What is a Flat White?

A flat white is a coffee beverage served mainly in Australia and New Zealand, which is made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. It’s a popular and widely available coffee choice in Australian and New Zealand cafés, and recently it has become quite popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

Origins of the Flat White

The origin of the flat white coffee is open for debate, but it is believed to have been created in Australia in the 1980s. There is a school of thought that claims the flat white originated in Wellington, New Zealand, in the mid-1980s. According to this, it was originally made by adding hot milk to an espresso based coffer drink before topping it with frothed milk. Other food historians suggest that the flat white was an incidental discovery made when baristas began combining cappuccinos and lattes in the 1990s.

How a Flat White is Made

A flat white is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over steamed milk, and then adding a thin layer of velvety foam on top. The milk has to be steamed correctly for a flat white to be made – it must not be too hot and should be aerated enough that it is not too thick. The espresso shot should be at the correct temperature (between 90-98 degrees Celsius). The milk should not be too foamy, and the texture should be velvety smooth with a glossy sheen on top.

When you order a flat white in a cafe, it should be served in a 6-8 ounce ceramic cup. The beverage should have a consistent texture throughout and should be creamy and smooth. The flat white is best served with no sugar, although you can add a dash of honey or syrup if you wish.

Conclusion

A flat white is a coffee beverage that is popular in Australia and New Zealand and has recently become popular in many other countries around the world. It is made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, with a thin layer of velvety foam on top. A flat white should be served in a ceramic cup and should have a creamy and smooth texture, with no added sugar.