Flat White Coffee: Preparation And Differences to Cappuccino, Milk Coffee And Co

Cappuccino was yesterday, today there is flat white coffee! The trendy drink is conquering cafés and coffee shops. You can find out where it comes from, what’s in it, how to prepare it, and much more here.

What is a flat white coffee?

The meaning of the name “flat white coffee” lies in the look: the “flat white coffee” is covered with a layer of milk froth that is flush with the rim of the cup. But that’s not the only difference between flat white, cappuccino, milk coffee and café latte: the consistency of the milk froth and the type and amount of coffee also play a role. The recipe for the Flat White coffee includes a double espresso or ristretto, allowing for more coffee flavor than a cappuccino made with a single espresso. The milk froth layer of the trend drink, also known as flat white espresso, has finer pores and is not as dense as in a cappuccino.

How to prepare a Flat White Coffee

It is best to use freshly ground, high-quality espresso beans and brew directly into a preheated 180 ml cup with the portafilter machine or the fully automatic coffee machine. Prepare milk froth from 150 ml of preheated whole milk. The best way to do this is with the machine’s steam wand, but you can also use a milk frother. Make sure the foam isn’t too thick, it should be slightly runny and creamy. Then fill it up to the rim of the cup, the layer is ideally only 5 mm thick. Experts use an artistic pouring technique (latte art) so that pretty patterns such as hearts or tulips are created on the surface.

Vary and increase enjoyment

Try your Café Flat White with Ristretto, an espresso brewed with less water and a finer grind. Or use a little more milk froth and go more in the direction of milk coffee. This does not correspond to the original recipe, but provides variety in the cup. Plant drinks such as soy milk can also bring new taste experiences. And of course the coffee break can be sweetened with a small snack. Chocolate, biscuits, cakes, nuts, dried fruit: just enjoy the variety. If you want to bake yourself, you can get inspiration from our cookie recipes.