The flat white is a popular coffee drink that combines the strong flavor of espresso with the smooth texture of steamed milk. Originating in Australia and New Zealand, it’s similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk and a velvety texture. If you’re a fan of espresso-based drinks but prefer something a little less frothy than a cappuccino, a flat white is the perfect choice. Here’s how you can make the perfect flat white at home.
1. Choose the Right Coffee Beans
The base of a flat white is espresso, so it’s important to start with the right coffee beans. To achieve a balanced flat white, opt for an espresso blend or medium to dark roasted coffee beans.
What to look for:
- Espresso blends are specifically designed for espresso, giving you the rich, full-bodied flavor needed for a flat white.
- Medium to dark roasts will provide a bold flavor that stands up to the milk, ensuring the coffee is not drowned out by the creaminess of the milk.
Tip: Grind your beans fresh just before brewing to preserve their flavors and aroma. A burr grinder will give you the most consistent grind.
2. Brew the Espresso
To make a flat white, you’ll need to brew a strong shot of espresso. A flat white typically has one or two shots of espresso, depending on your preference for coffee strength.
How to brew the espresso:
- Preheat your espresso machine: Run water through the portafilter to ensure your machine is hot and ready to brew.
- Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, similar to table salt.
- Tamp the coffee grounds evenly and firmly into the portafilter.
- Brew the espresso: Lock the portafilter into the machine and brew your shot. It should take around 25–30 seconds to pull a perfect shot of espresso.
Why it matters:
- A well-pulled shot of espresso is essential for a balanced flat white. It should have a rich, smooth flavor and a layer of crema on top.
Tip: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot or AeroPress for a concentrated coffee that will mimic the strength of espresso.
3. Steam the Milk
One of the defining features of a flat white is its velvety steamed milk. The milk should be steamed to about 150°F (65°C), which is warmer than a latte but not as hot as the milk used for a cappuccino. The goal is to create a creamy texture with microfoam, rather than large, frothy bubbles.
How to steam the milk:
- Pour milk into a frothing pitcher: Use about 5–6 ounces of milk for a single flat white.
- Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to steam the milk. Submerge the wand just below the surface of the milk to introduce air, and then move the pitcher down to create a whirlpool effect as the milk heats up.
- Froth the milk until you achieve a smooth, velvety texture with tiny bubbles.
Why it matters:
- The microfoam texture is crucial for a flat white, as it allows the milk to blend seamlessly with the espresso, creating a smooth and creamy cup.
Tip: If you don’t have a steam wand, you can use a handheld frother or heat the milk in the microwave and then froth it using a French press.
4. Assemble the Flat White
To assemble your flat white, pour the freshly brewed espresso into a cup. A flat white is traditionally served in a 5 to 6-ounce cup, which is smaller than the typical latte cup to maintain the higher coffee-to-milk ratio.
How to assemble:
- Pour the espresso into your coffee cup.
- Add the steamed milk: Slowly pour the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the milk is poured in, gently spoon a little bit of the microfoam on top.
Why it matters:
- The proper ratio of coffee to milk is key to a perfect flat white. You want a smooth, creamy texture without too much foam.
Tip: The goal is to have the milk mix seamlessly with the espresso, creating a rich, velvety drink without a thick layer of foam.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your flat white is now ready to enjoy! The combination of the bold espresso and the creamy steamed milk should result in a well-balanced, smooth cup with a rich coffee flavor and a silky texture.
Why it matters:
- A well-made flat white should have a strong espresso flavor complemented by the creaminess of the milk. It’s a drink that’s rich but not too heavy.
Tip: If you want to add a bit of sweetness, try drizzling some honey or adding a dash of cinnamon, but a true flat white is best enjoyed without additional flavorings.
Conclusion
Making a flat white at home is simple once you have the right equipment and a good espresso shot. By brewing a strong espresso, steaming the milk to the right texture, and carefully assembling your drink, you can enjoy a café-quality flat white in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a creamy coffee drink, the flat white is a fantastic option that balances the best of both worlds—rich coffee and smooth milk.