Flat White

A small, strong milk drink finished with silky microfoam.

• Ratio: ≈1 part espresso : 3 parts milk
• Method: Espresso machine + steam wand
• Brew time: 5 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

Amounts for 1 serving.

• Espresso: 36 g
• Steamed Milk: 120 ml

Instructions

1. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 36 g), ideally slightly ristretto for intensity.
2. Steam the milk to a glossy microfoam with only a very thin foam layer — flatter than a latte.
3. Swirl the pitcher until the milk looks like wet paint.
4. Pour the milk in steadily from a low height, letting the microfoam blend through the espresso.
5. Finish with just a few millimeters of foam on top.

Small, strong, and silky

The flat white is a smaller, stronger milk drink than a latte — less milk, more espresso character, and a thin layer of velvety microfoam rather than a foamy cap. The key is well-textured milk with tiny bubbles folded right through it. Because there is less milk to hide behind, a flat white is a great way to taste the quality of your espresso.