A flat white is a coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso (approx. 60 ml) and steamed milk with silky microfoam, served in a small cup of 150 to 180 ml. Originating in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s, it is distinguished by a higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a latte and finer foam than a cappuccino, resulting in a more intense flavor and velvety texture.
In this comprehensive guide, you will understand exactly what a flat white is, how it differs from a latte and a cappuccino, what its defining characteristics are, and how to prepare it at home with single-origin Colombian specialty coffee.
Want to prepare the best flat white at home? You need quality espresso, and that starts with the bean. Explore our specialty whole bean coffee, roasted to order in Antioquia, ideal for espresso.
Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: Key Differences
The most frequent question about the flat white is how it differs from a latte and a cappuccino. All three drinks use espresso and milk, but the proportions and milk texture completely change the result.
| Characteristic | Flat White | Latte | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Double (60 ml) | Single or double | Single (30 ml) |
| Steamed Milk | 120-130 ml | 200-240 ml | 60 ml |
| Foam | Fine microfoam (5 mm) | Light layer (1 cm) | Dense foam (2-3 cm) |
| Cup Size | 150-180 ml | 240-300 ml | 150-180 ml |
| Coffee Flavor | Intense, present | Mild, diluted | Balanced |
| Texture | Velvety, creamy | Light and milky | Foamy and airy |
| Latte Art | Excellent (microfoam) | Good | Limited |
The essential difference between a latte and a flat white is the coffee-to-milk ratio and the type of foam. A latte has more milk and a light layer of foam, which dilutes the espresso flavor. A flat white uses less milk and fine microfoam (not airy foam), which maintains the coffee's intensity with a silky texture.
Compared to a cappuccino, a flat white uses the same cup size but changes the proportion: more liquid milk with microfoam, instead of dense foam that fills a third of the cup.
Definition and Characteristics of a Flat White
A flat white is defined by four non-negotiable characteristics. If any are missing, it's not a flat white—it's another drink.
- Double espresso base. Two shots (around 60 ml) of fresh, undiluted espresso. This is the base that defines the intensity of the drink.
- Microfoam, not airy foam. The milk is steamed to create microfoam: bubbles so small it looks like paint. Not the dry, voluminous foam of a cappuccino.
- Balanced coffee-to-milk ratio. Approximately 1:2 (60 ml of espresso + 120 ml of milk with microfoam). The coffee should be the protagonist, not the milk.
- Served in a small cup. Between 150 and 180 ml. The smaller size concentrates the flavor and allows you to enjoy the texture without it getting cold.
Sensory Characteristics
- Flavor: Intense, with the espresso clearly present. The coffee notes (cocoa, caramel, fruit depending on origin) are perceived in every sip.
- Texture: Velvety and creamy. The microfoam feels silky on the tongue, without the sensation of "chewing" the foam.
- Temperature: 60-65°C, lower than a latte (because the milk is not overheated to preserve the flavor).
- Presentation: Precise latte art. Microfoam allows for more defined designs than any other milk-based coffee drink.
How to Make a Flat White at Home
Preparing a perfect flat white requires quality espresso and precise microfoam technique. These are the essential steps.
1. Start with good specialty coffee
The base of every flat white is espresso, and an espresso is only as good as the bean. For a milk-based drink, we recommend a coffee with body and natural sweetness that stands out through the milk. Natural and honey processes work especially well.
👉 Our recommendation: Natural Specialty Coffee, with notes of red fruits and chocolate that shine when combined with steamed milk.
2. Grind on demand (very fine grind)
Espresso requires a very fine grind, almost like talc. If you have a grinder at home, grind just before preparing to preserve the aromatic oils. If you don't have a grinder, order your coffee pre-ground by selecting the "espresso" or "fine" option at checkout.
3. Extract the double espresso
Double shot, 18-20 g of ground coffee, 36-40 g of espresso extracted in 25-30 seconds. If your machine allows adjustment, aim for a balanced extraction with body but no bitterness.
4. Steam the milk with microfoam
Use very cold whole milk. Place the wand just below the surface to incorporate air for the first 2-3 seconds, then submerge it further to create a swirl and break up the bubbles. Heat to 60-65°C. The final texture should look like shiny white paint.
5. Pour with technique
Pour the milk from a height (10 cm above the cup) until the cup is half full, then bring the pitcher closer to create the latte art. The microfoam stays until the end of the pour.
Origin and History of the Flat White
The origins of the flat white remain a subject of debate between Australia and New Zealand. The earliest records date back to the 1980s, with a 1983 review at Miller's Treat cafe in Sydney suggesting that Australia might have primacy. New Zealanders argue that it was first popularized on their shores. Today, both countries claim its creation.
The flat white expanded to the United Kingdom in the mid-2000s and to the United States when Starbucks incorporated it into its menu in 2015. This massive popularization coincided with the global growth of specialty coffee, consolidating it as the favorite drink for those seeking coffee intensity without sacrificing the smoothness of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flat White
What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?
A flat white uses less milk (120 ml vs 200-240 ml for a latte) and fine microfoam instead of airy foam. The result is a drink with a more intense coffee flavor and a more velvety texture. A latte is milder, larger, and milkier.
How much caffeine does a flat white have?
A flat white has approximately 130 mg of caffeine (from the double shot of espresso). This is similar to a double latte and more than a single cappuccino. The amount of milk does not affect the caffeine, only the dilution of the flavor.
Can I make a flat white without an espresso machine?
Yes, though the result will vary. You can use an Italian moka pot for a concentrated base similar to espresso, and steam the milk with a manual frother or frothing wand. It won't be identical to one made with a machine, but it will get you very close to the flat white profile.
Which coffee is best for a flat white?
A specialty coffee with body, natural sweetness, and notes that stand out through the milk. Natural (red fruits, wild strawberry, chocolate) and honey (honey, peach, spices) processes work especially well. Make sure to use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before preparing.
Which milk is best for a flat white?
Whole milk is the classic choice because its fat content allows for stable and creamy microfoam. Oat milk is the best plant-based alternative: similar texture and a natural sweetness that complements the espresso. Almond and soy milk also work but with more variable results.
Does a flat white contain sugar?
Traditionally, no. A good flat white is enjoyed without sugar to appreciate the natural sweetness of the coffee and steamed milk (which becomes naturally sweeter with heat). If you need to sweeten it, a small amount is sufficient.
Prepare your Flat White with Specialty Coffee
The perfect flat white starts with perfect coffee. At Green Hills Coffee, we roast our specialty coffee from Hacienda Las Mercedes (Ciudad Bolívar, Antioquia, 1,800 m.a.s.l.) in small batches and ship it the next business day throughout Colombia.
- Natural Coffee — red fruits, wild strawberry, chocolate. Our recommendation for flat white due to its body and fruity sweetness. From $42,000 COP.
- Honey Coffee — honey, peach, spices. Excellent for latte art with sweet notes. From $36,750 COP.
- Tradition Coffee (Washed) — chocolate, caramel, tangerine. The balanced classic, ideal if you drink several flat whites a day. From $31,500 COP.
Don't have a grinder at home? Be sure to select fine grind when placing your order in our ground coffee collection. Prefer to grind on demand? Check out our whole bean coffee.
