Beyond the Brew: What Is a Flat White?

Over the last decade, the flat white has become one of the most popular coffee orders in the UK – now sitting alongside go-to choices like americanos, cappuccinos and lattes. If you enjoy a velvety smooth coffee experience with just the right amount of milk, a flat white is a delicious option. To find out more about the flat white and what makes it so unique, keep scrolling.

So What Exactly is a Flat White?

Think of a rich and smooth texture with a bold taste and you’ve probably imagined something very similar to a flat white. The flat white is often described as the ultimate balance between strong espresso and creamy milk. So what makes it different you ask? Well, unlike other milk-based coffees, this velvety beverage emphasises the espresso’s intense flavours while still providing that creamy texture. It ensures that the coffee beans themselves still are the focus, rather than muting their strength the flat white complements it with its creamy microfoam.

Who Invented the Flat White?

Like the espresso, the flat white’s history is also a hot topic of debate. Both Australia and New Zealand have claimed to have invented it and this rivalry goes back to the 1980s. The Australian origin story talks about a barista in Sydney who accidentally served a cappuccino with under-foamed milk, or in other words, ‘flat’ but with a more intense coffee flavour. Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealanders claim it was purposely created in Wellington as a more sophisticated version of the latte. Most people agree that it was more likely the flat white was developed across both countries as a solution to a less-frothy, more coffee-forward drink.

What’s the Difference Between a Flat White and a Latte?

On the surface the flat white and latte seem incredibly similar, they’re both espresso-based drinks with steamed milk, however, there are some significant differences. The most noticeable is the milk texture and ratio. A flat white normally needs less milk than a latte, which lends itself to the more robust coffee flavour. The milk is also steamed to create a velvety microfoam that’s thinner and smoother than the frothier foam used in a latte. The microfoam helps seamlessly blend the espresso and leaves you with a creamier texture.

Did you know: the flat white is served in a small cup because it further enhances the intensity of the espresso?

Brew Like a Pro: How to Make a Flat White

Want to try your hand at making your very own flat white? Here’s our favourite recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

• 18-20g of ground coffee or 1 espresso pod
• 110ml of milk (alternative milks are also suitable)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the coffee: If you need to grind your beans, now is the time to do so, you’ll want to aim for a fine-medium grind. Once prepared, turn your coffee machine on and start brewing. For espresso pods, run one pod through the machine as this will be the base of your beverage.
2. Steam the Milk: Pour your milk into a steaming jug and heat it until it reaches a silky smooth microfoam. Aim for a temperature of about 60-65°C (140-150°F).
3. Serve it up: Pour your steamed milk directly over the espresso. Use the back of a spoon to hold back the foam initially, then finish with a very thin layer of microfoam on the top. Then enjoy!