Taste from Afar: The Original Flat White

Recipes

I just love a flat white. It’s not quite a latte, nor is it a cappuccino, but rather something in between. What it actually is has sparked a lot of debate on Reddit, with the best conclusion being “a latte with little to no foam.”

While a flat white is somewhat de rigueur in any globally-hip coffee shop these days, it was a creation of Australian baristas back in the 1980s. While Melbourne is considered the ‘coffee capital of Australia,’ you can no-doubt get an excellent flat white in every one of Sydney’s many coffee houses.

How to Make a Flat White With an Espresso Machine

Since a flat white is made with velvety microfoam, an espresso machine with a steam wand is the best piece of equipment to have. An espresso machine will allow you to create an authentic, delicious flat white.

1. Pull Your Espresso Shots

Most baristas make flat whites with a double shot of ristretto espresso. A double ristretto shot typically requires about 19g of coffee and 30 seconds of brew time.

2. Steam Your Milk

A flat white is known for having microfoam which gives it that velvety texture. To steam perfectly foamed milk for your flat white, start by submerging the top of the steam wand just under the milk surface (you only need about 4-5 ounces of milk for a flat white). Turn the steam wand on and let it aerate the milk for a few seconds to introduce air into the milk to create foam. After a few seconds have passed, submerge the steam wand further into the milk and continue the steaming process. Keep an eye on the temperature and your hand on the milk steaming pitcher to make sure the milk doesn’t scald.

3. Pour Your Flat White

Pour your flat white once the ristretto espresso is ready and the milk has been steamed. Tilt your cup at a 45-degree angle and hold the steaming pitcher about 5-6 inches above the cup. Pour the steamed milk into the deepest part of the espresso so that the milk blends with the rich espresso. Keep your pour slow and steady so the milk and espresso have time to blend.

Photo and Recipe Source: Methodical Coffee

Syllogi’s ‘Musings’ is a series helping you paint a picture of a destination while traveling from your living room. From relevant books and articles, inspiring movies and tv shows, to songs and even treats and dishes, our goal is to curate a sensory experience that will prepare you for an upcoming trip, reminiscence on adventures past, or simply to envision a place that exists in your bucket list fantasies.