What Is a Flat White?

The Flat White is an espresso-based drink that includes steamed milk. If you are looking for a coffee that tastes strong but includes some milk as well, choosing a flat white coffee wouldn’t be a mistake.

It usually includes double shots of espresso ristretto and four shots of steamed milk. This blend results in a smooth and delicate texture on your coffee. It is customarily served in a ceramic cup, and it is usually characterized by its velvety foam on top. Although it is a great drink, it has gained popularity recently.

Origins of Flat White

Origins of the Flat White drink is a debated topic. While Australia takes the credit for this drink, New Zealand natives say that they are the father of this drink. Yet, according to Australia, Flat White invented by Fraser McInnes in 1989, but New Zealand denies that and says this drink was invented by Derek Townsend in 1984.

It is too hard to find out who is the real inventor of this delicious coffee. However, we can say these two countries invented Flat White around the same time.

Basics of a Perfect Flat White

When making a Flat White, there are some things that you might want to pay attention to. First, it should be served in a small cup, around 160ml. It should be topped with a very thin layer of steamed milk. You need nothing else for topping. When making this thin layer of steamed milk, you should be careful about its thickness, and it also needs to be brownish.

When it comes to the milk of the Flat White, it should have smaller bubbles. There isn’t any rule for selecting milk, therefore you can prepare your flat white with almond milk.

In addition, if you want a cold option, you should definitely try iced Flat White too. These rules apply to it as well.

What is a Blonde Flat White?

The Blonde Flat White is basically a lighter version of Flat White. It is brighter, and you can taste the creamy flavor more in Blonde Flat White. While standard Flat White includes standard ristretto, Blonde Flat White has more layers in it. Moreover, It is really easy to drink because the coffee beans inside it are less roasted.

You can try iced Blonde Flat White too. If you want some unique tasting espresso, you won’t regret drinking it.

Differences Between Flat White and Latte

Although some say Flat White and Latte are the same, there are some differences between them.

While Latte uses standard shots for espresso, Flat White uses ristretto. Besides that, Flat White usually contains double shots of espresso and micro-foam while Latte contains double shots of espresso, micro-foam, and steamed milk. You will taste espresso more in Flat White because it contains less milk than Latte.

Another difference is serving. While Latte is usually served in a glass, Flat White usually served in a ceramic cup. Besides that, Flat White is usually around 160 ml while Latte is 240 ml.

If you want more details, you can check our article about the Differences between Flat White and Latte.

Differences Between Flat White and Cappuccino

Another coffee that is similar to Flat White is Cappuccino. Some people even say they are the same.

While Cappuccino features a thick froth, Flat White contains a thin layer of milk foam. Because of that, when you drink cappuccino, you will taste the milk more. However, the espresso amount remains the same in these drinks.

Another thing that distinguishes them is milk. While both of them include steamed milk, Cappuccino includes frothy foam on top but Flat White includes just micro-foamed milk. And of course, they have different origins as well.

Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino

Differences in Pouring Milk

Flat White	Pour milk into the center of your Flat White in order to create a velvety micro-foam.
Latte	Pour your milk using some pitcher and use a spoon to hold back the froth.
Cappuccino	Add your thick forth before pouring your milk with a pitcher.

Differences in Caffeine Content and Calories

This table is based on a grande sized cup.

	Caffeine Content	Calories
Flat White	195mg	220
Latte	150mg	190
Cappuccino	150mg	120