A good cup of coffee, whether it´s “just” a regular coffee, iced coffee, or a cold brew, can take some stress away & give us a moment to enjoy something. Flat white coffee is a popular option that melts in our mouths! Find here a recipe to make THE perfect flat white at home, plus which equipment & ingredients will bring your barista game to the next level!
Flat White Definition
Before we delve into the recipe for making the perfect flat white yourself, let´s first find out what the main characteristics of this type of beverage are. The flat white originated in Australia or New Zealand (there’s a bit of a friendly rivalry over its origins).
It’s made by pouring steamed milk from the bottom of a jug over a shot of espresso. The key characteristic of a flat white is the microfoam: A velvety and fine milk foam that is not too thick or frothy. This results in a coffee with a strong espresso flavor, highlighted by a creamy texture. The ratio of coffee to milk is typically higher in a flat white than in a latte or cappuccino, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a richer coffee flavor with a smooth texture.
Flat White Recipe
Making a flat white coffee at home can be really fun & you can alternate it to your taste. Here is a step-by-step recipe to help you achieve a café-quality flat white:
Flat White Ingredients
- Freshly ground espresso coffee (about 18-20 grams for a double shot) is best. You can find espresso coffees here.
- Fresh, cold vegan milk (preferably a vegan barista milk alternative for the best foam)
Equipment
To make THE perfect flat white, you need some special equipment:
- Espresso machine with a steam wand
- Coffee grinder (if starting with whole beans)
- Milk jug (pitcher)
- Coffee cup (typically a 160-200 ml cup)
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Espresso
Grind the Coffee
Grind your coffee to a fine espresso grind. Aim for a texture somewhat finer than table salt.
Dose and Tamp
Pour the ground coffee into the portafilter of your espresso machine. Aim for 18-20 grams for a double shot. Use a tamper to press the coffee down evenly, applying firm pressure to create a smooth, flat surface.
Brew the Espresso
Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine and start the brew. Aim for about 25-30 seconds of extraction time, yielding about 60 ml (2 ounces) of espresso.
Step 2: Steam the Milk
Prepare the Vegan Milk
Pour cold vegan milk into the milk jug, filling it just below halfway. Vegan barista milk is recommended for the best texture.
Purge the Steam Wand
Before steaming, briefly turn on the steam wand to blast any residual water.
Steam the Vegan Milk
Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and start steaming. Keep the wand near the side of the jug to create a swirling motion, which helps develop smooth, even microfoam. The milk should expand and heat without creating large bubbles. Aim for milk that’s hot to the touch but not scalding (around 65°C or 150°F).
Finish Steaming
As the foam forms and the milk heats, lower the jug slightly to incorporate the foam with the milk. Stop steaming when you have achieved a silky and shiny texture.
Find here a HUGE array of vegan barista milk alternatives that are insanely creamy!
Step 3: Pour the Milk
Swirl the Milk
Swirl the milk jug a bit to mix the foam with the milk evenly.
Pour the Milk
Begin pouring the milk into the center of the espresso from a low height to integrate rather than float on top. As the cup fills, you can raise the jug slightly to allow the foam to come out more freely. Aim to pour so the milk integrates with the espresso, creating a smooth, velvety consistency rather than a thick layer of foam on top.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the flat white immediately after preparation to enjoy its full flavor and ideal temperature.
Flat White Tips
Coffee Quality: Use high-quality, fresh coffee beans for the best taste.
Milk Temperature: Be careful not to overheat the vegan milk, which can affect the flavor and texture.
Practice Your Pour: The pouring technique is crucial for the perfect flat white. Practice to get the right speed and movement.
With these steps, you can enjoy a beautifully crafted flat white coffee at home, bringing a touch of café culture into your kitchen.
What´s the difference to a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a classic, fluffy coffee treat. It’s equal parts espresso, creamy milk, and a frothy top, often sprinkled with a dash of cocoa or cinnamon. Conversely, the flat white is smoother: a double espresso mellowed with just enough steamed milk and a little bit of microfoam, served sleek and simple to let the coffee shine.
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