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Flat White Recipe: How To Make The Perfect Flat White At Home

Updated: Oct 3, 2023

Coffee, in all its versatility, never ceases to amaze us. From exclusive varieties of beans to a wide assortment of flavor profiles, there's little left to the imagination regarding coffee recipes. Just when you thought it couldn't surprise you anymore, there came the flat white recipe.


Coffee lovers worldwide are constantly seeking new and exciting coffee experiences. If you're one of them, you've likely heard of a popular brew called the Flat White Espresso.


This delightful coffee creation has been captivating taste buds for decades. In this recipe blog, we'll take you on a journey through the history of Flat White and provide you with a step-by-step recipe for flat White in the comfort of your home.


What is Flat White?


Flat White Coffee Recipe

A flat white coffee drink is an espresso-based coffee crafted by combining a shot of espresso with steamed milk featuring a velvety microfoam. This microfoam, achieved by gently infusing air into steamed milk, creates uniquely textured milk with barely visible tiny air bubbles. To prepare a flat white, we pour creamy steamed milk over a single or double shot of espresso, with the ideal ratio being about 1/3 espresso to 2/3 milk. It's a compact coffee, usually around 5-6 ounces in total volume, and can be served in a ceramic coffee cup or a heat-proof glass cup. The flat White's charm lies in assimilating rich espresso and perfectly steamed milk's creamy, silky sweetness.


Unveiling the Origins


The Flat White has strong ties to both Australia and New Zealand, often sparking friendly about its true origins. Despite the squabble, one thing remains certain: A perfect flat White is a delightful espresso-based coffee drink that has gained much popularity. Let's delve into a bit of history:


Australia: Some sources trace the origins of the Flat White to Sydney, Australia, in the 1980s. Here, it was believed to have emerged in response to customers wanting a coffee with the rich flavor of a cappuccino but without the excessive foam. The result was a drink made with velvety steamed milk and a shot of espresso—a Flat White.


New Zealand: Kiwis argue that the flat white coffee recipe began in their homeland, specifically in Wellington, in the 1980s. New Zealand's take on the Flat White recipe involves pouring steamed milk over a shot of espresso, creating a smoother and creamier coffee experience.


Crafting the perfect Flat White at home


Now that you know its history, let's teach you how to make Flat White at home. You'll need a few essentials:


Ingredients:

  • Freshly brewed espresso (about 1-2 shots)

  • Whole milk

  • A small stainless steel milk jug

  • A thermometer

  • A steam wand or frother

  • A sturdy espresso cup


Step 1: Brew the Espresso


Begin by brewing one or two shots of espresso using your espresso machine/ Aero Press/French Press/Moka Pot. You must ensure the coffee is strong and rich in flavor, as it's the base of your Flat White.


Step 2: Froth the Milk


Pour cold, fresh whole milk into a small stainless steel milk jug. Using a steam wand or frother, heat and froth the milk until it reaches around 150°F (65-70°C). The goal is to achieve a silky microfoam with small, velvety bubbles. Keep the milk jug at an angle while frothing to incorporate air and create a creamy texture.


Step 3: Pour


With your perfectly brewed espresso and frothed milk ready, it's time to create your Flat White. Start by pouring the espresso into a sturdy espresso cup. Then, gently pour the frothed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon to let the milk flow smoothly. Aim for a 1/3 espresso to 2/3 milk ratio.


Step 4: Savor Your recipe for flat white


Now, your homemade Flat White is ready to be savored. Enjoy the balance of rich espresso and creamy milk as they come together to create a silky-smooth coffee experience.


Conclusion


Whether you align with the Australian or New Zealand version, the Flat White is undoubtedly a coffee classic that has earned its place in the hearts of coffee aficionados around the world. Armed with the recipe flat White, how to make it at home, you can now enjoy the velvety goodness of a Flat White from the comfort of your own kitchen. So, go ahead, brew your perfect Flat White with our specialty coffee from Guatemala and Yemen and make the most of our perfect flat white recipe at home.


Source:

More recipes This is another post in our Coffee & Bakery Recipes: how to make all your favourite coffee drinks and bakery recipes at home!

  • Espresso - Bold and intense, the essence of coffee in every sip.

  • Cappuccino - A creamy embrace of espresso and frothy milk, perfection in a cup.

  • Mocha - Rich and chocolatey, a divine indulgence crowned with fluffy milk foam.

  • Latte - Silky smoothness meets espresso's charm in this comforting classic.

  • Black Coffee - Coffee in its purest form, bold and unapologetic.

  • Macchiato - Imagine a perfect fusion of espresso, foam, & deliciousness, all in one cup.

  • Croissants - Golden layers of buttery perfection that whispers flaky indulgence with every bite.

  • Sabaya - A flaky symphony of Yemeni heritage, with layers sweetened with honey and sprinkled with Nigella Seeds

 

About The Author: Alvaro Rosales Merida


Alvaro Rosales Merida - Coffee Expert

From Law to Lattes, his childhood passion drove Alvaro, a former law student tethered to a desk for years, to embark on a journey of flavor and purpose. Hailing from Guatemala City, he co-founded his Bistro Bar in 2013. Amidst the hustle of kitchen clinks and table talks, Alvaro's love affair with coffee deepened. He learned from baristas, friends, and local producers. In 2020, Alvaro opened a bakery in his hometown combining his two loves: coffee and community. A bold move to the dream city NYC in 2020 with his specialty coffee project, he champions the cause of transparency, fair trade, and support for his country's small coffee producers.

 


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