“A flat white, please” – This coffee order can now be heard in many hip cafés and coffee shops. But what is a flat white and how does it differ from a cappuccino? Here you will find everything you need to know about the popular type of coffee from Australia, including preparation tips and recommendations.
Flat White: difference to cappuccino
In many ways, the flat white is similar to a cappuccino. The ingredients and cup size for flat white coffee are the same as for cappuccino, but the type of preparation differs between the two coffee drinks. As a rule, the cappuccino consists of a simple espresso and hot milk – a liquid part and a part of solid milk froth, which often protrudes slightly over the rim of the cup. The flat white, on the other hand, is often prepared with a ristretto – i.e. a stronger espresso variant. However, many still prefer their “flat whites” with a double espresso instead of a ristretto. Compared to a cappuccino, you get significantly more coffee with a flat white. The preparation differs from barista to barista.
Another difference between the two types of coffee is the milk froth. While this is relatively firm in a cappuccino, it is much more liquid and fine-pored in flat white coffee. In addition, the milk froth layer is significantly thinner than in a classic cappuccino. This makes the milk foam ideal for latte art, small works of art that the baristas conjure up in the milk foam.
Incidentally, the flat white coffee also got its name from the fine-pored milk froth: Since this is much more liquid than that of a cappuccino, it closes with the cup and cannot protrude over the rim of the cup.
Where does the Flat White come from?
At the end of World War II, the coffee culture of the Italians and the tea culture of the English merged as many of them emigrated to Australia in hopes of a new chapter in life. New coffee drinks quickly emerged, such as today’s flat white coffee. The term flat white first appeared in Australia in the 1980s and quickly spread around the world. Flat white coffee had its breakthrough in 2010 when it made it onto the menu of the famous coffee chain Starbucks.
Flat White – Recipe
For a flat white coffee you need:
- two espressos
- about 100 ml fine-pored milk froth
- milk can
- espresso machine
- milk frother
Flat White
First, brew two espressos with your fully automatic coffee machine. Then froth the milk until it is about 60-65 °C warm and pour it into the coffee. Swirl the jug carefully so that the milk and froth do not separate. The foam should be about 5 mm thick. A spoon for stirring is not necessary. However, there are many different Flat White recipes. In some, milk froth is completely undesirable.
Whether espresso or ristretto: the Flat White recipes vary according to personal taste. So it’s entirely up to you which variant you prefer!
