You probably drink flat white coffee at your favorite coffee shop or at home, but do you know what it is and its origins? A flat white is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk that is somehow similar to a latte or cappuccino but with some notable differences. It is known for its creamy mouthfeel created by the steaming milk poured over the espresso, which creates a balance between the rich espresso and smooth milk, which gives the flat white its strong coffee flavor, with a creamy finish.
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The origins of the flat white are still debated between Australia and New Zealand, with both countries claiming to have invented it in the 1980s.
One of the most told stories attributes the flat white to Sydney, Australia, in 1985. Alan Preston, a barista from Queensland, says he introduced the term “flat white” when he opened a café called Moors Espresso Bar in Sydney. He claims the name was inspired by the way Australians had been ordering their coffee for years, preferring less frothy milk than a cappuccino.
New Zealand, on the other hand, argues that the flat white was first created in Wellington in 1989 by barista Fraser McInnes. According to McInnes, he was trying to make a cappuccino, but the milk didn’t froth correctly, resulting in a “flat” coffee with a smooth texture, and because customers loved it, the flat white was born.
The flat white was, and is still, very popular in Australia and New Zealand, and made its way into US coffee shops in the 2010s. Starbucks, the well-known US coffee shop brand, added it to the menu in 2015 and this way brought the flat white to the world. You can order a flat white at Starbucks from any of their Canada locations.
How is a Flat White different from other Coffees?
Flat White vs. Latte: A latte typically has more milk and a thicker layer of foam, making it milkier and less intense in coffee flavor. A flat white, on the other hand, has less milk and a finer milk foam, which makes the espresso flavor more pronounced.
Flat White vs. Cappuccino: A cappuccino has more froth and is often dusted with cocoa powder. It has a stronger milk-foam contrast, whereas a flat white is smoother and more integrated.
Flat White vs. Cortado: A cortado is another strong coffee-milk drink, but it has equal parts espresso and steamed milk, making it smaller in volume than a flat white.
How to Prepare a Flat White at Home
Pour an espresso shot into a small cup, then steam the milk until it has a fine foam and no large bubbles, just a silky texture.
Pour the milk over the espresso, maintaining a smooth, even distribution. Baristas often use latte art techniques to create patterns on top.
At home, you can also make a flat white on your espresso machine, if it has the option; if not, you can always buy a new one that has this option, of course, if you like to drink flat white often.
Today, the flat white is an appreciated choice for coffee lovers who want something stronger than a latte but smoother than a cappuccino and a true staple in specialty coffee shops.