What Is a Flat White Coffee?
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A flat white coffee is a creamy, velvety espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and a double espresso shot. Originating from Australia and New Zealand, this popular café favorite offers a smooth texture and a balanced milk-to-coffee ratio that highlights the espresso’s natural flavor.
What Is a Flat White Coffee Drink?
A flat white is made using double shots of espresso topped with textured milk—not frothy like a cappuccino, and not as milky as a latte. The milk is steamed to create a microfoam, giving it a silky consistency that blends seamlessly with the espresso.
Unlike other milky coffees, the flat white allows the rich coffee flavors to shine through, while the milk adds creaminess without overpowering the brew.
What Is a White Flat Coffee?
Sometimes confused with a latte or white coffee, a flat white specifically refers to the balance of coffee and milk. The “flat” part comes from the smooth, thin layer of foam on top—flat rather than frothy.
A white coffee, by contrast, usually refers to a regular brewed coffee with milk added after brewing, not an espresso-based drink.
How Is a Flat White Made?
Ingredients:
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Freshly ground coffee beans
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Double espresso (about 60ml)
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Steamed milk (with microfoam)
Method:
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Brew a double shot of espresso using your espresso machine.
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Steam milk until it’s smooth, creamy, and slightly glossy – not frothy.
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Gently pour the milk over the espresso, allowing a thin layer of microfoam to rest on top.
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If you're skilled with latte art, now’s your time to show off!
For an excellent espresso base, try African Espresso Coffee for a bold, rich flavor, or Breakfast Blend Coffee for a smoother balance.
Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte
| Drink | Espresso | Milk | Foam | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat White | Double | Textured milk | Thin layer | Smooth & balanced |
| Cappuccino | Single or double | Steamed milk | Thick froth | Strong & foamy |
| Latte | Single or double | More milk | Light foam | Creamy & mild |
The flat white sits right in the middle — stronger than a latte but smoother than a cappuccino.
Coffee Beans for the Perfect Flat White
The best flat whites use medium roast coffee beans for a balance of sweetness and acidity. For an authentic, smooth cup, try:
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Latin American Coffee Beans Blend – balanced and creamy
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Ethiopia Sidamo Coffee – aromatic with subtle fruit notes