You enter your favourite café, the air is filled with the rich scent of freshly ground coffee beans. You look at the menu, your eyes falling on the phrase, "Flat White."
If you are from New Zealand you will know that this is our go to coffee. If you are not familiar with this style of coffee, you might be asking 'What is a Flat White?'
A flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink that originated in Australia or New Zealand. It’s prepared with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, but what sets it apart is the texture of the milk. The milk for a flat white is microfoamed, meaning that it is velvety and silky smooth in texture; tiny, fine bubbles give it a creamy texture. With less milk and no thick layer of foam, a flat white is more coffee-based than a latte, rich and smooth in texture. It’s the balance between espresso and creamy milk!
The silky smoothness and perfect ratio of coffee to milk has made this drink a national favourite in New Zealand and beyond. If you’re curious about how to recreate that café experience at home, read on!
I'll take you through how to make the perfect flat white at home! Not only will you be able to surprise your friends and family with your barista skills, but you will find the pleasure of making a drink that’s both delicious and strong.
What Is a Flat White, And What Are the Basics of This Beverage?
So let’s start with the basics, what sets a flat white apart from a coffee drink?
1. Espresso: The basis of a flat white is a rich shot or two of espresso, which is the espresso base.
2. Microfoam: This is where the magic happens! Steam your milk so its creamy, smooth texture is not jam-packed with volume like a cappuccino.
3. Balance: An ideal flat white achieves the balance between coffee and milk, so that the espresso is rich enough to come through.
I gravitated towards a flat white after drinking lattes for a long time. I got to the point where I needed stronger coffee and a flat white was the answer.
How to Make a Flat White: A Step-By-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- Whole, fresh-ground coffee beans (ideally espresso roast)
- Steamed milk (whole milk is used for that creaminess) plant-based milks are good too, I use oat milk
Equipment:
- Espresso maker or higher-end stovetop espresso maker
- Milk frother or steam wand
- Coffee grinder
Instructions:
1. Brew Your Espresso: First, grind your coffee beans until they achieve the consistency of flour. Make a double shot of espresso in your espresso or stovetop maker.
2. Steam Your Milk: As your espresso brews, heat your milk. If you’re using a steam wand, then shoot for around 65°C (160°F). As you begin to steam, introduce air to mix in with the milk and create microfoam — a silky, glossy layer that will float on top of your cup of coffee.
Avoid big bubbles in your milk. After steaming your milk bang the jug on the counter to eliminate the bubbles. Swirl the milk around the jug a few times (use a circular motion).
3. Milk Pour: After preparing the milk, pour it onto the espresso. It’s helpful to keep pouring slowly from a distance, then bring the pitcher closer to the cup as you finish for that stunning latte art on the surface.
4. Tweak Before Measuring: As with all good recipes, adjust the ratios to your liking. Want more coffee flavor? Consider less milk. Need more creaminess? Add a touch more milk!
Wrapping It Up
Of course, making the perfect flat white isn't simply about ingredients, it's very much about your preparation and your own touch. For a relatively simple way to achieve café-quality coffee from the comfort of your own home, a Chemex or pour-over should also do the job. Note that practice leads to perfection!
Have you made a flat white at home? What was the experience like for you? We want to hear your stories in the comments!
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