The Flat White is a steamed coffee drink originating in Australia and New Zealand that has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. Its spread began in Great Britain and the USA.
Although its exact origin is uncertain, there is a small war between Australia and New Zealand over the appropriation of the drink.
On one hand, Alan Preston, an espresso enthusiast from northern Queensland, Australia, shortened the name of the drink from White Flat Coffee to what we now know as FLAT WHITE in 1985. And he was the first to include it under this name on his menu.
On the other hand, in New Zealand a barista named Fraser McInnes claims that in a failed attempt to make a creamy cappuccino he only managed to get a thin microfoam of milk and when serving it to the customer he said: FLAT = flat and WHITE = white.
How do you prepare a Flat White?
A Flat White is prepared with a double espresso and enough steamed milk to fill a cup (150-180 ml). It's a drink of intermediate size between a cortado and a latte, with a thin layer (less than 0.5 cm) of silky, shiny milk microfoam at a temperature no higher than 65ºC.
A crucial element in the final result is the espresso base, as it significantly impacts the drink's appearance. Steamed milk is added to the double espresso to create a thin layer of crema on the surface. Steamed milk in a Flat White allows for more intricate latte art designs.
What is the difference between a Flat White and a Café Latte?
The main differences between a Flat White and a Caffè Latte are the coffee flavor intensity and the amount of milk used in each drink. While a Flat White uses a double espresso and a smaller amount of steamed milk, a Caffè Latte uses a larger quantity of milk with a single espresso, resulting in a creamier, milkier beverage.
Furthermore, the amount of steamed milk varies depending on the drink. For a Flat White, the steamed milk should have a maximum thickness of 0.5 cm to achieve a smooth and creamy texture; while for a Café Latte, the milk is steamed to a thickness of 1 cm.
Why has the Flat White become so popular?
The Flat White has become very popular worldwide due to its smooth, creamy flavor and the way it's prepared. Previously, cappuccinos were made with a thick layer of milk foam that even overflowed the cup. By steaming with less foam, this coffee remains flat, and the coffee flavor is more pronounced, which is appealing to coffee lovers.
Furthermore, the fact that the Flat White originated in Australia and New Zealand has made it a drink associated with the coffee culture in these countries, which has led to its worldwide popularity.
Conclusion
The Flat White is a milk-based coffee drink originating in Australia and New Zealand that has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. It's made with a double espresso and less steamed milk than a Caffè Latte, resulting in a smooth and creamy taste. The Flat White's popularity stems from its distinctive flavor and the coffee culture associated with its origins.
