WHAT IS A FLAT WHITE?
A flat white offers a luxurious blend of bold espresso and silky steamed milk, topped with a delicate layer of microfoam. Read on to discover how this brew compares to other espresso drinks, learn how to use an espresso machine to make a flat white at home and explore tips to help you master this barista favorite.
THE ORIGINS OF THE FLAT WHITE
The flat white's origins sparks a debate between Australia and New Zealand. Aussie barista Alan Preston claims he first coined the term in the 1980s after noticing customers ordering a "white coffee—flat," an espresso served with steamed milk.
Meanwhile, New Zealander Fraser McInnes says it was a happy accident when he served a cappuccino with milk that wouldn’t foam, calling it a “flat white.” Regardless of who invented it, the creamy espresso-based drink has since gained global popularity.
HOW DOES A FLAT WHITE COMPARE TO OTHER ESPRESSO DRINKS?
Built on a ristretto (concentrated) espresso shot, a flat white is blended with just enough steamed milk to create a velvety, creamy texture. Unlike the thicker foam of a cappuccino or latte, a delicate layer of microfoam (milk frothed with small bubbles for a fine texture) crowns a flat white, offering a smoother mouthfeel than more frothy espresso drinks. Flat whites are smaller than lattes but still larger and milkier than cortados or macchiatos, striking a balance between rich espresso and sweetened milk.
FLAT WHITE VS. LATTE
Flat whites and lattes are both espresso-based drinks with steamed milk, but their key differences revolve around the quantity and preparation of the milk. A flat white has a 1:2 espresso-to-milk ratio, with a thin, smooth layer of microfoam that gives it a rich and creamy texture with a strong coffee flavor profile. In contrast, a latte leans on a 1:5 ratio, with more milk and a slightly thicker foam, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor.
FLAT WHITE VS. CAPPUCCINO
In the flat white, a silky blend of ristretto (concentrated) espresso and steamed milk creates a strong coffee flavor, with a 1:2 espresso-to-milk ratio and a delicate layer of microfoam on top. In contrast, the cappuccino is all about distinct layers—espresso, steamed milk and a crown of rich, foamed milk. With an espresso-to-milk ratio of 2:3, a cappuccino’s smooth and balanced flavor shines through, enhanced by the texture of the foam.
FLAT WHITE VS. CORTADO
A cortado, like a flat white, blends espresso and steamed milk but uses less milk. It’s typically 4-5 ounces, smaller than a flat white’s 5-6 ounces, and doesn’t have foam. While the flat white has a 1:2 espresso-to-milk ratio for a creamier texture, the cortado uses equal parts, giving it a balanced, subtly sweet taste that still highlights the bold espresso.
FLAT WHITE VS. MACCHIATO
Macchiatos stand out from flat whites with their smaller size and minimal milk. While a flat white has 5-6 ounces of espresso and steamed milk, a macchiato has about 3 ounces, with a 2:1 espresso-to-milk ratio. This gives macchiatos an intense coffee flavor, while flat whites have a smoother, creamier texture and thin layer of microfoam.
HOW TO MAKE A FLAT WHITE
Mastering the flat white takes practice, but learning the basics is simple. All you need are a few tools and four easy steps. See the steps below to learn how to grind coffee beans, pull ristretto espresso, steam the milk and bring it all together for a luxurious flat white.
YIELDS
1 serving
INGREDIENTS
Whole milk
Roasted coffee beans
TOOLS
Espresso machine, like the KitchenAid® Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine or Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Coffee grinder, like the KitchenAid® Burr Coffee Grinder
Steaming pitcher
TIME
12 minutes
1. GRIND COFFEE BEANS
For a rich, smooth taste, try using a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. Finely grind 14-20 grams using a burr grinder to create more uniform grounds.
2. PULL ESPRESSO SHOTS
Fill the portafilter of your espresso machine with fresh grounds and pack them down. Lock the portafilter into place and start the brewing process. Be sure to select the settings for a double shot of espresso. Let it run for 15 seconds—about half the time of a regular shot. Then stop the cycle to create a rich, concentrated brew.
3. STEAM MILK
Start by pouring about 4-5 ounces of milk into your frothing pitcher. Place the steam wand just under the surface of the milk for a few seconds to create a bit of foam, then lower it further. Keep steaming until the milk reaches around 150°F or feels warm to the touch on the outside of the pitcher.
4. COMBINE ESPRESSO AND MILK
With your steamed milk ready, tilt your cappuccino cup of espresso at a 45-degree angle. Hold the milk pitcher a few inches above the cup, then slowly pour the milk into the deepest part of the espresso. This gives the milk and espresso time to blend smoothly.
TIPS FOR MASTERING THE ART OF THE FLAT WHITE
Warm up your cappuccino cup ahead of time by filling it with hot water, then dump the water when you’re ready to pour espresso into the cup.
Give the frothing pitcher a light tap on the counter to settle the milk, then swirl it around until the foam looks smooth before pouring it into the espresso. This helps get rid of larger air bubbles to create a silky texture.
As you froth the milk, gently use a spoon to push the microbubbles down to the bottom of the pitcher for an even creamier flat white.
If you're in need of a dairy-free alternative, consider using oat milk. Its fat content makes it ideal for forming microfoam, and it's relatively easy to steam.
EXPLORE THE ESPRESSO MACHINE COLLECTION FROM KITCHENAID BRAND
With KitchenAid® Espresso Machines, you can seamlessly put your own spin on flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos and more. Select models feature Automatic Smart Dosing Technology, giving you the ideal volume and consistency for every drink selection. Plus, some machines let you save your custom recipes based on strength, length and temperature for premium handcrafted, quality espresso made to fit your taste.
