If you're after a much more precise coffee experience than your average cup, look no further than the flat white. This Aussie favourite has become a staple in coffee shops worldwide, and for good reason. With its velvety texture and rich flavour, it's no wonder flat whites have taken the coffee scene by storm.
Today, I'll show you how to whip up a delicious flat white right in your kitchen.
Key Takeaways
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Flat whites combine a double shot of espresso with steamed milk for a velvety texture.
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The perfect flat white requires a precise coffee-to-milk ratio and proper milk steaming technique.
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Mastering latte art can elevate your flat white game and impress your mates.
What is Flat White Coffee?
A flat white is an espresso-based drink that originated in Australia and New Zealand back in the 1980s. It's a harmonious blend of espresso and steamed milk, typically served in a smaller cup than a latte. The modern form we know today was perfected by New Zealand's baristas, who aimed to create a coffee with a higher concentration of espresso flavour while maintaining a silky smooth texture.
What Distinguishes Flat White From Other Coffee Beverages?
The key difference between a flat white and other espresso drinks is its composition and texture. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, flat white features a higher coffee-to-milk ratio, producing a more robust coffee flavour. The milk in a flat white is steamed to create a velvety microfoam without the thick layer of froth you'd find on a cappuccino. This gives the flat white its signature blend of espresso strength and creamy texture.
Essential Ingredients for Making Flat White
Flat white ingredients are straightforward. Here's what you'll need to brew up a top-notch flat white:
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Fresh coffee beans (preferably a medium to dark roast)
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Whole milk (or a plant-based alternative like oat milk)
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Filtered water
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Flavoured syrups (optional for personalised touch)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Flat White Coffee Drink With an Espresso Machine
A flat white is more than just a caffeine hit – it's a luxurious beverage to be savoured. Here are the steps to make a flat with a coffee machine.
1. Grind Coffee Beans
Start by grinding your coffee beans fresh. You'll want a fine grind, similar to table salt for a flat white.
Aim for about 18-20 grams of ground coffee if you're using a double-shot basket.
2. Extract Double Espresso Shot
Now, it's time for the espresso brewing. Tamp your ground coffee evenly and with consistent pressure. Lock the portafilter into your espresso machine and extract a double shot (about 60ml) of espresso.
Some baristas prefer to use a ristretto espresso, a shorter, more concentrated shot, for a stronger flavour.
Learn how many coffee beans are in a shot to make the right proportion.
3. Prepare Steamed Milk
While your espresso is brewing, it's time to focus on steaming milk.
Fill your 12oz milk steaming pitcher about 1/3 full (4 ounces) with cold milk. Purge your steam wand, then submerge it just below the milk's surface. Tilt the jug slightly and find the sweet spot where you hear a gentle hissing sound.
This is where the magic happens! You aim to create a smooth, velvety microfoam without large bubbles. The goal is to heat the milk to about 65°C (150°F) - any hotter, you'll scald it!
4. Pour Milk Over Espresso
Once your milk is perfectly steamed, give the jug a gentle swirl to incorporate any bubbles and maintain that silky texture. Start pouring the milk into your cup of espresso from a bit of height to allow it to sink beneath the crema. Bring the jug closer to the surface as the cup fills and speed up your pour slightly.
5. Create Latte Art (Optional)
If you're feeling fancy, try your hand at some latte art! As you finish pouring, bring the jug even closer to the surface and move it gently to create patterns. A simple heart or rosetta can really elevate your flat white game.
Don't stress if it doesn't work out - it takes practice, and your coffee will still taste bonza!
6. Serve and Enjoy
There you have it—your very own cafe-quality flat white! Serve it immediately and savour the perfect balance of strong espresso and velvety milk. There is no need for sugar here; a well-made flat white is delicious all on its own.
Brewing Flat White Without an Espresso Machine
No coffee machine? No worries! While it might not be the same as a cafe-style flat white, you can still whip up a great flat white at home.
Here's how to make a flat white without fancy equipment:
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Brew a strong cup of coffee using a moka pot, French press, or a pour-over method. Aim for about 60ml of strong coffee per serving to create a rich, concentrated brew that mimics espresso.
Note: If you don't have a grinder but are using beans instead of grounds, here's how to grind coffee beans without a grinder for your homemade flat white. You can use a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or even a food processor -
Pour 120ml cold whole milk (or your preferred alternative like oat milk) into a small saucepan. Gently heat the milk over medium-low heat. As it warms, use a hand-held milk frother or a whisk to create foam.
Note: If you don't have these tools, you can shake the milk vigorously in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. The key is to create a velvety texture without large bubbles. -
Pour your strong coffee into a small mug or cup. Gently pour the heated, frothed milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon. Aim for that signature flat white ratio of 1:2 coffee to milk.
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Finish by spooning a thin layer of the finer microfoam onto the top of your drink.
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Serve and enjoy your homemade flat white without an espresso machine! It might not be exactly like what you'd get from a coffee shop, but it's a tasty alternative when you're in a pinch.
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Flat White Beverage
You'll need to practice to make a flat white that rivals your local café. Don't get discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect – even experienced home baristas took time to master this drink. Here are tips to consider when brewing one:
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Using freshly roasted beans is crucial for the best flavour in your flat white.
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Master the steaming process - practice creating that silky, velvety microfoam without large bubbles.
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For consistency, invest in a quality espresso machine, grinder, or milk jug.
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While a flat white isn't exactly a tiny latte, thinking of it this way can help you nail the proportions.
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Develop a recipe that works for you and stick to it.
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Experiment to find the perfect amount of each that suits your taste preferences.
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When steaming milk, be mindful of how much air you're incorporating. Too much will result in large bubbles, while too little won't give you that creamy microfoam.
Summary
Making a delicious flat white at home is all about precision, quality ingredients, and a bit of practice. Following these simple steps and tips, you'll be brewing cafe-quality flat whites in no time. Remember, the key is in the balance between the strong espresso and the velvety steamed milk. So, grab your espresso machine, perfect your steaming technique, and enjoy the rich, smooth taste of a homemade flat white!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a flat white coffee made?
A flat white is made by pouring steamed milk with a velvety microfoam over a double espresso shot. The key is in the milk texture and the higher coffee-to-milk ratio compared to other espresso-based drinks.
What is the ratio of coffee to milk for a flat white?
The ideal ratio for a flat white is about 1:2 coffee to milk. This usually translates to a double espresso (60ml) topped with about 120ml of steamed milk.
How to make a flat white in Australia?
In Australia, we typically make flat whites using two shots of espresso topped with steamed milk and a thin microfoam layer. The drink is usually served in a 150-160ml ceramic cup, allowing the perfect balance of coffee and milk.
What's the difference between a flat white and a latte?
The main differences are the size of the drink, the coffee-to-milk ratio, and the milk texture. Flat whites are smaller, with a higher proportion of coffee and a more velvety milk texture, while lattes are larger, with more milk and a thicker layer of foam.