe to keep warm.”

Brewing with other coffee makers

While it’s true you can only make an espresso with an espresso machine, there are many ways to create a short strong coffee that will adequately replace an espresso.

Let’s not forget, an espresso machine is expensive, complex and requires regular maintenance. Other coffee makers are, almost always, much simpler and cheaper to own and use.

I often use my trusty French press or AeroPress to make a short strong coffee. Interested? Check out my French press espresso recipe. You may find the espresso machine gets less use once you make coffee with a French press.

How to make a flat white coffee at home

Equipment

• coffee maker or espresso machine
• steam wand or milk frother/whisk/blender
• mug
• spoon

Ingredients

• 1-2 shots Espresso
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1-2 tsp Sugar or honey (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cocoa powder

Method

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso (depending on how strong you like your coffee).
• While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a pitcher and add the vanilla extract
• and foam it to a creamy texture.
• Once the espresso is ready, pout it into a large cup or mug.
• Gently pour the milk over the espresso, holding back some foam for the top.
• For an optional finishing touch, dust with cocoa powder

Top Tips for making a flat white coffee

• The key to making a great flat white is to use fresh ingredients, including: good quality dairy or non dairy milk, high quality beans that you freshly grind, and to steam the milk until it reaches a thick creamy foam.
• You can use any coffee maker you have access to to make a short strong coffee or an espresso machine.
• If you have a steam wand you do not need to pre-heat the milk.
• Otherwise, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
• To foam the milk with a steam wand or blender: angle the steam wand/blender into the jug. Initially, keep the wand straight into the jug of milk. This will encourage a swirling motion.
• Then raise the wand until it is just below the surface at a 45 angle. This will cause a foam to form. You are aiming for a velvety micro-foam, giving the drink its characteristic thick, velvety texture.
• If you are feeling confident try your hand at some flat white art. It will really impress your friends and family.
• Sure, you can make a run to your favorite coffee shop, or if you are already in town, it makes sense to stop for a cup. But if you are at home and relaxing, wouldn’t it be easier (and cheaper!) to make a great flat white at home?

With an espresso machine

• Once you’ve ground the coffee, fire up your brewer of choice. If you are lucky enough to have an espresso machine, brew 1-2 shots of espresso. Otherwise use your preferred coffee maker to brew a short strong coffee.
• While the coffee is brewing it’s time to prepare the milk. With an espresso machine you will likely have a steam wand making the job of heating and foaming the milk relatively easy.

Without an espresso machine

• For a deep dive into making an espresso without a machine, check out How to make espresso without a machine.

Different Flavored flat white coffees you can make

Once you have made a regular flat white, why not take it up to the next level. I have personally tested the following different lattes. My personal favorite is the mocha flat white.

• Caramel flat white
• Vanilla flat white
• Cinnamon flat white
• Mocha flat white

Are we starting to see a rival for the many flavored latte? Watch this space..

FAQs

How do you make a flat white coffee?

To make your own flat white, simply follow my recipe which is higher back up in this post. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

What are the ingredients in a flat white coffee?

This is an easy one – you only need espresso and milk. But you can obviously add sweeteners like sugar or honey to get the flavor you want.

If you really want to push the limits then you can make a wide range of flat whites with different flavors, like: Caramel flat white, Vanilla flat white, Cinnamon flat white and Mocha flat white.

Is there a difference between a flat white and latte?

Yes, there absolutely is a difference. Actually there are several differences between a flat white and a latte. A flat white has less milk, so the flavor of the coffee comes through more. Its milk is steamed to create a velvety micro foam, but it does not have a lattes frothy milk topping.

Which coffee shop makes the best flat white coffee

Even I have to admit there are times when you just need your favorite coffee shop to fill the gap. If the craving hits when you are out, then it makes sense to call in to your favorite coffee shop. For me it comes down to one simple choice:

Starbucks flat white

Starbucks does a great job of making a flat white. It uses a double shot of espresso and whole milk for a rich and creamy texture.